Business

Don Quijote Awards Finalists and Hispanic Community Champion & Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients Announced

Published

11 years ago

December 11, 2015

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — At a press conference sponsored by Florida Blue, the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc. (HBIF) and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) announced the Lifetime Achievement Award and Hispanic Community Champion Award recipients as well as the 12 finalists from 4 other categories for the 18th Annual Don Quijote Awards.

The award winners in those 4 categories will be announced at the Don Quijote Awards Gala on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 at the Epcot World Showplace Pavilion. Each year, the Don Quijote Awards recognize business excellence, dedication to service and outstanding professionalism among Central Florida’s Hispanic community.

“Each year as we prepare for the Don Quijote Awards Gala, we are reminded of the admirable talent, service and leadership that exists in our community,” said HBIF President and CEO Augusto Sanabria. “We have the privilege of recognizing these individuals and celebrating their accomplishments, which benefit all of Central Florida.”

“This event, which has become an annual tradition in our community, is a great celebration for the Hispanic community of Central Florida. We cherish the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding business and civic leaders, whose contributions to our community have demonstrated success serving as inspiration to many in our region. We are honored to be part of such an amazing community filled with such amazing talented individuals,” said Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando President Diana Bolivar.

Honorable Mel Martinez will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his impact and legacy on the Hispanic community in Central Florida and the nation. He was elected to the United States Senate in 2004, representing Florida as a U.S. Senator. Prior to his time in the Senate, he served as the 12th Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He was the first Cuban-American to serve in both of these high ranking positions.

Senator Martinez also served as Mayor of Orange County (Orlando, FL) and prior to his public service, he practiced law for 25 years having received both his B.S. and J.D. degrees from Florida State University. Today, Senator Martinez serves as Chairman of the Southeast U.S. & Latin America for JP Morgan Chase & Co.

The Hispanic Community Champion Award recognizes a non-Hispanic individual who has supported, promoted the advancement, and demonstrated leadership or involvement for the benefit of the Hispanic community in Central Florida. Aaron Hill, General Manager for Reed Nissan, is the recipient of this award in recognition of his generous spirit and his passion for the community.

For Hill, Reed Nissan is more than just a place to sell cars; It’s a place where the community—its citizens and its businesses—can come together. Aaron has developed numerous Hispanic outreach initiatives. On several Saturdays throughout the year, Aaron invites Hispanic businesses to showcase their products, goods or services on the showroom floor. He has also made it a priority to contract Hispanic-owned businesses as a way to support their economic growth. Even with a busy schedule, he finds time to mentor Latino youth.

Beyond those two prestigious awards, three finalists were named in each of four categories. The 18th Annual Don Quijote Awards finalists are:

Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less

Chatter Buzz – Asheley Cisneros and Shalyn Dever
E-Vacations, Inc. – Maria Guardera and Marco Antonio Galindo
Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc. – Denisse Lamas

Hispanic Business of the Year, More Than Five Years

Albu & Associates, Inc. – Jason and Andrew Albu
ECX Electronics – Ricardo and Rick Ballester
FLQ Interior Design – Erika Benfield

Professional of the Year

Dr. Cyndia Muñíz, University of Central Florida
Gloria Puerto, Feed and Fortify Community Organization, Inc.
Karla Radka, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida

Excellence Award

Henry Maldonado, Enzian and Florida Film Festival
Janet Perez Eckles, Language Line Solutions
Shawn Seipler, Clean the World Foundation

The Don Quijote Awards are made possible thanks to the support of the Central Florida business community. The event sponsors include Walt Disney World Resort, Florida Blue, CenturyLink, Darden, Florida Hospital, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Orlando Health, Orlando Magic, Duke Energy, Fields Auto Group, and UPS, among others.

For more information on the Don Quijote Awards, please visit www.donquijoteawards.com.

About the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc.

The Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida (HBIF) is the leading Hispanic economic development nonprofit organization specializing in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business in the State of Florida. Since 1991, HBIF has promoted the Hispanic entrepreneur, provided programs and created community partnerships to advance economic development and foster job creation. For more information, visit www.HBIFFlorida.org or call 407-428-5872.

