ARTICLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Announces Sold-Out 49th Annual Gala & Hispanic Business Hall of Fame Saturday, November 8, 2025 | Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill 6:00 PM Silent Auction & Networking | 6:45 PM Doors Open | 7:00 PM Dinner Program | Black Tie Attire www.gwhcc.org/gala.html Washington, D.C. — The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) proudly announces that its 49th Annual Gala & Hispanic Business Hall of Fame has officially sold out, with more than 350 guests expected to attend on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. This prestigious black-tie event celebrates the excellence, resilience, and innovation of the Hispanic business community across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The evening will feature a silent auction, a formal dinner, and live entertainment following the awards ceremony. Emcee: Rafael Sanchez-Cruz The evening will be hosted by Rafael Sanchez-Cruz, an award-winning journalist and proud Mexican-American storyteller currently with WUSA9. With over a decade of experience reporting from the heart of the nation’s capital and 11 Capital Emmy Awards, Sanchez-Cruz is recognized for his deep commitment to storytelling that reflects and uplifts diverse communities. Honorees: Celebrating Excellence and Impact Each year, the GWHCC honors exceptional leaders and businesses who have made significant contributions to the economic and cultural advancement of the Hispanic community across the region. This year’s distinguished honorees include: Small Business of the Year – Bravo Media Corp., accepted by CEO, Director, and Producer Néstor Bravo Néstor Bravo is a Venezuelan-born, five-time Emmy Award-winning director, producer, actor, and filmmaker, recognized internationally for his work in entertainment and digital media. As the founder and CEO of Bravo Media Corp, a digital media and audiovisual production agency based in Alexandria, VA, he leads a multicultural team delivering innovative content strategies and campaigns with proven results — including a 302% ROI and over 7,500 leads generated for clients. Bravo Media Corp. has received Capital Emmy Awards for “Silvana Quiroz Presenta” and the Venice Film Festival’s Best Music Video Award for “Mi Salud Mental”, highlighting their excellence in storytelling, diversity, and inclusion. Young Hispanic Entrepreneur Award – Daniella Senior, Founder & CEO of Colada Shop A visionary Dominican entrepreneur and Culinary Institute of America graduate, Daniella Senior began her culinary journey at 13 and now leads seven Colada Shop locations across the D.C. area. She also co-founded Michelin-starred Bresca and the award-winning Serenata and Zumo, blending Latin American flavor with social impact. Her leadership has earned recognition from Forbes Next 1000, Washington Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and the James Beard Foundation. Legacy Award – Jackie Reyes-Yanes, Former Director of the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs A longtime community advocate, Jackie Reyes-Yanes has dedicated her career to empowering the Latino community through education, housing, immigration, and small business support. The first Latina to lead D.C.’s Office on Latino Affairs, her leadership continues to shape policies and opportunities for thousands of residents and entrepreneurs in the District. Corporate Community Anchor Award – Toyota, accepted by Mark Shwetz, Principal of 186 Advertising, Agent for the Washington Area Toyota Dealers Toyota stands as the #1 choice among Hispanic car buyers in the D.C. region and leads in vehicle sales across the market. The brand proudly supports Hispanic cultural and business events, including Fiesta DC, The Peruvian Festival, and The Salvadoran Festival, while maintaining a strong partnership with the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. A Message from GWHCC President & CEO, Nicole Quiroga “This year’s sold-out Gala is a testament to the strength, unity, and innovation of the Hispanic business community,” said Nicole Quiroga, President & CEO of the GWHCC. “As we celebrate our 49th year, we honor leaders who continue to redefine what success looks like — not just in business, but in service, creativity, and community impact. This event represents more than recognition — it’s a celebration of legacy, progress, and the power of connection.” A Night to Remember Guests will enjoy a silent auction, networking reception, a three-course dinner, and live entertainment in one of Washington’s most iconic venues. The Gala continues to be the Chamber’s largest annual fundraising event, supporting programs that empower Hispanic entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the region. Thank You to Our Sponsors The GWHCC expresses its deepest gratitude to the sponsors who make this celebration possible: GWHCC Trustees: Events DC, Pepco, Giant, Verizon President’s Club: Amazon, Toyota, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, DC Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs Gold Sponsors: State Farm James Brown Insurance Agency, DC Paid Family Leave and the DC Department of Employment Services Entertainment Sponsor: El Zol 107.9 Photobooth Sponsor: DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking Program Sponsor: DC Health Link Dessert Sponsors: Bank of America, PenFed Credit Union Wine Sponsors: CalPro Group Inc., La Z 107.1, La Pantera 100.7 Table Sponsors: PNC, Kaiser Permanente, Comcast, DSLBD, Washington Gas, WesBanco, AmeriHealth Caritas Overnight Room Reservations – GWHCC Room Block Guests are encouraged to extend their evening and enjoy the convenience of staying at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. GWHCC has secured a discounted room block for Gala attendees. Reserve your room before October 31, 2025, to access the exclusive rate: Hyatt GWHCC Room Block Reservations Event Information Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025 Venue: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill Website: www.gwhcc.org/gala.html Attendance: 350+ guests (SOLD OUT) PRESS CONTACT Idaliz Ortiz Morales Director of Marketing & Communications Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce iortizmorales@gwhcc.org 202-728-0352 www.gwhcc.org About the GWHCC GWHCC is a membership-driven non-profit organization that supports the economic development of the Greater Washington region by facilitating the success of businesses and the communities they serve through networking, advocacy, education, and access to capital.
