Business
Orlando Police Chief, OUC CEO, Univision’s Paul Gamache Among 2021 Don Quijote Award Winners
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
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.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
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