2011 HISPANIC BUSINESS CONFERENCE HONORARY CHAIR

ALEX MARTINS – Orlando Magic President

Alex Martins, recently appointed President of the Orlando Magic, has spent 23 years in professional sports management and over the past four years, led the Magic in its business operations, overseeing the largest increase in attendance in the NBA, and built its season ticket base to its highest level in its history. Martins has recently been named to the NBA Team Presidents Advisory Council, and he also has served as the senior vice president of marketing and branding for the NBA´s New Orleans Hornets, and vice president of communications and public affairs with the NFL´s Cleveland Browns. Martins earned his MBA from the University of Central Florida where he was recently inducted into the College of Business Administration´s Hall of Fame. He also serves on the Dean´s Executive Council for the College of Business Administration at UCF.

Martins currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer on the Executive Committee of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, the board of directors of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the board of directors for Florida Children´s Hospital, the board of directors of the Coalition for the Homeless and the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, the board of directors of the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center and the Central Florida board of directors for Seaside National Bank & Trust. Alex Martins is also the Chair of the Central Florida Partnership.

2011 HISPANIC BUSINESS CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Rick Scott, Governor

Rick Scott is the 45th Governor of the great State of Florida. Rick campaigned on creating jobs and turning Florida´s economy around.

Born in Bloomington, Illinois and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Rick Scott is considered one of America’s foremost entrepreneurs. The son of a truck driver and JC Penney clerk, Rick is known as an innovator in business, health care, and politics, and has developed a reputation in the health care industry for providing affordable, high quality services through a patient-centric approach to cost and care. Rick is the founder of two health care providers, Columbia Hospital Corporation and Solantic Corporation, which builds and operates urgent care facilities throughout Florida. Rick also started Conservatives for Patients’ Rights, an organization founded to defend free market principles in health care that focused successfully on defeating President Obama’s government-run public option plan.


Bill Nelson, Senator

Bill Nelson is a true son of Florida: his family came to Florida in 1829; and, his grandparents homesteaded in the early 20th Century on land that today is the Kennedy Space Center.

Bill Nelson is a fifth-generation Floridian, who has served the people of his home state for more than three decades, first as state legislator, then as congressman, then a state Cabinet officer, and now as Florida´s senior United States senator. During his time in the Senate, he´s stopped oil companies from drilling off our coast and has been a tireless champion to save the Everglades.

Almost single-handedly, he stopped the government from confiscating lower-cost prescription drugs from consumers who had purchased them from Canadian pharmacies. More recently, he´s been a leader in the fight to protect children from the hazards of unsafe imported toys. Bill Nelson is someone who thinks public service is a noble calling - and, that´s why he´s devoted his life to serving his community, his state and his country.


Buddy Dyer, Mayor

Buddy Dyer is the dean of Florida’s “big-city” mayors, having served Orlando’s residents since 2003.  Under Orlando’s Strong-Mayor form of government, Mayor Dyer serves as the City’s chief executive and also helps govern and oversee the operations and growth of its city-owned utility and the Orlando International and Executive Airports.


During his time in office, Mayor Dyer has worked relentlessly to advance the community’s shared vision for Orlando as the “Next Great American City.


Julie Stav, Financial Expert & New York Times Best-Selling Author


A New York Times best-selling author, Julie Stav is America´s leading expert and multimedia source on consumer and financial issues concerning the Hispanic community in the U.S. Julie inspires and empowers millions of people every day through her extremely popular national radio show, “Tu Dinero con Julie Stav”. Coined as the “Financial Pied Piper” for the community of over 46 million U.S. Hispanics, she has made hundreds of appearances on the Univision Television as their go-to expert on consumer and financial matters, as well as reaching over 11 million readers each month (print and online) through a distribution agreement with Impremedia Communications.


Through these media properties, Julie empowers the U.S. Hispanic community with the tools they need to realize their financial goals of creating a banking identity, establishing and managing credit, opening and growing a small business, saving for their children´s education, choosing a mutual fund, and acquiring the "Crown Jewel" of the Great American Dream... owning their own home, as well as saving and investing for a secure retirement.