About the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide leadership and support the economic development of the Hispanic business community of Metro Orlando. Since 1993, HCCMO has strengthened the Central Florida Business Community by providing quality programs through our business model of networking, business development, exposure and recognition. For more information about the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.hccmo.org or call 407-428-5870.

Up Next

Windermere Police Chief David Ogden, Val Demings, Mark and Josie Nejame Among Honorees at the Inaugural Stronger Because of It Holiday Gala

Don't Miss

Orlando Magic Youth Foundation Raises $300K for Central Florida Youth at 25th Annual OMYF Open Presented by Chase

Click to comment

Business

Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker

Published

2 days ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

$Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker$

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute (FEMI) and Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center (MRSE) have announced the addition of optometrist Dr. Anna Walker to their medical teams, expanding comprehensive eye care services for patients across Palm Beach County.

Walker provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, specializing in primary eye care, ocular disease management, specialty contact lenses and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Her practice focuses on preventive eye health through comprehensive examinations, advanced diagnostic technology and individualized treatment plans.

“Dr. Walker brings excellent clinical training and a compassionate approach to patient care,” said Omayra Alvarado, practice administrator for FEMI. “We are confident she will help further our mission of delivering exceptional eye care across South Florida.”

Walker earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Stonehill College. She completed her residency at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, where she specialized in comprehensive optometric care with an emphasis on ocular disease management and specialty contact lenses.

Her clinical training also includes refractive surgery co-management, IPL therapy and advanced diagnostic techniques. Walker is certified in laser procedures and injections through the New England College of Optometry.

According to the practices, Walker combines advanced clinical expertise with a personalized approach to patient care, focusing on preserving long-term eye health and improving patients’ quality of life.

Walker will see patients at Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute’s East Boynton Beach office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center in Boca Raton on Mondays and Fridays.

Patients interested in scheduling routine eye examinations or establishing ongoing eye care with Dr. Walker can learn more by visiting Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute or Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center.

Business

U.S. Marine Veteran Receives Refurbished Vehicle Through NABC Recycled Rides Program

Published

4 weeks ago

June 12, 2026

FNN NEWS

DAVIE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his family received a life-changing gift on June 11 when they were presented with a fully refurbished vehicle through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.

The donation was made possible through a partnership between vehicle donor Allstate, repair partner Crash Champions, and several industry sponsors. The presentation took place at Crash Champions’ Davie, Florida, collision repair center.

Veteran Receives Reliable Transportation

The recipient, Sergio Hernandez, was nominated by the Wounded Warrior Project, one of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

Hernandez and his wife received a refurbished 2018 Toyota RAV4 donated by Allstate and restored by Crash Champions technicians.

“This vehicle is beautiful, super clean, just near mint,” Hernandez said. “Reliability is a huge thing. This will take a burden off our shoulders not having to worry about maintenance or any of the issues we were having with prior vehicles. I’m truly grateful for it.”

From Military Service to Civilian Life

Hernandez served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 2015, with assignments in South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. During his service, he suffered a back injury that required extensive therapy and rehabilitation.

After leaving the military, Hernandez used GI Bill benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. However, transportation challenges remained a significant obstacle for his growing family.

With a non-operational vehicle and mounting repair costs, reliable transportation had become a pressing need. The donated vehicle will help Hernandez commute to work, attend family appointments and provide safe transportation for his wife and two young children.

Industry Partners Make a Difference

Allstate has donated more than 300 vehicles through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, making it one of the program’s largest vehicle donors.

Crash Champions has also played a major role, gifting more than 250 vehicles to individuals and organizations in need through the initiative.

Additional partners supporting the donation included Enterprise, Tire Kingdom, AutoZone, J&A Auto Restore, ATE, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart and Cars for Charity.

Business

Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook

Published

3 months ago

April 19, 2026

Willie David

Credit ORRA: Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.

Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.

Speakers and Panelists

Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President

Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.

Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.

Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.

Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.

“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.

Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.

Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.

Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.

ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry

The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.