(ORLANDO, FL) December 14, 2019—The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) and Prospera co-hosted the twenty-second Don Quijote Awards gala, honoring the Don Quijote Award winners, including CEO Angela Albán and SIMETRI, selected as this year’s winner for the Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or More.

The event, whose top sponsors are Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Wells Fargo, took place on Dec. 14 at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion. The annual gala has become 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.

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.

The recipients of the 22nd Don Quijote Awards joining Albán are:

  • Lifetime Achievement: Jose Nido, Wyndham Destinations
  • Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less: NuCare Therapy, owned by Carolina Rincón
  • Professional of the Year: Dra. Giorgina Pinedo Rolón, Ciudad de Orlando
  • Excellence: Louis A. Quiñones, Jr., Orange County Corrections Dept.
  • Hispanic Community Champion: The Honorable Andy Gardiner, former Florida Senator and Orlando Health Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Community Relations

“I have been honored to serve as chair of this year’s Don Quijote Awards, and I thank you for your support and participation, for embracing the missions and efforts of the chamber and Prospera,” said the 22nd Don Quijote Awards Chair Carlos Carbonell, founder and CEO of Echo Tech Strategy & Apps and 2013 Don Quijote Business of the Year Award winner. “Based on my experience, I can say that these awards are more than recognition; they inspire each winner to strive for more and to continue working for the benefit of our community.”

This year’s event theme was inspired by technology and its impact on the way we live, communicate, and do business. Attendees entered the opening cocktail on the red carpet and enjoyed musical presentations by Opera del Sol and Central Florida Vocal Arts, ending with dancing led by DJ Frankie G from 98.1 Salsa y Mas.

“This event is more than a gala, it is the recognition of the impact Hispanic professionals and business owners are making to the economic growth of Central Florida,” said Gaby Ortigoni, president of HCCMO. We have a very diverse group of finalists who are leaders in the areas of technology, service, art and culture, health care, public safety, communications, and government.”

“All funds raised through the Don Quijote Awards will help establish, strengthen and grow businesses in Central Florida, generating economic benefits and greater prosperity for families, employees and our community,” said Prospera President & CEO Augusto Sanabria. “Congratulations to the 2019 winners and finalists for exhibiting qualities and values that elevate the image of Hispanics in our region and the U.S.”

The Don Quijote Awards are made possible thanks to the support of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Wells Fargo, AdventHealth, Florida Blue, Universal Orlando Resort, Bank of America, Orlando Health, Orlando Magic, JPMorgan Chase, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Paychex, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, The Boeing Company, Visit Orlando, Orlando