Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Honors Valley Business Leaders
The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 59th Annual Black & White Ball and Business Awards earlier this month at the Arizona Grand Resort.
The event is the Chamber’s largest annual fundraiser, and the state’s longest running formal gala – this year it hosted over 1,100 guests.
“We like to think the event is getting better every year, and we certainly believe our guests and supporters always walk away satisfied,” said Gonzalo A. de la Melena, Jr., president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “We think it’s the perfect mix of business, pun intended, ceremony, and just plain fun.”
This year’s theme was Frida and Diego: Art, Love and Life, a tribute to the artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
“There’s nothing like our gala. While we always incorporate a Latino twist to evening’s ambiance, the people who attend always represent the full diversity of the Valley’s business and community diversity,” said de la Melena.
This year’s honorees included Deanna Salazar, senior VP and general counsel, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, who was named Woman of the Year and Benito Almanza, Arizona president of Bank of America, who was named Man of the Year.
The Entrepreneur of the Year recipient was Ernie Garcia, founder/CEO of Carvana and the Arizona Diamondbacks were named Corporation of the Year.
The title of Advocate of the Year was awarded to Janet Murguia, president/CEO of National Council of La Raza. The Legacy Award honoree was retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
