Celebrating Legacy: SHCCNJ 2025 Gala Honors Leaders

Lyndhurst, N.J. — The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) will celebrate a year defined by legacy, resilience, and cultural pride at its 2025 Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, Dec. 11, at The Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, N.J. The evening will bring together business leaders, elected officials, community partners and families to honor achievements that reflect the strength and vision of New Jersey's Latino business community.

The 2025 Gala arrives at a meaningful moment for SHCCNJ President and CEO Carlos Medina, who experienced a personal loss that shaped the Chamber's focus on honoring both personal and collective legacies.

"When my father passed in the spring, I was reminded that out of loss comes strength and a deeper understanding of how the past shapes the future we build. As we close this year, we celebrate that shared legacy — one that strengthens our community today and lays the groundwork for the generations who will inherit everything we are working for," said SHCCNJ President and CEO Carlos Medina.

Medina’s reflection aligns with a year in which SHCCNJ celebrated the 100th birthday of Celia Cruz through the Celia Cruz Centennial Project, sponsored by Bank of America and with the support of Executor Omer Pardillo of Celia Cruz Estate.

Her legacy, defined by joy in adversity, strength in culture and community, shaped the Chamber’s work throughout 2025.

"We honor the everlasting legacy of Celia Cruz, a woman who taught us through her music and her life that life is a carnival and that even in adversity, there is strength in joy. With that same spirit, we celebrate our 2025 honorees who inspire with authenticity and uplift our community with courage and excellence," said SHCCNJ Chairperson Luis O. De La Hoz.

The Gala will be emceed by CEO of Bella Media + Co. and Editor in Chief of BELLA Magazine™ Vanessa Coppes, whose leadership and presence have made her a trusted voice in media and at SHCCNJ events throughout the year.

This year’s celebration comes to life at the gala, where SHCCNJ will honor leaders whose work reflects unwavering commitment, perseverance, and service to New Jersey’s Latino community.

The SHCCNJ 2025 Gala’s honorees include:

• Business of the Year: Las Marias — María Guadalupe Nieves Auroza and Miguel Menez Diaz
• Latino Trailblazer of the Year: President of Bank of America New Jersey Alberto Garofalo
• Community Advocate of the Year: President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Deborah Visconi
• Inaugural Juan Gutierrez Resilience & Excellence Award: President of New Jersey City University Andrés Acebo