DISCOVER THE LEGACY OF THE DON QUIJOTE AWARDS

Celebrating the success, unity and empowerment of the Hispanic community in Central Florida.

HISTORY OF THE DON QUIJOTE AWARDS

The Don Quijote Awards gala was first conceived in 1997 by a group of visionaries from the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera. As Central Florida’s Hispanic community grew rapidly, these leaders saw the need to recognize the hard-working, innovative business owners and professionals who exhibited the spirit of Don Quijote: visionaries, dreamers, and businessmen and women willing to take risks to achieve those dreams.

The two organizations have teamed up to honor leaders, business owners, and professionals who demonstrate outstanding success, leadership, and service in our community. The Don Quijote Awards gala is one of the most prestigious events in Central Florida, and has received recognition from the Florida Association of Festivals and Events and the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals as Best Event of the Year.

This event was created to serve three main objectives:

The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando is a nonprofit organization that drives economic growth by empowering Hispanic businesses in Central Florida. Since 1993, it has connected members through programs and events focused on commerce, coaching, and community. With over 1,800 members, it's one of the largest and most recognized Hispanic chambers in the U.S.

More info: hispanicchamber.com | 407-428-5870

Prospera is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help start, sustain, and grow Hispanic-owned businesses to achieve community prosperity. Since 1991, it has provided training, consulting, and access to capital to foster economic development, one entrepreneur at a time. In its first 30 years of service, Prospera generated $4.9 Billion in total economic output and impacted more than 47,700 jobs.

More info: prosperausa.org | 407-428-5872

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane and Discover our Past Winners

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code for the event?

Dress to impress in Black Tie Formal attire. Glamourous, long gowns for women and tuxedos or formal suits for men.

Please fill out the form on the Sponsors menu option above for more details on how you can support the event.

Secure your spot by purchasing tickets online through the “TICKETS” menu option above. Please select the type and number of items you wish to purchase, complete your registration, and proceed with payment. Thank you in advance for supporting the missions of the Hispanic Chamber and Prospera through your purchase!

For more information, please fill out our form on the “CONTACT US” menu option above. We are happy to assist with questions or special requests.

secure your spot

CONTACT US

Email: info@DonQuijoteAwards.com

Phone: 407.428.5872

2023

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
BOLD Digital Marketing Studio
Ana Carolina Salazar, Owner

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Competitive Edge Partners & Consulting LLC.
Debbie Rodriguez, Owner

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Institution Initiatives and Partnerships
Dr. Cyndia Muñiz
Senior Director of Hispanic Serving

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW)
Jeff Hayward, President and CEO

EXCELLENCE
Orange County Public Schools
Dr. Maria Vázquez, Superintendent

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
The Reliable One
Jan Aspuru, Retired, OUC

2024

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Kids Language Academy, LLC
Helen Rojas, Owner,

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Mecatos Bakery & Cafe
Edwin Lurduy, Owner

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
AdventHealth for Children
Dr. Joseph Lopez, Chief of Pediatric Head & Neck Surgery,

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Nemours Children’s Health
Dr. Laura Chilcutt, Medical Director of Medical-Social Impact

EXCELLENCE
External Affairs & Philanthropy Orlando Magic
Maritza Martinez-Guerrero, Vice President

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
La Prensa Newspaper Orlando
Maritza Beltran, Executive Director

2022

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Guacamole Mexican Grill

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
SkyBuilders

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Luis Nieves-Ruiz, Economic Development Director, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Dr. James Michael Burkett, President, Florida Technical College

EXCELLENCE
Former State Representative Bob Cortes, Senior Government Affairs Administrator, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Modesto Alcala

2021

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Capella Immigration Law

PLLC HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Castillo Engineering Services, LLC

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Orange County Public Works Department
Diana Almodóvar, P.E.

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
OUC – The Reliable One
Clint Bullock

EXCELLENCE
Orlando Police Department
Chief Orlando Rolón

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Paul Gamache

2020

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Spectrum News 13
Ybeth Bruzual

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Victim Service Center of Central Florida
Lui Damiani

EXCELLENCE
Heart of Florida United Way
Graciela Noriega – Jacoby

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Betty Martínez Lowery

2019

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
NuCare Therapy

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
SIMETRI, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
City of Orlando
Giorgina Pinedo Rolón, Ph. D,

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Orlando Health
Hon. Andy Gardiner

EXCELLENCE
Orange County Corrections Department
Chief Louis Quiñones

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
José Nido

2018

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Nebbia Technology

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Orlando Montessori Bilingual Academy

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Orlando International Airport
Vicki Jaramillo

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
Nancy Gidusko†

EXCELLENCE
AdventHealth
Yamile Luna

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Janet Pérez Eckles

2017

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Hispanic Family Counseling

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Advanced IT Concepts, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Nemours Children’s Hospital+
Dr Adalberto Lopez, Jr.

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
University of Central Florida
Dr. Ron Piccolo

EXCELLENCE
Adriana Comellas-Macretti

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Yolanda Londoño

2016

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Advanced Physical Medicine, Inc.