Antonia Coello Novello, MD. MPH. Dr.PH
 - Executive Director, Public Health Policy, Florida Hospital - Former U.S. Surgeon General

Dr. Antonia Coello Novello was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a B.S. degree in 1965 and an M.D. degree in 1970. She served her pediatric internship and residency in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan. She completed her subspecialty training in pediatric nephrology at University of Michigan and Georgetown University. Dr. Novello received a masters in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health in 1982 and a Doctor of Public health in May 2000. She holds countless awards, including the Legion of Merit, The James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, and the National Governor´s Association Distinguished Service to State Government Award, as well as member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society and Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to name a few, and over 50 honoris causa.

Dr. Novello entered the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) in 1978 after working in the private practice of pediatrics and nephrology. Her entire USPHS career was spent at the National Institutes of Health, rising to deputy director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. While at NICHD, she chaired HHS Task Force on Pediatric HIV/AIDS, and co-chaired the NIH Advisory Committee on Women´s Health Issues, and chaired the USPHS revitalization of the Commissioned Corps.

While at NIH, Dr. Novello also gained experience on Capitol Hill as she was detailed to the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources. During this time, she made major contributions to the drafting and enactment of the Organ Procurement Transplantation Act of 1984 (P.L.98-507) and was successful in drafting warning labels concerning the health risks of cigarette smoking.

On March 9, 1990 Dr. Antonia Novello was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O´Connor to serve as the 14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service. Her appointment marked two firsts: Dr. Novello became the first woman and the first Hispanic ever to hold this position. As Surgeon General, Dr. Novello advised the public on health matters such as smoking, AIDS, diet and nutrition, environmental health hazards, and the importance of immunization and disease prevention.

After her Surgeon General tenureship, she served as United Nations Children´s Fund (UNICEF) Special Representative for Health and Nutrition where she advised the Executive Director on issues pertaining to women, children and youth. In particular, Dr. Novello provided leadership toward the global efforts to eliminate iodine and vitamin A deficiency disorders, immunizing the world´s children, and preventing smoking and substance abuse in youth.

On June 3, 1999, Governor George E. Pataki nominated Dr. Novello to be the 13th New York State Health Commissioner. In this capacity, she headed one of the leading health agencies in the nation with a $49 Billion budget – one-third of the whole NY state budget. Some of her responsibilities included: improving Medicaid and Medicare, regulation of hospitals and nursing homes, bio-terrorism preparedness, and September 11 disaster management.

Dr. Novello currently serves as the Executive Director of Public Health Policy at Florida Hospital, where she is in charge of advocating, translating and implementing public health issues across the board.


Allie L. Braswell, Jr., President and CEO Central Florida Urban League

Allie knows the importance of working together on a unified mission: He served 13 years in the United States Marine Corps, and was recently appointed as an Army Reserve Ambassador by the Chief of the Army Reserve. He is relentless in his quest to strengthen and enhance the Urban League´s programs and services throughout the seven counties that it serves.


Allie came to the Urban League professionally after many years of volunteer service, leaving a position as Senior Manager of Global Strategies for Diversity and Inclusion at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. During his first two weeks – a time period in which most are still finding their way around the office – he had already met with several community partners, began an audit of accounting and business practices, streamlined and reorganized departments for greater efficiency, and began to re-establish the Urban League´s reputation as a professional social services provider.

Allie also serves on the Board for Quest, Inc., and MyRegion.org. In May of 2009, he was honored by the General Daniel “Chappie” James Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. in recognition for his service to the community. Allie earned his degree in Information Technology from American Intercontinental University. In his spare time, Allie enjoys spending time with his wife, Rosemary, and their five children.


Colleen Burns, Community Manager YELP

Colleen is the Orlando Community Manager for Yelp, she holds a Marketing degree from UCF and has a deep-rooted passion for Customer Service. Based on her love for social media and sports, she founded LadyBallers.net in 2009 with 4 of her very close friends . She also volunteers her time as Director of Programming for doterati.com.

Her previous roles include 9 years in customer service, 5 years in management roles, 4 years in the interactive marketing space and 3 years of project management.





Cesar E. Calvet, President of CNLBank Banco Latino

César E. Calvet, President of CNLBank Banco Latino and a Senior Officer of CNL Bancshares, was born on November 7, 1945 in Havana, Cuba.  He arrived in the United States in June of 1961 as a participant of the Peter Pan Program for Young Cubans.  He earned his BA in Business Administration and Economics from Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida.
   
