Finalists Announced for the 27th Don Quijote Awards Gala

The Don Quijote Awards are the premier business and professional recognition for the Hispanic business community in Central Florida

ORLANDO, FL. — The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera, the two largest Hispanic economic development organizations in Central Florida, revealed the names of finalists for four categories of the Don Quijote Awards, along with this year’s Lifetime Achievement and Hispanic Community Champion award recipients. The press conference was held at the Great Southern Box Company and featured the distinguished participation of Yovannie Rodriguez Esq, A.A.E, Chair of the 27th Don Quijote Awards Gala and Executive Vice President of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “The finalist represent the diverse talents of our Hispanic community, highlighting the remarkable contributions that Hispanic businesses and professionals have made in our region for decades , we are fortunate to have these outstanding individuals in our community, and it is a joy to recognize their hard work and commitment to serve, ” said the 27th Don Quijote Awards Chair, Yovannie Rodriguez.

The Don Quijote Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions made by individuals and businesses that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and leadership within the Hispanic business sector. The winner in each category will be announced at the 27th Don Quijote Awards gala on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion from 6:00 pm until midnight.

During the press conference, the year’s gala theme was revealed, inspired by the legendary Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. Known for his imaginative and colorful designs that celebrate creativity and innovation, one of Gaudi’s iconic masterpieces will be highlighted: Casa Batlló. “To add excitement to the theme of our 27th Don Quijote Awards Gala, we invite all attendees to follow inspiration from Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain, know as the house of masks,“said Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando President and CEO Pedro Turushina.

Prospera Central & Northeast Florida Regional Vice President Katia Medina added, “We invite you to wear a colorful masque to honor Gaudi in an evening of inspiration and discovery, a celebration of the excellence within our Hispanic Businenes community.” The event was sponsored by Walt Disney World Resort, Duke Energy, Orlando Health, and Wells Fargo, whose representatives announced the following finalists and award recipients:

HISPANIC MICRO-ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR:

Cruz Institute, represented by its owner, Antonio Cruz
Kids Language Academy Preeschool, LLC, represented by its owner, Helen Rojas
KEM Business Solutions, represented by its owner, Elizabeth Ortiz

HISPANIC ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR:

Mecatos Bakery & Cafe, represented by its owner, Edwin Lurduy
Warehouse Equipment and Supply, represented by its owner, Linsy Di Pietro
Neurology One, represented by its owners, Ramon Rodriguez and Lourdes Benes

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR:

Aly Benitez, Vice President at JPMorgan & Chase Co.
Dr. Joseph Lopez, Chief of Pediatric Head & Neck Surgery at Advent Health
Nilda Blanco, Senior Vice President Strategic Initiatives at Career Source Central Florida

EXCELLENCE AWARD:

Cherisa Jerez, Author at Lake Union Publishing
Angela Gonzalez, Executive Director of The Nurture Place
Maritza Martinez-Guerrero, VP of External Affairs & Philanthropy at Orlando Magic

The Don Quijote Awards Selection Committee uniquely chooses the Hispanic Community Champion and Lifetime Achievement awards recipients.

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD – This award is given to a non-Hispanic individual who has led by example in supporting the progress of the Hispanic community in Central Florida. The recipient of this award is chosen by the Don Quijote Awards Selection Committee, focusing on contributions to the Hispanic community; evidence of promoting Hispanic professionals, executives, and board members within the nominee’s respective organization and in the general community; demonstrated leadership or community involvement to benefit the Hispanic community; and honors or awards.

The 2024 Don Quijote Hispanic Community Champion Award winner is Doctor Laura Chilcutt, MD, Medical Director of Medical-Social Impact at Nemours Children’s Health. Dr. Laura Chilcutt is a dedicated pediatrician and advocate for underserved communities with over 20 years of service. Her journey began at Florida State University, where she volunteered with disadvantaged families. After a legal career focused on supporting survivors of abuse, she transitioned to medicine to have a broader impact. Dr. Chilcutt developed an innovative pediatric mobile clinic during her residency, providing healthcare to uninsured children and resources to address social challenges. She continues to expand her reach through her Family Resource Center and by serving on various boards, championing health and advocacy in the Hispanic community. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including the Healthcare Hero Award, highlighting her commitment to creating a healthier future for Central Florida families.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – This award recognizes an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to the development and empowerment of the Hispanic community in Central Florida.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement goes to Maritza Beltran, Executive Director of La Prensa Newspaper Orlando. Maritza Beltran is a prominent figure in Central Florida, celebrated for her impactful career in media and steadfast dedication to community service, with over two decades of experience, she has made significant contributions to the Hispanic and business communities, notably as a pioneer in radio and television. Her efforts have included hosting successful programs like Mundo Mejor and Buenos Dias, organizing fundraising initiatives for childhood cancer research and disaster relief, and making history as the first woman news anchor for Telefutura/Univision Orlando. She has been a recipient of numerous awards, including the “Mujer Inspiración” Carmen Lydia Felices Award and the Golden Angel Award. She remains a beacon of resilience, inspiration and service.

The Don Quijote Awards are made possible thanks to the support of Walt Disney World Resort, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, Orlando Health, Bank of America, Universal Destinations and Experiences, Advent Health, OUC, Florida Blue, PNC, Travel & Leisure, JPMorgan Chase, JCQ Service, and MCO Orlando International Airport, among others. For more information on the Don Quijote Awards, please visit www.donquijoteawards.com.

ABOUT THE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF METRO ORLANDO

The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando is one of the largest business organizations in Central Florida. The Hispanic Chamber has advocated for the Hispanic business community for over three decades. This organization is recognized as one of the main economic development entities in the region, serving as the central point of connection, fostering business success, unifying communities, and empowering Hispanic business owners and professionals to drive exceptional economic growth in the region. As a valued member of the Hispanic Chamber, you will be part of one of the largest, most engaged business networks in Central Florida, with exclusive access to unparalleled benefits, award-winning events, and programs focused on commerce opportunities, coaching, and community-building, making us the top choice for businesses of all industries in our region. For more information, please visit www.hispanicchamber.net.

ABOUT PROSPERA

Prospera is an economic development, nonprofit organization that has specialized since 1991 in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs who want to start, sustain, and grow their business. In the last five years alone, Prospera facilitated over $70 million in loans for small business clients, trained 17,300 entrepreneurs, and helped consulting clients create or retain more than 16,000 jobs. Prospera currently serves Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. For more information, visit www.prosperausa.org .