Connect with us

Business

Orlando Police Chief, OUC CEO, Univision’s Paul Gamache Among 2021 Don Quijote Award Winners

Published

on

Golden confetti falls from the ceiling as the 2021 Don Quijote Award winners pose for a group photo at the conclusion of the ceremony at Epcot's Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) and Prospera co-hosted the 24th Annual Don Quijote Awards gala on Dec. 11 at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion. The top sponsors of the prestigious awards ceremony were Walt Disney World Resort and Wells Fargo. 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.

 

Last Year’s Winners Get Their Trophies in Person

The 2020 Don Quijote Award winners, who were named during a virtual ceremony in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, received their awards in person during the 2021 Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot's Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

The 2020 Don Quijote Award winners, who were named during a virtual ceremony in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, received their awards in person during the 2021 Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot’s Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Given an unprecedented 2020, last year’s winners were honored virtually and specially recognized again at Saturday’s sold-out event, in the traditional atmosphere, grandiose setting, and to grand applause celebrating their achievements. The winners of 2020’s 23rd Don Quijote Awards were Lifetime Achievement: Betty Martinez Lowery, Professional of the Year: Emmy Award-winning anchor and Spectrum News 13 reporter Ybeth Bruzual, Excellence: Heart of Florida United Way Chief Operating Officer Graciela Noriega Jacoby, and Hispanic Community Champion: Lui Damiani, Executive Director at the Victim Service Center of Central Florida.

 

The 2021 Don Quijote Award Winners

For the 2021 Don Quijote Awards, a selection committee chose winners among community nominees, based on professional accomplishments, financial success and growth, innovation, contributions to their industry and community, demonstrated leadership, and professional honors and recognition.

Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less: Capella Immigration Law, PLLC, Represented by Attorney Camila Pachón Roldán

Attorney Camila Pachón Roldán of Capella Immigration Law receives the Hispanic Business of the Year, 5 Years or Less Don Quijote Award during the 24th Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot's Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Attorney Camila Pachón Roldán of Capella Immigration Law receives the Hispanic Business of the Year, 5 Years or Less Don Quijote Award during the 24th Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot’s Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

 

Hispanic Business of the Year, More than Five Years: Castillo Engineering Services, LLC, Represented by owners Richard and Christopher Castillo

The father-son owner duo of Castillo Engineering receive the Hispanic Business of the Year, More Than 5 Years Don Quijote Award during the 24th Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot's Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

The father-son owner duo of Castillo Engineering receive the Hispanic Business of the Year, More Than 5 Years Don Quijote Award during the 24th Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot’s Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

 

Professional of the Year: Diana Almodovar, Deputy Director and County Engineer at Orange County Public Works Department

Orange County Public Works Deputy Director Diana Almodovar receives the Don Quijote Professional of the Year Award during the 24th Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot's Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Orange County Public Works Deputy Director Diana Almodovar receives the Don Quijote Professional of the Year Award during the 24th Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot’s Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

 

Excellence Award: Orlando Rolón, Chief of Orlando Police Department

Representatives from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and Prospera flank Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón as he receives the Excellence Awards at the Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot's Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Representatives from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and Prospera flank Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón as he receives the Excellence Awards at the Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot’s Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

 

Hispanic Community Champion Award: Clint Bullock, General Manager and CEO at Orlando Utilities Commission – OUC The Reliable One

Orlando Utilities Commission CEO and General Manager Clint Bullock receives the Don Quijote Hispanic Community Champion Award during the 24th Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot's Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Orlando Utilities Commission CEO and General Manager Clint Bullock receives the Don Quijote Hispanic Community Champion Award during the 24th Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot’s Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Paul Gamache, Emmy Award Winner, Univision Orlando Senior News Director & Producer

Emmy Award winner and Univision Orlando Senior News Director and Producer Paul Gamache receives the Don Quijote Lifetime Achievement Award during the 24th Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot's Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

Emmy Award winner and Univision Orlando Senior News Director and Producer Paul Gamache receives the Don Quijote Lifetime Achievement Award during the 24th Don Quijote Awards gala at Epcot’s Showplace Pavilion Saturday, December 11, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.