In 1968, after completing a two-year tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, César began his professional career with SunTrust Bank Central Florida, N.A. (formerly the First National Bank of Orlando), as a Cash Vault Teller, while attending college.  He worked in various capacities at Sun Bank for thirty seven years.
   
Since August of 2005, César coordinates all banking services for the Spanish and Portuguese speaking communities on a domestic and international basis at CNL Bank. He is also Chairman of the Board of the American Heart Association of Metro Orlando, Member of The Hispanic Leadership Commission (with Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz) and the Advisory Board of the Ana G. Mendez University.


Carlos Carbonell - CEO, Echo Interaction Group

Carlos Carbonell is a graduate of the University of Florida with what´s most likely the only BS in Advertising with an outside concentration in Civil Engineering ever awarded. A world-traveler with 5 continents under his belt, Carlos is originally from Panama City, Panama. In late 2008, along with business partner Mat Gaver, Carlos founded Echo Interaction Group, a results-driven interactive, marketing and design agency. Echo offers comprehensive marketing strategy, technology, branding, multicultural insights, and creative. With a concentration on app development and social media, Echo has set out to impact our world through innovation in the field of marketing.

Carlos brings real-world marketing acumen to the world of enterprise-level app and technology solutions. His passion for non-profits is also apparent in his involvement in various organizations spanning the world of healthcare, advocacy and civil rights (National Board of Governors for the Human Rights Campaign, Board of Directors of Victim Service Center, chair and volunteer for various local groups). Carlos has worked on national campaigns for Fortune 500 companies such as Citi, Marriott, and Pepsi but his expertise also lies in helping startups and entrepreneurs launch their brands the right way for today´s economy.


Adriana Comellas-Macretti,  Director State Farm

Adriana Comellas-Macretti is part of the Executive Department. In her role as a Director she manages State Farm´s relationship with its Goodwill Ambassador Julie Stav and several Hispanic partner organizations. She also works with the Human Resources, Agency Recruiting and other departments in helping them with their strategies in recruiting, retention, and development of multicultural associates.






Betsy Franceschini, Vice President of Accurate Traffic Counts, Inc.

Betsy Franceschini, bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling, graduating with a Suma Cumm Laude from the Catholic University of Ponce, Puerto Rico. She developed and implemented employment training programs for the disabled for varies government agencies in Puerto Rico. She moved to Florida 1985, became employed with a National Health Service Corporation, as a Marketing Manager. Responsible for developing Case Management programs for workers compensation and disability insurance benefits.  She covered Orlando, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, growing her territory’s book of business to third largest in the nation. She received several national awards for her outstanding performance.

Betsy is Vice President of Accurate Traffic Counts, Inc. a family owned and operated company.  She has demonstrated outstanding business development and leadership skills.  She has been instrumental in achieving her company’s continuous success for the past fifteen years, obtaining recognition as one of the Top 25 small businesses in Central Florida and awarded the Top 100 fastest growing companies in the State of Florida.  She won the Businesswomen of the Year 2001 award by Magellan Media Corporation; Dove of Peace International Award -2006, for outstanding Community Leadership; Hispanic Business Initiative Fund – Entrepreneurial Excellence Award – 2008. She currently serves as Secretary for the Board of Directors of the Orange County Democratic Hispanic Caucus. Member of the Seminole DEC Affirmative Action Committee; Past Chair of the Seminole County Hispanic Caucus.


Rafael Gerena, CEO of Instruxo LLC

Rafael Gerena is Founder and CEO of Instruxo LLC, which specializes in international business consulting. His Orlando, Fl., firm helps U.S. companies market their products in new countries, prepare websites for international sales and manage foreign regulations and payments. Rafael is a former Economics Reporter at The Wall Street Journal, who frequently speaks and writes about global trends. He is an advisory board member of First Book Orlando, a literacy group that donates books to children who don´t own any.





Tony Jenkins, Market President - BCBS of Florida, Inc

Tony Jenkins is the Market President, Central Florida Region for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc (BCBSF). In his appointed role as Market President, Tony is instrumental in leading the Central Florida team in developing a business plan that will be executed in alignment with the strategic goals and objectives of the Company.

Prior to BCBSF, Jenkins served as Director of Diversity for CSX Corporation, the largest rail network in the eastern United States. Before joining CSX, Jenkins spent 18 years with the Walt Disney World Company in various management roles. His last five years at Disney were spent in the position of Manager of Diversity, where he was responsible for community outreach initiatives, diversity communication strategies and the design of internal cultural awareness programs.

