Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana Excelencia Gala
02/01/2024
By: Sue Strachan of MyNewOrleans.com
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana Excelencia Gala kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, but also honored individuals or companies for achievements and active engagement with the Hispanic business community.
The party on Sept. 15 was held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.
Entertainment included Fermin Ceballos and the Caribbean All Stars during the cocktail hour, followed by a special presentation during dinner by Escuela Victoriano López’s Orquesta Sinfónica from Honduras. Dancing to the sounds of Julio & Cesar Band, as well as DJ Dotcommer of Mambomundo, went into the late evening hours.
The culinary experience was curated by Hyatt Regency New Orleans Executive Chef Kalych Padro, who crafted a Latin American “Surf & Turf” menu with hors d’oeuvres and a three-course, sit-down dinner.
The night included an awards ceremony with honorees introduced by Mayra Pineda, HCCL president and CEO, and Raiza Pitre, HCCL board chair, who co-chaired the gala with Paula Duplantis: Corporate Partner: Ochsner Health with Pete November, president and CEO, accepting the award; Community Leader Honoree: CRC We Care We Share with Jenny Mains, chief commercial officer at CRC Global Solutions and Ronnie Mains, president and owner, accepting; President’s Choice: Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R. with Chris Ferris, Fidelity Bank president and CEO accepting; Small Business Honoree: Norma’s Sweet Bakery owned by Norma Castillo, who accepted the award; and Young Leader Honoree: Chef Edgar Caro of Brasa.
“The 2023 Excelencia Gala exceeded all our expectations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for supporting our sole fundraiser of the year. Their support enabled us to host a record-breaking event,” says Pineda.