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Transpremier, LLC

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
ShuffieldLowman
Janet Martínez

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Seminole State College
Dr. E. Ann McGee

EXCELLENCE
UPS
David Ruiz

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Henry Maldonado

2015

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Chatter Buzz

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Albu & Associates, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Industries of Central Florida
Karla Radka, Goodwill

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Reed Nissan
Aaron Hill

EXCELLENCE
Clean the World Foundation
Shawn Seipler

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Hon. Melquiades “Mel” Martínez

2014

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Mónica Oganes & Associates

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
COMELCO, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Valencia College
Elisha González Bonnewitz

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
D,Valencia College
Dr. Kathleen Plinske Ed

EXCELLENCE
Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation
Dr. Gregor Alexander

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Blanquita Trabold†

2013

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Echo Interaction Group

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Kidsville Pediatrics

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Barry University School of Law
Leticia M. Díaz

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
National Entrepreneur Center
Jerry Ross

EXCELLENCE
US Army’s Medical Simulation Program
Lt. Col. Wilson Ariza

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Rafael Medina† & Luisa Medina

2012

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
CCH Marketing & Events, Inc.

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Conpilog International

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Orlando Health
Lourdes Quintana

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Florida Blue
Tony Jenkins

EXCELLENCE
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio
Melissa Martínez Hernández, Office

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Lizette Valarino

2011

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Kings Service Solutions

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Resource Employment Solutions

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Nodarse a Terracon Company
José Costa

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts
Eugene Campbell†

EXCELLENCE
El Osceola Star Newspaper†
Guillermo “Bill” Hansen

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Antonia Coello Novello, M.D., M.P.H, Dr.PH

2010

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Happy Paws Pet Resort

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Pollos Pio Pio Enterprises

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
University of Central Florida
Dr. Humberto Campins

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
HOPE Community Center
Sister Ann Kendrick

EXCELLENCE
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Miguel Lugo

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Ricardo Pesquera, Esq.

2009

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Santoni International Builders, LLC

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Sol Time

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Marchena & Graham, P.A.
Marcos R. Marchena

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Orlando Magic
Linda Landman-González

EXCELLENCE
Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez
Dr. Tomasita Ortiz, Ed. D

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Olga Calvet

2008

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Closed Caption Latina

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
NR Electronics, LLC

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Telemundo Orlando
Homan Machuca

HISPANIC COMMUNITY CHAMPION
University of Central Florida
Linda W. Chapin

EXCELLENCE
City of Orlando
Manuel D. Soto

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Dora Toro

2007

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Signtek Graphics​

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Habana Grill Restaurant

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Orange County Governmen
George Rodón

EXCELLENCE
Orange County 9th Judicial Circuit Court
Judge Wilfredo Martínez

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Conrad Santiago

2006

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
GRG Structures Group

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Royal Press Printing

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
University of Central Florida
Dr. José Fernández

EXCELLENCE
Diocese of Orlando
Father Miguel Gonzalez

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Tirso Moreno

2005

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Atlantis Flowers & Gifts, Co.

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
Homes by Carmen Domínguez, LLC

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
WMFE-TV/FM
José Fajardo

EXCELLENCE
Orange County 9th Judicial Circuit Court
Judge José Rodríguez

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Fernando Bujones†

2004

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Ahora Orlando Magazine/ Creative Angle Media, LLC

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
T&G Constructors

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
George Armando Aguel

EXCELLENCE
Orange County Public School
Dr. Anna D. Díaz

2003

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – FIVE YEARS OR LESS
Intelliorg, Inc.

HISPANIC BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN FIVE YEARS
AXIS, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Denise Godreau

UnTrust/Grupo Bancario Latino
César Calvet

EXCELLENCE
Dr. José Borrero, Surgeon

2017

Small Business of the Year Three Years or Less:
Alta Moda, Inc.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN THREE YEARS
MSE Systems, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau
José Estorino

EXCELLENCE
Silvia Ibañez Law Firm
Silvia Ibañez

2001

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – THREEYEARS OR LESS
Rolling Hills Ford, Inc.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN THREE YEARS
Jardon & Howard Technologies, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Martinez & Company, P.A.
Hector Louis Martínez, Ruggiero

EXCELLENCE
Rey Group
Tony Rey

2000

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – THREE YEARS OR LESS
Global Communications

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN THREE YEARS
International Engineer

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Banco Popular
Mercedes F. McCall

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Maya Telecom
Reynaldo Rodríguez & Ileana DiMario

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Hillcrest Elementary
Aliette A. Scharr

LEGAL PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
11th Judicial Circuit Court
Norberto Katz

1999

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – THREE YEARS OR LESS
CFL Litho

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN THREE YEARS
Albors & Associates

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Latin Music Institute
Angel Martínez

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
American Paving Contractors
Raiza & Pete Tamayo

1998

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – THREE YEARS OR LESS
KDR

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – MORE THAN THREE YEARS
First Roasters

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Sprint
Louis Carrión

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Quality Cable Communications
Jorge Del Río