Tony is very active in the Orlando Community. He is the Board Chairman for the United Arts and the Florida Institute for Community Studies. He also currently serves on the Boards of The Central Florida Partnership, Orlando Economic Development Commission, Florida Citrus Sports and The Heart of Florida United Way. 

Tony was recently recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as one of Central Florida´s Top 10 Business Men to Watch. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA.


Linda Landman-Gonzalez, Vice President of Community Relations and Government Affairs Orlando Magic

Linda Landman-Gonzalez was named vice president of community relations and government affairs for the Orlando Magic in September 2007.  Landman-Gonzalez serves in a senior leadership role overseeing community relations, government affairs, multicultural insights and serves as the president of the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation.

Landman-Gonzalez spent nine years as director of diversity and community relations for Darden Restaurants, Orlando’s only Fortune 500 corporation.  While at Darden, she focused on creating community partnerships, employee volunteer opportunities and community leadership development in ten top markets nationwide, including Orlando.



Angela Lagos, Senior Manager of Diversity and Inclusion Universal Orlando

Angela Lagos is passionate about the diversity around us. She considers it her job to learn as much as she can about groups of people and eager to learn about the human experience. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Legal Studies. She obtained her Masters of Arts degree in Industrial Organization Psychology from Concordia University in Chicago. She has held various Human Resource leadership roles with Bass Hotels and Resorts; as Human Resource Director, Employee Services Director and Regional Human Resource Training Manager for various Crowne Plazas and Intercontinental properties within the Bass Hotels and Resorts brand.

Ms. Lagos happily joined the Universal Orlando Resort family, as the Manager of Management Training and Executive Leadership Development in 2004. She has developed and delivered executive leadership training programs for its parent companies NBC Universal, Telemundo and General Electric.
In 2006 she moved into a new Diversity leadership role within the Universal Parks and Resorts Global Division; as Senior Manager of Diversity and Inclusion. The goal of her role is to build domestic Workplace Diversity initiatives, which will have global application to the entire Universal Parks and Resorts brand. The focus of the team is to create engagement and recruitment initiatives, and build multicultural partnerships that will promote a Culture of Inclusion to drive Employer of Choice initiatives.

She relishes the opportunity to share the world-class entertainment and one of kind cutting-edge attractions that Universal Parks and Resorts offer its guests and team members across the globe. She has received Universal’s Human Resources “Excellence in Leadership” award from her Human Resource peers. The entire Diversity and Inclusion Team was awarded the “Excellence in Human Resources Award for Positive Work Environment” by the parent company NBCUniversal. Under her leadership, the entire team was honored with the” Diversity Beacon Award”. In 2010, she was recognized with NBCUniversal’s inaugural “Diversity Champion” award. She has been honored by the Hispanic Newspaper La Prensa, with a “Hispanic Woman Making a Difference” award. Ms. Lagos has been featured in the Orlando Sentinel – El Sentinel and Telemundo’s “Triumfadores” business leader profile. She has also been featured in Ahora Orlando Magazine as a “Community Champion”. She is proud of the commitment that Universal is making to serve its global audience by highlighting the best that it’s Diverse Universe has to offer!

Ms. Lagos is actively involved in community and various Diverse Professional Associations. She actively supports not-for-profit organizations that have a multicultural or educational focus. She sits on the board for YMCA Teen Achievers, Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund and Beacon Diversity Network.


Bridget S. Lee, Diversity Coordinator, Orlando Utilities Comission

Bridget S. Lee is the Diversity Coordinator for the Orlando Utilities Comission. She has served in this capacity since August 2010. Among Ms. Lee´s major responsibilities are planning, coordinating, conducting and managing a wide range of activities and projects related to diversity in both Human Resources and Supply Chain Management.

Ms. Lee previously served as a Senior Management Analyst with the State of Florida´s Office of Supplier Diversity for over 13 years. She was responsible for a variety of activities in the office which included outreach, certification, compliance, and research.

Ms. Lee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Management from Florida A&M University and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Florida State University. Bridget is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Florida State University where she is researching minority business adoption of electronic commerce. She is certified as a Public Manager and Contract Compliance Administrator. She is an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.


