Awards Gala Magazine 2025 by Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ

WE CELEBRATE THE IMPACT OF the

We salute the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for your steady commitment to the state. At

We salute the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for your steady commitment

We salute the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for your steady commitment to the state.

At PNC, we celebrate those members of our community who help make it shine more brilliantly.

Thank

Thank you for the difference you make every day.

La Vida es un Carnaval

There are moments in a community’s story when celebration becomes something more profound and transcends into a reminder of who we are, who we come from and the legacy we carry forward.

And how fitting that we gather to reflect on that revelation at Legacy Castle, as we honor the growing impact of Latino businesses on New Jersey’s economy. The name itself invites us to pause, breathe and take in the meaning of what this year represents to us, and among so many accomplished colleagues and friends.

For SHCCNJ, 2025 became that kind of year, one defined by reflection, resilience and a renewed appreciation for the people who shaped our path.

It was also a year when Celia Cruz’s rhythm moved throughout New Jersey, the place she called home for more than 40 years. Her spirit came alive on May 9, when SHCCNJ launched the Celia Cruz Centennial Celebration at Fort Lee’s Barrymore Film Center, unveiling a star on the Walk of Fame for a woman who transformed not only music, but the cultural identity of millions. It marked the first major tribute of The Celia Project — our year-long celebration, sponsored by Bank of America, honoring Celia’s 100th birthday.

The Barrymore Film Center, located where American cinema was born, became a stage where history, film and music converged in one unforgettable afternoon. Echoes of azúcar filled the air, reminding us that even in our most challenging moments, la vida es un carnaval.

Coverage from ABC, CBS and Telemundo amplified the moment, capturing what those present already felt: the air was filled with memory, gratitude and pride. But above all, it was filled with joy — the same joy Celia carried through exile, heartbreak, triumph and reinvention. Our Mistress of Ceremonies Olga Merediz set the tone with a single line that hushed the room:

Master of Ceremony

and Celia Cruz’s Legacy Transcends Vanessa Coppes

CEO, Bella Media + Co. Editor in Chief, BELLA

Magazine™

“She wasn’t just an entertainer — she is history.”

From there, the afternoon unfolded as a living tribute to Celia’s legacy. Senator M. Teresa Ruiz spoke with the conviction of a leader who understands the weight of representation. Carlos Medina reflected on Celia’s influence on New Jersey’s Latino business community — her voice a symbol of resilience, her presence a reminder of the power of visibility.

Dignitaries, artists and community members stepped forward not just with remarks, but with heart, threading their own stories into hers. Giselle Bellas’ performance of “La Vida es un Carnaval” and Marisol Medina’s harmonies set the tone before Celia’s niece Linda Pritchett and her longtime manager and estate executor, Omer Pardillo-Cid, led the walkover to unveil the star. When the covering lifted and the star caught the afternoon sun, the applause felt like gratitude made visible.

It wasn’t just an unveiling. It was a homecoming. A legacy reaffirmed.

Supported by Bank of America and presented in partnership with the Celia Cruz Estate, the celebration became the heartbeat of a larger story — a year when New Jersey honored one of its own and embraced the truth she lived by: joy is strength, culture is power and comunidad carries us through.

In the months that followed, the centennial did not simply continue — it expanded, reaching deeper into the communities Celia once inspired. The art wall opening at KVibe Studios in Jersey City set the tone, transforming a local space into a vibrant homage to her spirit. A summer Sip and Paint inside Bank of America’s Elizabeth branch filled the room with color, conversation and connection. And in West

Vanessa Coppes is an award-winning CEO and Editor-in-Chief of BELLA Magazine, a leading international lifestyle publication. In 2019, she acquired the magazine and founded BELLA Media + Co., where she oversees all digital, editorial, and creative direction of the brand’s expanding multimedia platform.

Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Coppes dreamed from a young age of working in the New York City magazine world. She began her professional journey as an educator after earning her degree in teaching. In 2006, she moved to the United States, became certified to teach in New York, and later navigated a deeply personal experience with postpartum depression. Seeking a creative outlet, she launched a line of costume jewelry that was featured in BELLA Magazine in 2009—an opportunity that opened the door to her joining the publication as Marketing Director and Digital Social Strategist, cementing her future in media.

In 2012, Coppes co-founded ETTWomen and the ETTWomen Foundation, organizations dedicated to empowering women through

Sí, La Vida es un Carnaval, y Nuestro Compromiso es dejar un legado.

mentorship, education, and resources especially female survivors of domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

She is also the author of “5 Steps to Fabulous: Choices for Living Beautifully Inside and Out,” a guide that reflects her commitment to holistic empowerment. Beyond her editorial and philanthropic leadership, Coppes connects with audiences through BELLA TV, the “Real Talk with BELLA” podcast, and frequent media appearances, including contributions to New York’s PIX11 News and guest speaking engagements at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Adding to her entrepreneurial footprint, Coppes now owns two restaurants and a catering company in the Dominican Republic, expanding her family’s culinary legacy and continuing to champion the connection between culture, community, and cuisine. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and representation in media, Coppes resides in New Jersey with her husband, their two sons, and their rescued Pitbull—who all happily enjoy her Dominican cooking.

New York, a salsa class at another Bank of America branch turned a weekday evening into a celebration of movement, memory and comunidad — the heartbeat of Celia’s legacy.

Modern Day Latina - March

In March, Women’s History Month took center stage with The Modern Day Latina panel, uniting Senator Teresa Ruiz, PBS correspondent Raven Santana and BELLA Media’s Vanessa Coppes. Their conversation—rooted in identity, leadership and balance reminded us that influence doesn’t have to shout to be felt.

2025 Health & Wellness Fair

Our General Counsel, Marco A. Gonzalez Jr., served as emcee for the 2025 Health & Wellness Fair at the Park Hotel at the Meadowlands. The event was a great success, drawing strong attendance from members, families and community partners. Sponsored by leading health organizations and local businesses, the fair promoted wellness, connection and education—reminding us that a healthy community is the foundation of a thriving one.

Celia Cruz Centennial Kickoff in May Then came May, and the rhythm was pure azúcar. With the support of Bank of America, SHCCNJ kicked off the Celia Cruz Centennial Celebration at the Barrymore Film Center, unveiling a star for the Queen of Salsa herself. Music, memory and pride filled the air as we honored a woman whose voice transcended borders and generations.

A Digital Leap Forward - June

By June, the Chamber had unveiled a sleek, member-focused website designed to better serve entrepreneurs and partners. We also continued to elevate Latino perspectives statewide—leading press conferences, amplifying member success stories, and ensuring our community’s voice remains strong in every room where policy and opportunity are shaped.

World Cup Countdown Exhibit

Also in June, fútbol fever arrived early with our World Cup Countdown exhibit featuring worldrenowned Italian sculptor Dante Mortet. His art captured not just the sport, but the spirit— reminding us that creativity and passion are universal languages.

Feria de Negocios - July

When July arrived, so did one of our biggest moments of the year: La Feria de Negocios. More than 500 attendees filled Pines Manor for one of New Jersey’s largest Latino business expos. Vendors, sponsors and even gubernatorial candidates came together under one roof to celebrate commerce and cultura. Deals were made, partnerships born, and the dance floor stayed lively long after the speeches ended.

Making History in Mexico

And then came November—a moment that elevated our mission onto the world stage. SHCCNJ joined Governor Phil Murphy and Choose New Jersey on the historic Economic Mission to Mexico City, marking the first time a nongovernmental organization co-sponsored a state-led international trade mission.

For SHCCNJ President and CEO Carlos Medina and Chairman Luis O. De La Hoz, it was more than diplomacy, it was deeply personal. After a year marked by loss and resilience, the trip represented connection, healing and purpose. From signing international education and labor agreements to building bridges with Mexico’s business community, the mission proved that when we collaborate sin fronteras, we create opportunity that transcends geography.

Atlantic City Hospitality Fiesta

As autumn turned to winter, SHCCNJ brought the fiesta to the shore with our Atlantic City Hospitality Celebration—a vibrant mix of networking, tourism and nightlife that perfectly captured the Chamber’s signature energy: professional by day, celebratory by night.

Juntos: Chamber Talks

In August, members asked for deeper connection—and we delivered. Juntos: Chamber Talks debuted as a monthly networking and leadership series where ideas flowed like café and community came alive in every conversation.

