Carpe Diem through the new year!

This article was originally featured in the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s 2025 Gala program, Carpe Diem: it offers a moment to look back on a year marked by purpose, perseverance, and progress—and to appreciate the collective work that carried our community forward.

What a year to celebrate, familia.

As the lights of the holiday season shine throughout New Jersey, and we check off our holiday shopping lists, we must seize the moment to look back with a thoughtful mix of deep appreciation and awe.

For the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), 2025 was a journey of purpose, perseverance and progress.

We overcame challenges that tested our resolve and pushed us to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. Early in the year, we revised our communications to align with the new national policy on language and terminology. While our Chamber has always embraced inclusion, our membership is already more than 45% non-Latino, we saw this moment not as a setback, but as an invitation to evolve.

We responded with creativity and conviction, reimagining our language to reflect the same values in a new way. One powerful example is our signature Latina Entrepreneurship Training Series, which was reborn as the Level-Up Entrepreneurship Training Series (LETS). This name honors its roots while expanding its reach. And yes, we also, with reservations, revised our Hispanic Entrepreneurship Training Program (HETP) by omitting the word “Hispanic.” Not cool, but we did it. Because leadership sometimes means adapting, even when the change feels uncomfortable.

It was a true carpe diem moment, proving that inclusion isn’t just a word—it’s who we are. And as we continue to tell our story, we’re sprinkling in a little Spanglish—our flavor of love and authenticity, a celebration of culture that reminds us where we come from and why we lead with corazón.

Our milestones and events included the following.

A Year of Milestones and Momentum

Latino-led, entrepreneur-minded and powered by small-business determination, the Chamber turned obstacles into opportunities and dreams into tangible wins.

With corazón, comunidad y compromiso, SHCCNJ produced and participated in approximately 40 events throughout the state—each one a living reminder that when we move juntos, we move New Jersey forward.

Innovation Hub (iHub) Launch - February

February began with big energy and even bigger vision. The launch of the Innovation Hub at New Jersey City University—developed in partnership with NJEDA and guided by NJCU President Andrés Acebo—was a defining moment. The Hub became a catalyst where entrepreneurs, students and small-business owners come together to create, collaborate and innovate.

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.

ETP Graduation - May

May celebrated the next generation of entrepreneurs with another graduating class from the no-cost Entrepreneurship Training Program (ETP). Each graduate left equipped to build, lead and thrive—proof that access and education can transform entire communities.

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 world-renowned 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.

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.

LETS Graduation and Pitch Competition

October marked a milestone for entrepreneurial inclusion. Our Latina Entrepreneurship Training Series evolved into LETS—the Level-Up Entrepreneurship Training Series—expanding opportunity while keeping its empowering spirit intact. Graduates took the stage with well-earned pride before innovators lit up the Pitch Competition with bold, creative business ideas ready for market.

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.

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.

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.