Kathryn A. Llamas, CRMC, CDPE, President Asian American Chamber of Commerce

Kathy Llamas is the 2011 President of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACC). Prior to becoming president, she served as the AACC´s Vice President of Media and Governmental Affairs and Editor in Chief of the Asian Business Journal. She is also Chair of the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration held each May. Concurrently, Kathy sits on the board of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.

As the Director of Business Development for the state of Florida for Connect Realty.com, Inc., Kathy is active in the real estate industry. She is a Director of the Florida REALTORS®, a Board Director of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, a past director of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and a member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America.
She is a graduate of Leadership Central Florida and a recipient of the Media Executive Award from the American Women in Radio and Television, having served the broadcast industry for over 20 years. She is the CEO/Founder of KL Communications, a marketing, P.R. and media company.


Susan Lomax, Associate Vice-President, Publicity - Visit Orlando

Susan Lomax is associate vice president of Visit Orlando where she oversees global publicity for the #1 family destination in the world and one of the top North American meetings destinations. She is responsible for a global team of representatives and agencies in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina that ensure Orlando is positioned as the top destination for leisure and business travelers.

Her more than 15-year career in public relations and marketing includes working with many of the most recognizable hospitality companies in the world such as Universal Orlando Resort, Atlantis, Paradise Island; the Women´s Tennis Association (WTA Tour); and Paramount Parks, A Viacom Company. Her work has included everything from launching new attractions, hotels and restaurants; to promoting destination resorts and sporting events; managing a variety of crisis situations and issues; to creating and executing compelling promotions and special events. Along the way, she has worked with such well-known brands as: Maria Sharapova; Emeril Lagasse; Hard Rock Hotels and Loews Hotels; Star Trek; MTV, Nickelodeon and more. Projects have included: the grand opening of Star Trek: The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton, the largest attraction opening in Vegas history; launching Universal Orlando´s expansion from one theme park into a complete resort destination; E.T. phoning N.A.S.A. astronauts on the International Space Station with Stephen Spielberg in honor of E.T.´s 20th Anniversary; a Guinness World Record for the world´s largest wedding cake to promote the grand opening opening of a Shrek 4-D attraction; and establishing Maria Sharapova´s celebrity following her 2004 post-Wimbledon win with a national publicity tour.

Lomax has garnered numerous national industry awards including HSMAI Platinum and Gold Adrian Awards, Bulldog Gold Awards, Best-of-Show Flagler Awards and the coveted Silver Anvil Award of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She received her B.A. from Miami University.


Yolanda Londoño, Vice President of Global Social Responsibility for Tupperware Brands.

Yolanda develops and directs local and global philanthropic initiatives, cause-related marketing and giving strategies that educate and empower women, girls and their families. Tupperware Brands is present in over 100 countries and has more than 2.5 million independent Sales Force Members.

Previously, Ms. Londoño was Vice President of Public Affairs and Corporate Philanthropy for JPMorgan Chase Bank in Texas, Executive Director of Tourism and the Houston Image Group for the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, and President/CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Prior experience includes work with the U.S. Agency for International Development in Bogotá, Colombia and Zimbabwe, Africa and three years in London, England with Logica Ltd., an international software consulting firm. Her career encompasses leadership roles in community and economic development, strategic marketing, civic engagement, non-profit management and most recently, global social entrepreneurship.

Ms. Londoño serves on numerous civic and nonprofit boards and is an active participant in the global movement for women´s economic and social empowerment.


Reynaldo Lopez, President and CEO of Resource Management, Inc.  (RMI)

M. Lopez is the founder of RMI, a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) based in Massachusetts. RMI was ranked #41 largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States. He is a native of Puerto Rico and came to the US at age nine with his mother- a migrant worker. Mr. Lopez currently resides in Fitchburg, Massachusetts with his wife, three children and four grandchildren. Mr. Lopez is heavily involved in his community and has also won numerous awards including: Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition City of Fitchburg; Reinaldo Lopez Day; Commonwealth of Ma special recognition for achievement in business; Governor´s award of recognition; NCLAC Leadership award Hispanic Business Magazine Top 50 USA Business award; Worcester Business Journal´s 2006 Business Leader of the Year; Latino Business Association´s 2006 Man of the Year; and Twin Cities Latino Coalition 2006 Leadership Award.


Tom Martinez, President of DELTA Performance Group 

Since very early in his professional career Tom was involved in the training and development of employees and associates of the organizations he was part of. During his years as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army he was responsible for the training and supervision of personnel during live military intelligence operations; Developing language-training and leadership curriculums at battalion levels as well. After his military service, Tom has dedicated most of his time in the development of other franchises, small businesses and their entrepreneurs.





Sherri Merbach, Sherri Merbach & Associates

Sherri Merbach has more than twenty years of experience providing organizational development, leadership development and training, and project management consulting services. She is the founder of Sherri Merbach & Associates; a company focused on creating a sustainable shift in your organization to achieve the leader´s vision and desired business results.

She has experience in the hospitality industry as well as professional services, engineering, information technology, and sales organizations.




José Nido, Vice President, Global Supplier Diversity - Wyndham Worldwide

José Nido is the vice president of global supplier diversity at Wyndham Worldwide. He is responsible for managing the development and implementation of a world-class supplier diversity program across Wyndham Worldwide, growing the number of diverse suppliers within the company´s portfolio, increasing diverse business partnerships across all business units, and cultivating positive relationships and building goodwill within the diverse business community. Prior to his current position, Nido served as director of supplier diversity, managing and developing the company´s supplier diversity program and strategy. 

Prior to joining Wyndham in 2008, Nido was vice president of diversity business development at Insync Marketing Solutions, a marketing and communications agency based in Commerce, CA, where he collaborated with corporations across the nation in implementing diversity business development and supplier diversity programs.

From 2001 to 2004, Nido was executive vice president of national diversity marketing for Printing Methods, Inc., the largest minority-owned premier commercial printer and marketing solutions company in the U.S., responsible for developing diversity-focused marketing strategy and building professional relationships with advertising agencies. 

From 1996 to 2001 Nido was senior manager of supplier diversity and minority business relations for The Walt Disney World Company, responsible for developing and implementing a premier, world-class program for using and supporting diverse suppliers.

Prior to working for Disney, Nido served for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, in a variety of management assignments in the U.S. and overseas including purchasing, contract administration, quality assurance, manufacturing, and administration, prior to retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Nido has been nationally and locally recognized for excellence in supplier diversity management by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the United States Minority Business Development Agency/Florida Minority Business Opportunity Center, the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, the Morris County (New Jersey) Chamber of Commerce, the University of Central Florida and various other organizations.

Nido holds a degree in business administration from the University of Puerto Rico, a master of science in logistics management from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a master of public administration from the University of Central Florida. He also holds a professional designation in contract management and an advanced professional designation in logistics management.


Michael and Karina Pastrana, Owners of Happy Paws

Owners and operators of a successful state of the art luxury pet resort, Michael and Karina bring to Orlando’s pet owners a one of a kind experience.   Both graduates from University of Central Florida they took their passion for the love of animals and made a life changing career. Since opening in June 2008 their business continues to grow by 25% each consecutive year and have serviced over 5,000 of Central Florida dogs and cats.   Happy Paws Pet Resort has been featured in local newspapers such as the Orlando Sentinel and national magazines such as Cesar’s Way Magazine.  In addition they support the community by raising money for local pet rescues, charities, and schools; since opening they have raised over $8,000 dollars for the SPCA of Central Florida. Karina currently serves as a board member for Florida Institute of Animal Arts and for Orange County Animal Services. Michael and Karina share their home with two children and three furry four legged kids.
 
In 2010 they were awarded the prestigious Don Quijote Award for Business less than 5 years & Success Story by HBIF.



Janet Perez Eckle, Certified translator, motivational speaker and author

At 31 years of age, Janet Perez Eckles, a Bolivian immigrant, lost her eyesight. But gain the insight to soar to success. Some years after receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri State University, she triumphed as a blind mom of 3 small sons. And today, she uses the same tenacity to excel professionally as an award winning Spanish interpreter, international speaker, writer, author of two books, columnist, ministry leader, missionary, women´s Sunday school teacher, founder of Islands of Peace ministries and the first blind court-certified Spanish interpreter in Florida.





Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon, Gio Communications

Until recently Pinedo was the Director of Production at Telemundo Orlando and the former host of the only locally produced community television magazine show "Entre Nos". After nine years with Telemundo she was hired by Casiano Communications Imagen Magazine Florida where she worked as the Director and Chief Editor. For nine years she worked for Walt Disney World where she was a merchandise buyer Currently, she is the owner and president of Gio Communications, a marketing, public relations and event production company. Giorgina has been very involved with the Central Florida business community, and local government. Some of her recognition awards include; "Central Florida Women Who Makes a Difference Award" 2008, Orlando Business Journal "Forty under Forty Award" 2008, and "Hispanic Women of the Media Award".



Marisol Romany, M.Ed. HR Corporate Manager Culture and Language Resources - Orlando Health

Marisol Romany, M Ed., is currently the Corporate Manager, Culture and Language Resources, of Orlando Health. She is responsible for the development, implementation and management of systems aimed at the delivery of quality translation, interpreter and cultural diversity programs to a network of eight (8) hospitals serving Central Florida. Born in Puerto Rico, Marisol is a native Spanish speaker who has twenty (20) years experience in design, administration, delivery of Spanish language programs and cultural intelligence at a national level, whose career and training have taken her to North, Central and South America, as well as London, England. She is an active member of the community, currently serving on the Executive Board of directors of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando, is the Executive Committee Co-Chair for The Center for Independent Living of Central Florida´s Business Advisory Council and is on the Board of Directors for the Disability Chamber in Orlando among others. She was also President of the Hispanic Women of T & T, a non-profit organization devoted to children’s healthcare and education.  Marisol holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership.


David Ruiz, President UPS Florida

As president for UPS Florida, David Ruiz directs all staff departments and operations, which includes a sophisticated transportation network across the state. He oversees the pick-up and delivery of over 1 million packages and documents daily to a service area that includes 40,000 customer sites delivered out of 56 package centers.  David began his UPS career in 1978 as a package handler in Chicago. In January of 2000, he joined the Corporate International Group as the UPS President of Mexico operations. In 2003, he was named president of UPS South Carolina.  In January 2005, David accepted an international assignment as the president for North Europe where he oversaw the operations for 28 countries. He then served as the UPS Wisconsin President from August 2007 until relocating in April 2010 to Florida as president over all operations.
 
David is a University of Illinois at Chicago alumni receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1985. He is a member of the Heart of Florida United Way Board of Directors and also serves as a trustee for the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.


Augusto Sanabria, President and Chief Executive Officer, HBIF of Florida

A native from Argentina, Augusto Sanabria is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc.

With a staff of ten and a budget of more than $1 million, HBIF is the leading Hispanic nonprofit economic development organization in the state of Florida. The organization focuses on providing free bilingual technical assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business in Florida.




Ian Suarez, Graphic Design and Social Media Coordinator, HCCMO

Ian Suarez graduated Cum Laude from Atlantic College located in Guaynabo City, Puerto Rico with a degree in Graphic Design. Concurrently, after graduating, Ian worked as a freelance/art director at different advertising agencies such as Young & Rubicam, Euro & Adworks.

Furthermore, through his vast knowledge and experience in the field of graphic design, Ian was able to obtain the position of Graphic Design & Social Media Coordinator at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando when he moved to Orlando, FL. In his current role Ian is accountable for facilitating the HCCMO with a platform of social interaction by using highly obtainable and scalable communication techniques such as Adobe CS Suite. Additionally, Ian’s responsibilities range from supporting the editorial team in the development and engagement of chamber’s publications. He primarily focuses his efforts on delivering targeted content that drives community and business interaction as well as retention.


Julio Suárez, Director, Diversity Outreach for Darden Restaurants

Julio Suárez is the Director of Diversity Outreach for Darden Restaurants.  In his position, Julio sets the strategy for Darden’s outreach opportunities and social investments in diverse communities. He builds and strengthens relationships with minority, LGBT and disability service organizations through engagement and support of programs that contribute to the well-being of these communities and connect consumers and community leaders with Darden and its operating companies.






Yvonne Sweeney, Director, Human Resources, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
  
Yvonne Sweeney serves as Director of Human Resources, supporting Revenue Management and Facilities and Operations Services for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide.

Revenue Management is responsible for pricing, revenue management and forecasting for Disney’s theme park, hotel, food and beverage and merchandise businesses.  Facilities and Operations Services is responsible for engineering, maintenance, construction, utilities, manufacturing and security at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. As a leader within the Human Resources Diversity & Inclusion team, Sweeney leads change initiatives, drives organization effectiveness and develops and executes integrated HR Diversity & Inclusion strategies that drive business results and create a positive environment for Disney cast members.
 
