Business
25th Don Quijote Awards Winners Announced
Published
2 years agoon

ORLANDO, Fla. —The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) and Prospera co-hosted the 25th Annual Don Quijote Awards gala. The prestigious awards ceremony took place on Dec. 10 at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion and its top sponsors were Walt Disney World Resort, Wells Fargo, and 1st SOS Staffing. The Don Quijote Awards is the premier event for the region’s Hispanic business community, where businesses and individuals are recognized for exemplifying qualities of the classic Don Quijote literary character: vision, courage, and community impact.
DQA Winners
A selection committee chose the winners of the 2022 Don Quijote Awards among community nominees, based on professional accomplishments, financial success and growth, innovation, industry and community contributions, demonstrated leadership, and professional honors and recognition. This year’s Don Quijote Awards recipients are:
Lifetime Achievement:
Modesto Alcala, Senior Vice President of Global Restaurant Development and Placemaking for UniversalCreative at Universal Parks & Resorts
Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less:
Guacamole Mexican Grill, Inc, represented by owners Mayessi El Halabi, Diego Rojas and Gustavo Aristizabal
Hispanic Business of the Year, More Than Five Years:
SkyBuilders USA, represented by company owners Marcela Restrepo and Juan Velez
Professional of the Year:
Luis Nieves-Ruiz, Director of Economic Development at East Central Florida Regional Planning Council
Excellence:
Robert “Bob” Cortes, Senior Administrator for Government Affairs at Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
Hispanic Community Champion:
Dr. James Michael Burkett, President at Florida Technical College
The theme for this event was its 25th anniversary, and the collaboration between the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Prospera since its creation in 1998. Mercedes McCall, a founder of the event as well as of both community organizations, delivered a message and toast during the gala honoring the trajectory and impact of these two economic engines in Central Florida’s business community.
The entertainment of the evening was provided by Central Florida Community Arts, Mariachi Cobre, and DJ Bori Boy from El Nuevo Zol 95.3 FM. Yisel Tejeda and Iris Delgado, News Anchors from Noticias Telemundo 31, served as the Mistresses of Ceremony.
The Don Quijote Awards were possible thanks to the financial support of Walt Disney World Resort, Wells Fargo, 1st SOS Staffing, AdventHealth, Bank of America, Universal Orlando Resort, Florida Blue, Orlando Health, PNC Bank, Boeing, Duke Energy, Travel +Leisure, OUC – The Reliable One, 26Health, Cypress Bank & Trust, Delaware North, JPMorgan Chase, Orlando Magic, University of Central Florida, Telemundo 31, El Nuevo Zol 95.3 FM, La Prensa, El Osceola Star, the Orlando Business Journal, iHeart Media, Univision, Florida National News, Nosotras Latina Magazine, and Orange TV.
For more information about the Don Quijote Awards, please visit www.donquijoteawards.com.
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Business
Florida National News Appoints Jenna Greaves as Social Media Manager
Published
2 days agoon
March 13, 2025By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News (FNN) is proud to announce the appointment of Jenna Greaves as Social Media Manager, effective March 10, 2025, during Women’s History Month.
In her new role, Jenna Greaves will oversee FNN’s social media team and manage its growing social media platforms. She will also serve as a reporter, covering both political and environmental news.
Educational Background and Experience
Jenna holds a bachelor’s degree in print/digital journalism with a minor in political science/pre-law from the University of Central Florida. Her media experience includes working and interning at various local broadcast stations, a radio station, and print publications, giving her a well-rounded background in the industry.
Leadership and Vision
“Jenna is the right manager to lead our social media team, increase brand awareness, and engage our audience,” said FNN President J. Willie David III. “Her experience will play a vital role in enhancing FNN’s online presence and driving higher website traffic and content visibility for several of our platforms.”
– Florida National News Social Media Page
In her role as Social Media Manager, Jenna will develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy designed to boost brand awareness, audience engagement, and online presence. She will collaborate closely with the editorial team to align content strategies with audience interests, ensuring FNN continues to deliver impactful news coverage.
Florida National News reached 1.4 million audience members in February 2025, and Jenna’s leadership is expected to expand this reach even further.
_________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando Honors Business Leaders at Exclusive Trustee Reception
Published
3 days agoon
March 12, 2025By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando (Hispanic Chamber) hosted its exclusive Trustee Reception on Thursday, March 6, bringing together influential leaders and businesses for an evening dedicated to recognition, networking, and fostering impactful relationships.
Held at Houndsmen Lounge in Live at the Pointe Orlando, a proud member of the Hispanic Chamber, the event welcomed over 120 attendees, including trustees, business leaders, and prominent community figures.
Celebrating Leadership and Partnerships
During the reception, Pedro Turushina, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber, underscored the value of trust and collaboration in building a lasting legacy.
“Tonight, we celebrate you—our investors, our trustees, and our key partners who continuously fuel the growth and success of the Hispanic Chamber,” Turushina shared. “We grow when we trust each other, when we come together to create an impact. If you are here tonight, it’s because you want to leave a legacy. You want to make a difference.”
The evening also featured remarks from Alejandra Escobar, Vice President of the Hispanic Chamber, who highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit driving the region’s Hispanic business community.
- Other Business News: FloridaNationalNews.com congratulates Ambassador Rudolph Moise on being selected as one of the “12 Good Men 2025” by Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida
“Thank you for being here this evening, where we recognize the spirit of entrepreneurship and the commitment that drives our thriving Hispanic business community,” Escobar said.
Industry Representation and Community Engagement
The Hispanic Chamber’s 55 Trustees span key industries vital to Central Florida’s economic growth, including:
- 13 minority-owned businesses
- 14 financial services institutions
- 6 higher education organizations
- 5 healthcare and wellness providers
- 5 construction companies
- 6 government and nonprofit agencies
- 4 major parks and hotels
- FNN delivers news that matters to you. Support Florida National News
Distinguished Guests and Live Entertainment
The Hispanic Chamber welcomed prominent leaders such as City of Orlando District 2 Commissioner Tony Ortiz and City of Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinoza.
The reception’s entertainment featured a captivating tango performance by Art and Movement LLC and lively music from DJ Paulo, both Chamber members.
Acknowledging Key Supporters
The Chamber extended special thanks to Travel + Leisure, the presenting sponsor, for their invaluable support. Appreciation was also given to over 80 dedicated volunteers, including the Board of Directors, Ambassadors, Supplier Council, and the Hispanic Business Advocacy Committee for their continued efforts in advancing the Chamber’s mission.
“We are incredibly grateful for the 55 Trustees — corporations, government agencies, and regional leaders — who help power our mission forward,” Turushina stated.
He further encouraged sponsors and strategic partners to continue investing in the Chamber’s impactful programs, events, and initiatives to further strengthen Central Florida’s business community.
_________________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
Comcast Business Unveils ‘Powering the Engine of Modern Business’ Campaign with PGA TOUR Star Billy Horschel
Published
3 days agoon
March 12, 2025
PHILADELPHIA & PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – Comcast Business has unveiled a new multichannel brand campaign titled “Powering the Engine of Modern Business,” showcasing its role as a global enterprise technology partner. The campaign, which debuted ahead of THE PLAYERS® Championship 2025, features three TV spots highlighting Comcast Business’ advanced technology in real-world business scenarios.
The campaign includes cameos from Billy Horschel, golf legend Tom Watson, and Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner, with narration by Josh Brolin.
In conjunction with the campaign, Comcast Business announced a new two-year partnership with Billy Horschel, an eight-time PGA TOUR event winner and former United States President’s Cup representative. Horschel will sport the Comcast Business logo on his hat for the 2025 and 2026 PGA TOUR seasons.
“This new campaign reflects the evolution of the Comcast Business brand as a global technology solutions partner, demonstrating not just what could be possible, but what we’re actively doing for customers across industries today,” said Eileen Diskin, Chief Marketing Officer for Comcast Business.
The campaign’s three TV spots showcase Comcast Business’ innovative solutions for various industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and sports. The ads highlight Comcast Business’ ability to power businesses through seamless connectivity, cybersecurity, and networking solutions.
To celebrate its second year as a Proud Partner of THE PLAYERS Championship, the campaign includes a dedicated PGA TOUR spot featuring Rich Lerner, Tom Watson, and Billy Horschel. Comcast Business plays a crucial role in supporting the technological backbone of THE PLAYERS Championship, serving as the Official Business Internet, Voice, Wi-Fi, and SD-WAN Service Provider for the PGA TOUR.
Comcast Business’ connectivity solutions power everything from international tournament broadcasts to greenskeepers’ software for robotic mowers and automated sprinklers.
The campaign, developed by Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P), debuts March 10 and will run across TV, digital, and social media platforms.
For more information, visit business.comcast.com.
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