 

“I have been honored to serve as Chair of this year’s Don Quijote Awards, and I thank you all for embracing the missions and efforts of HCCMO and Prospera,” said the 24th Don Quijote Awards Chair Elisha Gonzalez, VP of Government Affairs and Community Relations of Fairwinds and 2014 Don Quijote Professional of the Year winner. “Based on my experience, I can say that these awards are more than recognition; they inspire each winner to strive for more, to continue to dream and work for the benefit of our community.”

This year’s event theme was inspired by Hispanic end-of-year traditions and the melting pot of cultures and societies that are highlighted during the holidays. Attendees entered the cocktail reception on the red carpet, enjoyed the program and fabulous multi-course dinner prepared by Walt Disney World’s culinary experts, and danced to the music of Pancho Irizarry, Victor Espinola, Ramses Araya, Magic of Bronze, Sambatu Batucada Orlando, and DJ Frankie G.

“We are grateful for the privilege to gather with all of you today to celebrate the excellence in our Hispanic business community and the collaborative spirit of our Central Florida community,” said Gaby Ortigoni, President and CEO of HCCMO. “Today, we also celebrate that according to the 2020 Census, Hispanics are the engine of our state and nation’s economic growth, with a 14.6% growth in Florida’s total population between 2010 and 2020.”

“Funds raised through the Don Quijote Awards will help us continue empowering individuals and families in Central Florida to provide for themselves, create jobs for others, and achieve greater prosperity for our region,” said Prospera Regional Vice President Katia Medina. “The 2021 winners and finalists deserve the recognition for their courage, achievements, and demonstrating great qualities of our Hispanic community.”

The Don Quijote Awards are made possible thanks to the support of Walt Disney World Resort, Wells Fargo, AdventHealth, Bank of America, Universal Orlando Resort, Florida Blue, Orlando Health, PNC Bank, VyStar Credit Union, Duke Energy, Orlando International Airport, Fairwinds, JPMorgan Chase, Kidsville Pediatrics, Orlando Magic, Nemours Children’s Hospital, T&G Constructors, Travel & Leisure, Heart of Florida United Way, Valencia College, Addition Financial, The Trentham Santiago Group, University of Central Florida, Visit Orlando, Telemundo, iHeart Media, Univision Orlando, La Prensa, El Osceola Star, and Florida National News, among others. For more information on the Don Quijote Awards, please visit www.donquijoteawards.com.

 

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 drive economic growth by strengthening Hispanic business in Central Florida. Since 1993, HCCMO is an epicenter for business acceleration – and a place where commerce happens every day. Members have access to exclusive benefits, programs, and events focused on three pillars – Commerce, Coaching, and Community Building. With more than 1,450 members, this chamber is one of the largest in the region and one of the most-recognized Hispanic chambers in the nation. For more information about the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.hccmo.org or call 407-428-5870.

 

About Prospera

Prospera is an economic development, nonprofit organization established in 1991, whose mission is to help start, sustain, and grow Hispanic-owned businesses to achieve community prosperity. In the last five years alone, Prospera has facilitated over $73 million in loans, trained over 18,000 entrepreneurs, and helped consulting clients create or retain nearly 17,000 jobs. It currently serves Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. For more information, visit www.prosperausa.org or call 407-428-5872.

 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Business

FNN News names Janira Garcia its new Director of Corporate Partnerships, Sales and Marketing

Published

on

Associate editor of FNN News en Español Janira Garcia named FNN News' Director of Corporate Partnerships, Sales and Marketing on International Women's Day, March 8, 2024. File photo by Florida National News.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News announced today the appointment of Janira Garcia as its new Director of Corporate Partnerships, Advertising Sales and Marketing.

Most recently, Garcia served as an associate editor of FNN News en Español, a sister news outlet of Florida National News. Her experience in news coverage and business development in Spanish will be key factors as FNN continue to expand.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of FNN, an innovative news outlet for a global audience,” Garcia said. “I believe my experience and expertise will allow me to build on the success FNN has already achieved in the last 10 years and will give me the opportunity to strengthen and expand our partnerships.”