Sweeney has worked in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for one year and has been involved in numerous organizational design efforts.  She also was recently named the HR portfolio leader in support of Worldwide Safety.
 
Prior to joining Disney, Sweeney owned the human resources consulting firm Metamorphosis.  She also served as Vice President, Human Resources, for two lines of business at Home Depot/HD Supply, located in Orlando, and led multiple change and growth initiatives, including a merger with Kmart, as a Divisional Vice President, Human Resources for Sears Holdings.  She started her career in various human resources roles at Federated Department Stores.
 
Sweeney holds a bachelor of science degree from Texas Tech University.


Matt Thursam, Manager, Minority Business Development for Walt Disney Resorts

In his current position, Matt manages the Supplier Diversity Program for the Walt Disney Resorts through partnerships with internal departments in Florida and California, as well as relevant business organizations throughout the United States. In this role, Matt identifies qualified and certified Minority and Women-owned businesses (MWBEs) and matches them against Disney´s procurement and bidding opportunities. He also facilitates mentoring and development of MWBEs through partnerships with community-based organizations, while partnering with Resort Sales to bring minority and women-based organizations to the Walt Disney World Resort for their conferences, workshops and tradeshows. Prior to joining the Minority Business Development team, Matt lead a team in Walt Disney World Sourcing and Procurement that achieved significant spend with MWBE´s. Matt is the past President of the Florida Minority Business Development Council Central Chapter in 2008, is part of the FMSDC certification review committee and a member of the Osceola Hispanic Business Council Board of Directors. He sits on the USPAACC-SE Board of Directors and Executive Steering Committee for the Go for the Greens WBE Conference.


Errick Young, Manager of Orange County Business Development

Errick has 28 years of  Public Service.  He began his career with Westinghouse and Sun Bank before moving to the Public Sector with Volusia County as its first Minority and Women Business Enterprise Coordinator.  After serving in that position for more than 7 years, he joined the Orlando Utilities Commission as their M/WBE Coordinator.  After participating in many successful projects, over a 17 year period, totaling approximately $1 Billion he left OUC in November of 2009 and has consistently been sharing the positive story of Orange County Government and what he thinks is “The Best Kept Secret” in Central Florida.

He is supported by a staff of seven professionals which share one goal.  That being the inclusiveness of Ready, Willing, and Able Minority and Women Business Enterprises in the award of contracts from Orange County Government.


Debbie Zmorenski, Co-owner and Senior Partner LSA Partners, Inc. 

Over the course of a 34-year career with the Walt Disney World Company®, Debbie held leadership positions in Restaurant Management, Human Resources, Training and Development, Customer Service, Production Manufacturing, and Resort Operations. For over five years, she was a Senior Facilitator and Content Specialist with the Disney Institute, sharing Disney´s best practices with organizations from around the world. Today, as Co-owner and Senior Partner of LSA Partners, Inc. she travels the country providing executive coaching, strategic partnering, and training enabling organizations to implement and maintain lasting organizational change. Debbie is a widely recognized motivational speaker and dynamic trainer. She has designed and delivered training for both the private and public sector, positively impacting their corporate culture and financial performance.





Tickets for this unique conference, include a full breakfast, lunch, parking and admission to all of the tracks that are available during the Hispanic Business Conference.
7:30am to 1:30pm
Orange County Convention Center- West Building

Special registration price for chamber members: $89
(non-members: $129)

Corporate Table (10 per table) for chamber members: $1200
(non-members: $1500)

Call the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando for more information. 407-428-5870.

Early Bird Special

Be one of the first to pick your booth and save at the same time!! Take advantage of our MEMBERS ONLY "early bird special" from now until March 31st save $100 from the purchase of your booth! This is the time to become a member and still save on your membership and booth!!

Contact Christine Peña at 407-428-5870 or cpena@hispanicchamber.net for further details.


Save the Date, June 8th 2012

Hispanic Business Conference

The Hispanic Business Conference is presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando to educate, motivate, and build business opportunities for entrepreneurs, leaders and business professionals, to enhance economic development and improve the quality of life in Central Florida.