The 27th annual Don Quijote Awards Gala was a grand celebration of Hispanic business excellence in Central Florida. Co-hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera, the event honoured the achievements of Hispanic entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders who have made an outstanding impact in their industries and beyond.
Held on December 14, 2024, at the stunning Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion, the Don Quijote Awards Gala is not just an awards event—it’s a tribute to the resilience, vision, and commitment to excellence that reflects the spirit of Don Quijote de La Mancha, the legendary literary character. In this post, we’ll dive into the highlights of this prestigious event and explore why the Don Quijote Awards are such an important part of Central Florida’s cultural and business landscape.
Celebrating Hispanic Achievement: A Night to Remember
Each year, the Don Quijote Awards Gala celebrates the remarkable contributions of the Hispanic business community in Central Florida. This year’s event saw more than 800 guests gathered to recognise the achievements of outstanding business owners and professionals who are committed to shaping the region’s economy, culture, and social fabric.
Top-tier sponsors like Walt Disney World Resort, Duke Energy, Orlando Health, and Wells Fargo played a key role in making the event a memorable occasion. According to Carlos Brackley, Principal Counsel at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Disney has proudly supported the Don Quijote Awards for nearly two decades. He emphasised, “Disney recognises how essential Hispanic business is to Central Florida, and it has been our honour to sponsor the Don Quijote Awards and the entrepreneurship it celebrates.”
A Storied Legacy: The Impact of the Don Quijote Awards
The Don Quijote Awards Gala has been a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and community achievement for 27 years. Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera, the event has recognised countless individuals who have shown exceptional courage, leadership, and perseverance in their respective fields.
Elisha Gonzalez, Chair of the Hispanic Chamber, and Quibulah Graham, Chair of Prospera Central and Northeast Florida, both participated in the event to honour the finalists and awardees. Their presence highlighted the importance of these recognitions for Hispanic businesses in Central Florida. As Yovannie Rodriguez Esq., A.A.E., Executive Vice President of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and 27th Event Chair, said, “Since 1998, the Don Quijote Awards have served as a beacon of excellence, growing alongside Central Florida’s vibrant Hispanic community.”
The 27th Don Quijote Award Winners
The 27th edition of the Don Quijote Awards was an evening to remember, with the following exceptional individuals recognised for their contributions:
- Hispanic Micro-Enterprise of the Year: Kids Language Academy, LLC, led by Helen Rojas
- Hispanic Enterprise of the Year: Mecatos Bakery & Cafe, led by Edwin Lurduy
- Professional of the Year: Dr. Joseph Lopez, Chief of Pediatric Head & Neck Surgery at Advent Health
- Excellence Award: Maritza Martinez-Guerrero, Vice President of External Affairs & Philanthropy at Orlando Magic
- Hispanic Community Champion Award: Dr. Laura Chilcutt, Medical Director at Nemours Children’s Health
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Maritza Beltran, Executive Director of La Prensa Newspaper Orlando
These awardees represent the diversity, talent, and dedication of the Hispanic community in the region. Their achievements span a wide range of industries, from education and healthcare to media and business development, all of which are essential to the growth and prosperity of Central Florida.
A Tribute to Innovation: Gaudí’s Influence on the Evening’s Theme
This year’s gala theme drew inspiration from the legendary Antoni Gaudí, the Spanish architect famous for his vibrant and innovative designs, including the Casa Batlló in Barcelona. Gaudí’s influence was felt throughout the evening, with guests enjoying a rich blend of creativity, colour, and passion, much like the spirit of the Don Quijote Awards.
From the spectacular flamenco dancers to the musical performances by guitarist Nicholas Marks, the evening was a celebration of artistic flair, reflecting the innovative spirit that has come to define the Hispanic business community in Central Florida.
Honouring the Hispanic Business Community: More Than Just Awards
The Don Quijote Awards are more than just a celebration of business success—they are a testament to the resilience and vision of the Hispanic entrepreneurs who continue to shape Central Florida’s future. Katia Medina, Regional Vice President at Prospera, emphasised the importance of the awards as part of a broader commitment to fostering economic growth and entrepreneurial success in the region.
“Our goal is to help Hispanic entrepreneurs thrive, fostering greater prosperity, less inequity, and more generational wealth across our community,” said Augusto Sanabria, President and CEO of Prospera.
The Don Quijote Awards not only recognise individual excellence, but also promote the growth of the entire Hispanic business ecosystem. By highlighting success stories and inspiring others, the event plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive network for Hispanic entrepreneurs.
A Night of Celebration and Community
The night culminated in a lively celebration, with guests dancing to the vibrant Latin rhythms of La Calle Band and enjoying a stunning dinner created by Disney Chef Luis Ruiz Guerra and Pastry Chef Danielle Carr. The event was not just about awards—it was about coming together as a community to celebrate the success of individuals who embody the values of vision, perseverance, and courage.
With over 800 guests attending, the Don Quijote Awards Gala continues to grow in importance, serving as a key event that underscores the vital role of the Hispanic community in Central Florida’s economy and culture.
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Photo credit: PR Newswire
