While the spotlight was on Latinos at the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 35th anniversary gala, it was Mayor Annise Parker who received the Chairman's Award before a gathering of 1,200 at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
The mayor was not alone, however, in receiving recognition. University of Houston-Downtown president William Flores was honored as Hispanic Male Executive of the Year, BP America vice president of operations Aleida Rios as Hispanic Female Executive of the Year, Rick Perez as Hispanic Male Entrepreneur of the Year, Delia Reyna as Hispanic Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Angelica Garcia-Dunn for AIM Global Logistics as Emerging Hispanic Business of the Year.
As Mayor Parker pointed out in remarks to the gathering, the vibrancy of the gala with its impressive turnout and honorees is proof of the "dynamic growth and relevance of Latino entrepreneurship in the Houston area."
Taking the lead in the evening that included award presentations, dinner by Cordua Restaurants and dancing to the sounds of Grupo Kache were chamber president and CEO Laura Murillo and board chairman Gilbert Herrera of Herrera Partners LP.
Joining the festivities were Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and wife Gwen, Lucrecia Jasminoy, Ignacio Flores, Luis E. Garza, Emilio Castillo, Judith G. Cooper, Mike Loya, Bubba Levy, Maria Gonzalez and 33 members of the chamber's Emerging Leaders Institute inaugural class.