“Janira is a proven leader with a rich and diverse background in our industry, and her strategic operations mindset will be vital in shaping the future of our company’s growth and success,” said J. Willie David, III, FNN’s president and CEO of Florida National News and FNN News Network.

In this role, she oversees Ad Sales efforts across the company’s Portfolio of brands and platforms, which includes Florida National News, FNN News Network, FNN Sports Network, FNN News en Español, FNN Politics & Power, FNN News TV, FNN News Media, FNN News and FNN Brand Partnerships. Garcia will report to Jenny Rosario, vice president of Florida National News and FNN News Network.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to accelerate our company growth through strategic partnerships and we’re excited to have Janira join our leadership team,” said Jenny Rosario, vice president of Florida National News and FNN News Network.

To learn more about Florida National News, visit FloridaNationalNews.com.

Continue Reading

Business

March 7 Luxury Auction® Set for Caribbean Waterfront Estate on Grand Cayman

Published

on

WEST BAY, Grand Cayman–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Luxury real estate auction house Platinum Luxury Auctions has announced another offering on the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. On March 7, 2024, a waterfront residence once asking $12 million will now be sold to the highest bidder in a live, luxury auction® without reserve. In October 2022, Platinum auctioned an oceanfront home in Grand Cayman’s Savannah neighborhood for approx. $4.7 million. The firm is conducting the March 7th sale in partnership with Antonette Baptist of principal brokerage Provenance Properties Cayman Islands, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in the Cayman Islands.

On March 7, 2024, a waterfront residence once asking $12 million will now be sold to the highest bidder in a live, luxury auction® without reserve.

 

 

“Platinum continues to strengthen its relationships with the Caribbean’s leading real estate agents and luxury brokerages, like Antonette and the team at Provenance Properties,” said Trayor Lesnock, Platinum’s founder and president. “We’ll look forward to adding this pristine, waterfront estate on Grand Cayman to our roster of successful luxury auction sales in the Caribbean to date.”

The tri-level property is located in the boutique, waterfront community of Stone Island Residences, a private and gated residential enclave developed by Dart Enterprises, one of the Caribbean’s largest developers and the leader of luxury, residential development on Grand Cayman.

The community is ideally located, occupying a small island on Governors Creek Harbor, just across from the Cayman Islands Yacht Club & Marina. It’s within a short walk of Camana Bay and the renowned Seven Mile Beach. George Town, the Caymans’ capital city and financial hub, is just 10-15 mins south.

The property’s current owner worked with the developer during construction to create a unique, custom residence within the community that offers approx. 9,500 sf throughout 3 living levels, with 5 bedrooms (plus a convertible 6th), 8 full and one half-bath. The balance of the residences in the development are approx. 4,500 sf.

Interestingly, the residence has not yet been occupied since its completion in 2020, though it’s been kept in exceptional condition. “It presents as ‘brand new’ – not a single crack, scuff or dent,” stated Lesnock. The owner also spent $750,000 to furnish the property, and those (unused) furnishings will be included in the sale.

Prominent property features include a waterfront pool with adjacent loggia and summer kitchen, multiple balconies, gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry, home theater, office, and a sleek elevator serving all levels.

Stone Island community amenities include a gated entry, 24-hr security, private boat slips, waterfront boardwalk, kids’ playground, infinity pool, waterside conservatory, and a luxe clubhouse.

Interested brokers and buyers may preview the property by daily appointment, between the hours of 11 am and 5pm (local time), now through March 6th. Appointments may be scheduled by contacting Platinum’s project manager, James Smith, at +1 800.997.4235. Property photos, video, and diligence documents are also hosted online at CaymanLuxuryAuction.com.

Continue Reading

Business

January: Orlando Regional Relator Association (ORRA) 2024 Gala & Board Installation

Published

on

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA) held their 2024 Inaugural Gala & Board of Directors Installation in January. As the new president, Rose Kemp will lead ORRA and its 21,000 membership.

Continue Reading
Advertisement Daisy for Florida campaign web ad
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending