Hispanic Chamber holds 9th annual Gala Awards

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Queens (HCCQ) proudly celebrated its 9th Annual Gala Awards at Terrace on the Park in Corona on Friday, December 10. Mistress of ceremony Univision correspondent Damaris Diaz initiated the ceremony by sharing a few heartfelt words about her journey as a young model and news correspondent who emigrated from the Dominican Republic to study in the United States on a scholarship. Congressmember Anthony Weiner gave the opening remarks praising the passing of the DREAM Act in the House of Representatives and highlighted the importance of educating Hispanic youth.
HCCQ President Patricia Mahecha then gave the following unique individuals their respective awards: Jorge Muñoz, An Angel in Queens Foundation– Community Service Award; Honorable Christine Quinn, City Council Speaker – Public Service Award; Wells Fargo – Corporate Partner Award; Dr. Maritza Nuñez, Nuñez Dental Services – Hispanic Female Entrepreneur of the Year; Pedro Zamora, Zamora Entertainment & La Boom Inc. – Hispanic Male Entrepreneur of the Year; Robert Levin, NY Enterprise Report – Media Award; Zoila Bofill, Queens Library – The President’s Award. Executive Vice President Eduardo Giraldo led the closing remarks and cleared the floor for a night of dinner and dancing.
-Annamaria Santamaria