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill 6:00 PM Silent Auction & Networking | 6:45 PM Doors Open | 7:00 PM Dinner Program | Black Tie Attire www.gwhcc.org/gala.html
Washington, D.C. — The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) proudly announces that its 49th Annual Gala & Hispanic Business Hall of Fame has officially sold out, with more than 350 guests expected to attend on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.
This prestigious black-tie event celebrates the excellence, resilience, and innovation of the Hispanic business community across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The evening will feature a silent auction, a formal dinner, and live entertainment following the awards ceremony.
The evening will be hosted by Rafael Sanchez-Cruz, an award-winning journalist and proud Mexican-American storyteller currently with WUSA9. With over a decade of experience reporting from the heart of the nation’s capital and 11 Capital Emmy Awards, Sanchez-Cruz is recognized for his deep commitment to storytelling that reflects and uplifts diverse communities.
Each year, the GWHCC honors exceptional leaders and businesses who have made significant contributions to the economic and cultural advancement of the Hispanic community across the region. This year’s distinguished honorees include:
Small Business of the Year – Bravo Media Corp., accepted by CEO, Director, and Producer Néstor Bravo Néstor Bravo is a Venezuelan-born, five-time Emmy Award-winning director, producer, actor, and filmmaker, recognized internationally for his work in entertainment and digital media. As the founder and CEO of Bravo Media Corp, a digital media and audiovisual production agency based in Alexandria, VA, he leads a multicultural team delivering innovative content strategies and campaigns with proven results — including a 302% ROI and over 7,500 leads generated for clients. Bravo Media Corp. has received Capital Emmy Awards for “Silvana Quiroz Presenta” and the Venice Film Festival’s Best Music Video Award for “Mi Salud Mental”, highlighting their excellence in storytelling, diversity, and inclusion.
Young Hispanic Entrepreneur Award – Daniella Senior, Founder & CEO of Colada Shop A visionary Dominican entrepreneur and Culinary Institute of America graduate, Daniella Senior began her culinary journey at 13 and now leads seven Colada Shop locations across the D.C. area. She also co-founded Michelin-starred Bresca and the award-winning Serenata and Zumo, blending Latin American flavor with social impact. Her leadership has earned recognition from Forbes Next 1000, Washington Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and the James Beard Foundation.
Legacy Award – Jackie Reyes-Yanes, Former Director of the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs A longtime community advocate, Jackie Reyes-Yanes has dedicated her career to empowering the Latino community through education, housing, immigration, and small business support. The first Latina to lead D.C.’s Office on Latino Affairs, her leadership continues to shape policies and opportunities for thousands of residents and entrepreneurs in the District.
Corporate Community Anchor Award – Toyota, accepted by Mark Shwetz, Principal of 186 Advertising, Agent for the Washington Area Toyota Dealers Toyota stands as the #1 choice among Hispanic car buyers in the D.C. region and leads in vehicle sales across the market. The brand proudly supports Hispanic cultural and business events, including Fiesta DC, The Peruvian Festival, and The Salvadoran Festival, while maintaining a strong partnership with the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“This year’s sold-out Gala is a testament to the strength, unity, and innovation of the Hispanic business community,” said Nicole Quiroga, President & CEO of the GWHCC. “As we celebrate our 49th year, we honor leaders who continue to redefine what success looks like — not just in business, but in service, creativity, and community impact. This event represents more than recognition — it’s a celebration of legacy, progress, and the power of connection.”
Guests will enjoy a silent auction, networking reception, a three-course dinner, and live entertainment in one of Washington’s most iconic venues. The Gala continues to be the Chamber’s largest annual fundraising event, supporting programs that empower Hispanic entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the region.
The GWHCC expresses its deepest gratitude to the sponsors who make this celebration possible:
GWHCC Trustees: Events DC, Pepco, Giant, Verizon President’s Club: Amazon, Toyota, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, DC Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs Gold Sponsors: State Farm James Brown Insurance Agency, DC Paid Family Leave and the DC Department of Employment Services Entertainment Sponsor: El Zol 107.9 Photobooth Sponsor: DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking Program Sponsor: DC Health Link Dessert Sponsors: Bank of America, PenFed Credit Union Wine Sponsors: CalPro Group Inc., La Z 107.1, La Pantera 100.7 Table Sponsors: PNC, Kaiser Permanente, Comcast, DSLBD, Washington Gas, WesBanco, AmeriHealth Caritas
Guests are encouraged to extend their evening and enjoy the convenience of staying at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. GWHCC has secured a discounted room block for Gala attendees.
Reserve your room before October 31, 2025, to access the exclusive rate: Hyatt GWHCC Room Block Reservations
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025 Venue: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill Website: www.gwhcc.org/gala.html Attendance: 350+ guests (SOLD OUT)
Idaliz Ortiz Morales Director of Marketing & Communications Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce iortizmorales@gwhcc.org 202-728-0352 www.gwhcc.org
GWHCC is a membership-driven non-profit organization that supports the economic development of the Greater Washington region by facilitating the success of businesses and the communities they serve through networking, advocacy, education, and access to capital.