Business

2017 Don Quijote Awards Celebrate 20-Year Milestone, Puerto Rico

Published

8 years ago

December 10, 2017

20th Annual Don Quijote Awards Chair Senator Mel Martinez (c) addresses the audience during the 20th Annual Don Quijote Awards at Epcot Saturday. Photo: Mellissa Thomas/Florida National News.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Epcot’s World Pavilion was packed with a thousand Central Florida business and community leaders Saturday for the 20th Annual Don Quijote Awards, hosted by Prospera and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro-Orlando (HCCMO). Given the historic 20-year milestone and the aftermath of the 2017 hurricane season, this year’s ceremony was more poignant than ever before. Elected officials in attendance included U.S. Congressman Darren Soto, Florida State Representative Bob Cortes, Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Daisy Morales, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla. Univision personality Paul Gamache emceed the ceremony.

A HEART FOR PUERTO RICO

This year’s ceremony paid tribute to the families and survivors of Hurricane Maria, which ravaged Puerto Rico and displaced thousands. HCCMO and Prospera immediately sprang into action, providing assistance and free consulting to displaced entrepreneurs who have migrated to Central Florida from Puerto Rico. Together with the City of Orlando, Prospera hosted a workshop that equipped over 170 Puerto Rico entrepreneurs to rebuild their lost businesses.

The awards ceremony featured dance numbers dedicated to the island nation and, after the meal, Rollins College’s Juan Tomas Martinez and Ana Mercedes Martinez Paris performed moving songs for the country in Spanish as a video tribute played with sweeping views of Puerto Rico’s alluring landscape and harrowing images of Hurricane Maria’s aftermath.

THE AWARD WINNERS

Photo: Mellissa Thomas/Florida National News.

Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less: Hispanic Family Counseling

Hispanic Business of the Year, More Than Five Years: Advanced IT Concepts, Inc.

Professional of the Year: Adalberto Torres, Jr., M.D., Division Chief – Division of Critical Care Medicine, Dept. of Pediatrics at Nemours

Hispanic Community Champion: Ron Piccolo, Ph.D., Chair of UCF’s College of Business Administration

Excellence Award: Adriana Comellas-Macretti

Lifetime Achievement Award: Yolanda Londoño, VP, Global Social Responsibility at Tupperware Brands

In light of twenty years of recognizing Central Florida Hispanic Business leaders, the two common through-lines that resonated Saturday were service—dedication to giving back and helping others who are in need, and the importance of following one’s dreams, which reflects the spirit of the awards’ namesake, Don Quijote of the Village of La Mancha.

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Mellissa Thomas is Florida National News Editor. | news@floridanationalnews.com

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PR Veteran Dina Allende Closes Boutique Agency After 25 Years, Joins United Way Miami

Published

2 weeks ago

March 2, 2026

FNN NEWS

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — After 25 years leading her own boutique public relations firm, veteran communications strategist Dina Allende has announced the closure of Clique PR and her transition to a full-time leadership role with United Way Miami.

Allende now serves as Associate Director of Communications at United Way Miami, joining the organization as it continues its century-long mission supporting Miami-Dade County through initiatives focused on education, health and financial stability.

Clique PR was founded in the months following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — a period Allende described as both uncertain and transformative. The firm grew into a respected boutique agency representing clients across arts, entertainment, tourism and international business sectors.

Before launching her agency, Allende built her communications foundation with respected institutions including WPBT, Walt Disney World and Doral Golf Resort & Spa.

Through Clique PR, she represented high-profile events and organizations such as the Miami International Boat Show, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Miami International Film Festival, the Latin America and Caribbean Air Transport Association, and INCAE during a Central American Presidential Summit where she saw Barack Obama in person.

Additional clients included Regulator Marine, Loud And Live and Sonesta Resorts in South Florida. She also collaborated on signature cultural events including Grovetoberfest, Wynwood Life and House of Horror Haunted Carnaval.

Among the most memorable milestones in her career, Allende handled publicity for 14th Dalai Lama, receiving a personal blessing she describes as unforgettable. She also worked alongside Miami New Drama Artistic Director Michel Hausmann and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz to help expand the reach of theatrical storytelling in South Florida.

Allende said the most meaningful part of her 25-year career has been the professional relationships and friendships built along the way.

“Closing Clique PR is not a step away from purpose. It is a step toward a deeper commitment to it,” Allende said.

United Way Miami, which recently marked 100 years of service, focuses on strengthening the community through strategic investments that expand educational opportunities, improve health outcomes and promote financial stability for families.

“United Way Miami’s mission aligns fully with what has always driven me — connecting people, elevating stories and helping meaningful work reach the audiences it deserves,” she said.

Allende expressed gratitude to the colleagues, journalists, collaborators and clients who supported her throughout her career, saying her next chapter is built on the foundation created over the past quarter century.

“This next chapter is possible because of all we have built together,” she said.

Business

2026 PGA Show Takes Over Orange County Convention Center

Published

2 months ago

January 23, 2026

Willie David

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Florida National News is on site all week covering the 2026 PGA Show as it takes over the Orange County Convention Center, transforming Orlando into the global epicenter of the golf industry.

The annual event draws thousands of industry professionals, athletes, media, and golf enthusiasts from around the world to preview the latest innovations shaping the future of the sport.

Global Golf Industry Converges in Orlando

The PGA Show brings together exhibitors and attendees from across the globe, showcasing cutting-edge golf equipment, apparel, technology, and services. From club manufacturers and gear designers to course operators and teaching professionals, the show serves as a central meeting point for every sector of the golf world.

Attetion, Technology, and Interactive Experiences

This year’s PGA Show features immersive activations, including state-of-the-art golf simulators, interactive training tools, and expanded indoor and outdoor driving range experiences. Technology continues to play a major role, with advancements in swing analytics, performance tracking, and course management on full display.

The show floor also highlights sustainability efforts and innovations aimed at growing the game for future generations.

Florida National News Provides Front-Row Coverage

Florida National News will deliver comprehensive coverage throughout the week, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access, exhibitor highlights, and firsthand looks at the products and experiences defining the next era of golf.

Readers can follow along for daily updates, photos, and feature stories straight from the heart of the PGA Show

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– Todd Grasley and J Willie David, III contribute to this report.
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Business

2025 Don Quijote Awards Program: A Keepsake for Event Attendees

Published

3 months ago

December 22, 2025

Willie David

Florida National News Vice President Jenny Rosario showcase a ads inside of the 2025 Don Quijote Awards Program Booklet

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Inside the official event program booklet, attendees will find the powerful presence of premier media partner Florida National News, whose coverage team of reporters, photographers, videographers and social media journalists captures the very best of the annual awards gala.

From high-fashion red carpet arrivals and VIP guests to cocktail networking, exquisite dining, live musical performances, dynamic emcees, presenters, sponsors, finalists, honorees and winners—Florida National News amplifies every unforgettable moment of the prestigious 2025 Don Quijote Awards Gala.

Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera, and powered by Diamond Sponsor Disney along with numerous supporting sponsors, the gala takes place at EPCOT’s World ShowPlace Pavilion. Through comprehensive, high-impact coverage, Florida National News elevates the awards gala experience—before, during and long after the final applause.

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J Willie David, III and Jenny Rosario | Corporate Partners and Events | Florida National News
– News@FloridaNationalNews.com