Diversity and Procurement Expo

September brought the Diversity and Procurement Expo, featuring Telemundo 47 President Cristina Schwarz in a dynamic fireside chat about representation and supplier diversity. The message was clear: inclusion isn’t an initiative—it’s good business.

The Heartbeat of a Chamber

From policy wins to pitch stages, from salsa tributes to trade missions, 2025 was a masterclass in agility, collaboration and familia. Through every pivot and project, we never lost sight of our purpose: to serve, support and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of New Jersey’s Latino community. As we raise our glasses this Gala night and look toward 2026, one truth stands tall—SHCCNJ doesn’t just adapt to change. We lead it.

Because when we move with corazón and comunidad,

juntos siempre llegamos más lejos.

AWARDS SPONSOR

Inaugural Juan Gutierrez Resilience & Excellence Award

Andrés Acebo

President of New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University Andrés Acebo, the 13th President of New Jersey City University, is the proud first-generation son of Cuban exiles and a Hudson County native who grew up in Union City, New Jersey, and has maintained strong ties to the community.

In January 2023, he became only the third Hispanic to serve as the leader of a four-year public institution of higher education in the State of New Jersey. He is the youngest known president to ever lead a public university in New Jersey. Acebo was unanimously appointed president by the Board of Trustees on July 23, 2025, after serving as interim president since January 17, 2023. In less than two years of widely praised mission-driven servant leadership, Acebo has demonstrated extraordinary vision, guiding NJCU from a fiscal emergency to a remarkable recovery.

Under his leadership, NJCU achieved its first balanced operating budget since 2017 transforming a $22.7 million deficit into

financial stability. This recovery earned historic recognition from rating agencies: Moody’s upgraded NJCU from “negative” to “stable” (February 2024) and then to “positive” (May 2025), while Fitch followed with its own upgrade (November 2024). These represented NJCU’s first rating improvements in over a decade, first-ever positive outlook from Moody’s, and first consecutive annual upgrades since at least 2003. Taking office during a financial emergency, Acebo orchestrated four major strategic initiatives: the NJCU Recovery and Revitalization Plan (April 2023), the university’s first Academic Master Plan (February 2024), first Strategic Enrollment Plan (April 2023), and inaugural Student Development and Community Engagement Strategic Plan (December 2024).

In February 2024, the university also refreshed its Mission Statement and introduced its first-ever Vision Statement. His leadership has garnered significant recognition. ROI-NJ named him the No. 1 ranked Influencer in New Jersey Higher Education (May 2024), while NJBiz ranked him No. 4 overall in their Education Power 50 List (September 2024)—the highest ranking of any college president in the state. He was also

named to ROI’s Champions of the C-Suite Top 30 (October 2024) and selected to their 2025 Influencers Power List Super 75. Additionally, he has forged key partnerships with other colleges, highlighted by the Hudson Connect Program with Hudson County Community College, and similar agreements with Essex County College and Mercer County Community College.

He has signed key strategic MOUs, including with the NJEA, Hudson Building Trades, GLACO, AFT Local 1839, Jersey City POBA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County, SHCCNJ and HCLACC, and helped lead NJCU’s movement of its athletics program to join with CUNYAC members to form a new conference in 2026. NJCU’s relationship with Jersey City Public Schools has strengthened significantly during Acebo’s tenure, launching partnerships with the A. Harry Moore Laboratory School’s LIFT program and the JCPS Visual and Performing Arts Program both on campus. Acebo holds a B.A. from Brown University and a Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School. A product of Union City public schools, he is father to three young children and husband to an NJCU alumna who shares his commitment to community service.

Latino Trailblazer of the Year Award

Alberto Garofalo

President, Bank of America New Jersey

Alberto Garofalo serves as President of Bank of America New Jersey, where he leads enterprise-wide integration across business lines to deliver the full scope of the bank’s financial services to individuals and businesses statewide. He also drives the bank’s corporate and social responsibility strategy locally, overseeing philanthropic giving, community development lending and investing, environmental initiatives, arts and culture projects, and employee volunteerism for more than 10,000 associates across New Jersey.

Alberto also holds the role of Chief Security Officer – Global Physical Security, Life Safety, and Executive Protection. In this

capacity, he leads intelligence-driven physical security and safety programs designed to protect employees, executives, clients, brand, and assets. He also develops proactive strategies to reduce health and safety risks to employees and clients across the enterprise.

Since joining Bank of America in 2003, Alberto has held a range of leadership roles, including Head of CRA, Diverse Segments & Retail Financial Center Optimization, where he led efforts to deploy capital, create jobs, and foster economic mobility. His career spans national operations, multicultural strategy, business controls, and executive leadership across contact and financial center organizations.

Widely recognized for his impact on New Jersey’s business and nonprofit communities, Alberto has been named to ROI-NJ’s Power List of Influencers, NJBIZ’s Power 100, and ROI-NJ’s Champions of the C-Suite. He serves on the board of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and is an alumnus of the Latino Corporate Directors Association board readiness program.

Born in Cuba and raised in Hudson County, Alberto is passionate about education, building strong communities, and responsible growth. He resides in New Jersey with his family.

Community Advocate of the Year Award

Deborah Visconi

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center President and CEO

Deborah Visconi is a highly accomplished executive with more than 30 years of success in providing strategic direction, vision, leadership, and oversight of operations in hospitals and healthcare systems across the metropolitan region.

Due to her remarkable career, she was identified and selected to be the champion leader tasked to transition New Jersey’s largest hospital from its former for-profit management model to a new, non-profit community asset now known as Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.

As a Latinx hospital leader, Deb understands the unique issues and needs of underserved and minority communities, which she has prioritized in the hospital’s community health needs assessment process and its ongoing outreach efforts.

With Deb’s organizational and strategic planning expertise, Bergen New Bridge has expanded programs and services, and enhanced provider relations yielding improvement in quality, safety, and the patient/resident experience. The Medical Center has been recognized as a ‘Top Hospital’ and ‘Top Teaching Hospital’ by the Leapfrog Group. The Medical Center has been recognized as a Top Diversity Leader by Modern Healthcare, received the Empowering Women Award from NJBIZ, and Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The Joint Commission awarded Bergen New Bridge its Advanced Certification in Health Equity.

Consistent with her commitment to healthcare outreach and education, Deb collaborates with the County of Bergen and other community partners to launch

programs that deliver care onsite, directly and via telehealth to thousands in the community including the innovative CareRite Now primary care centers located in select Bergen County Inserra ShopRite supermarkets.

Deb is an active volunteer and serves on many boards and has been frequently acknowledged for her accomplishments and leadership, winning numerous awards, and receiving recognitions from Crain’s, Modern Healthcare, NJBIZ, Becker’s, and many more.

Business of the Year Award

María Nieves & Miguel Menez

Owners of Las Marías Delicias Poblanas Restaurant

In the vibrant heart of New Brunswick, Las Marías Delicias Poblanas restaurant is not merely a culinary destination; it is a living testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and community. Behind the aroma of authentic Poblano cuisine are María Guadalupe Nieves Auroza and Miguel Menez Díaz, two individuals originally from Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico, whose entrepreneurial odyssey is a true inspiration for all those chasing the American Dream. Miguel’s story began with an act of courage. At just 16 years old, he was the first in his family to cross the border into the United States, driven by the desire to forge a better future for his parents and sisters. Years later, upon returning to his homeland, destiny introduced him to María, and together they decided to embark on the adventure of migration, unsure of what lay ahead. The first 15 years in the United States were a period of profound challenges. However, the couple was blessed with three children—Eli, Belén, and Max, which intensified their search for stability. They soon realized that a traditional salary would not be enough to achieve the economic well-being they sought, and thus, with more determination than experience, they decided to venture into business.

The path of entrepreneurship was brutal. In a first attempt, the couple lost all the savings they had accumulated over seven years, leaving them “on the street.” Far from giving up, they saved again and tried a second time, suffering, once more, a total loss. Amid the frustration, María recognized a fundamental truth: she was doing something wrong, but she lacked the knowledge to correct it. Her determination led her to seek help, and it was then that a phrase became her mantra: “When you desire something with your heart, the universe conspires to make it happen.” The decisive turning point arrived in 2016 when María enrolled in the Rising Tide Capital academy. Unbeknownst to her, this course not only revealed where she had erred but also gifted her with two tremendous presents: the discovery of her own talents and what she calls her “angel,” an invaluable guide.

The dream took shape on June 9, 2017, with the opening of Las Marías, but the adventure was far from easy. Despite the training, the opening found them without a single dollar to continue and facing even greater challenges. Her “angel” and the crucial support of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce became their salvation. Academic education, continuous guidance, and access to information and opportunities transformed their business. María graduated from programs like HETP (July 2019) and LETS (June 2020), solidifying the business foundations she previously lacked. Since then, Las Marías has been

a beacon of progress, participating in the “Hispanic Business Expo” for nearly nine consecutive years, winning awards, and receiving recognition from cities such as West New York, Newark, and New Brunswick, as well as the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick. This growth, María asserts, is measured not only economically but also by the transformative impact her company has on people, families, and communities.

Las Marías Delicias Poblanas is a motor for community development. The restaurant consistently interacts with the community in New Brunswick and its surroundings, demonstrating a profound social commitment. The couple donates time, space, and economic support through collaboration with multiple non-profit organizations, directing resources to the most vulnerable communities. Furthermore, María Nieves has taken on the personal mission of supporting women and new entrepreneurs who are just starting out. By generously sharing her valuable experience, information, and opportunities, María actively works to make the entrepreneurial path a smoother and faster route for those who follow her. She firmly believes that true success lies in the impact one can offer to transform lives.

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ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

AWARDS SPONSOR

Clara Maass Medical Center

Community Medical Center

Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

Jersey City Medical Center

Monmouth Medical Center and The Unterberg Children’s Hospital

Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

Trinitas Regional Medical Center

RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health Center

Children’s Specialized Hospital

Rutgers Cancer Institute

Where Entrepreneurs Go for Bold Moves Welcome to the Innovation Hub

If you’ve ever walked along the Hudson, you know that spark - the skyline, the energy, the sense that anything’s possible.

Now, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey shares that same spirit with a place for you along Jersey City’s Gold Coast. The Innovation Hub (I-Hub) at New Jersey City University stands at the heart of creativity and commerce. Surrounded by acclaimed restaurants and cultural landmarks with sweeping views of Manhattan and quick access to Wall Street, it’s more than a milestone for SHCCNJ. It’s where innovation meets opportunity and where entrepreneurs find their home.

In partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), New Jersey City University (NJCU) and Kean University, the I-Hub was born from a simple idea: to bring tools, mentorship and market access within reach of the people shaping New Jersey’s future.

Thanks to a $75,000 investment from NJEDA, a single classroom at NJCU’s School of Business has been transformed into a thriving center for entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive growth helping small-business owners dream bigger and scale faster.

“This is more than a space, it’s a movement. Our goal is to ensure every entrepreneur who walks through these doors feels equipped to build, lead and scale with access to bilingual training, one-on-one mentorship and a direct line to opportunity,” said Daniela Carolina Velez, SHCCNJ’s I-Hub manager.

Perched above the Hudson River, the I-Hub’s location is both symbolic and strategic. “From here, we’re connected to the world,” said Jairo Borja, SHCCNJ’s vice president of corporate and entrepreneurial programs. “Our members don’t have to leave New Jersey to go global—they can innovate right here, with the skyline as inspiration and the Chamber as their partner.”

Our partnership-driven initiative reflects a shared belief across the state’s higher education and economic sectors—that prosperity begins with access. NJCU President Andrés “Andy” Acebo captured it best:

“The Innovation Hub gives our students and small business owners a real seat at the table. It’s about prospering in place building wealth and opportunity without having to leave your community.”

The I-Hub’s mission extends beyond entrepreneurship—it’s about empowering people to realize their potential. With business education, mentorship and networking opportunities, SHCCNJ is redefining what inclusive innovation looks like on New Jersey’s Gold Coast and beyond. As SHCCNJ President and CEO Carlos Medina shared, “We’re not just opening doors. We’re building the floors above them.” The I-Hub is open, active and ready to welcome entrepreneurs, partners and community leaders who want to grow, learn and build a future together.

To learn more, schedule a visit or get involved, contact Daniela Velez at dvelez@ shccnj.org.

SPONSOR PIONEER

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR