Latin Trends 12th Annual Latino Trendsetter Awards

12/10/2013

Photo Credits: Ada of Gypsy in the City

Necklace/Collar- Jewels Malls
Clutch/Cartera- New York & Co.
Dress/Vestido- Lauren by Ralph Lauren Evening
Shoes/Zapatos- Target

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Twelfth Annual Latino Trendsetter Awards, thanks to my blogger pal Ada from Gypsy in the City she brought me along as her plus one and I couldn't have been more grateful. The awards were a benchmark celebration, held on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013 at 6:00pm at The Metropolitan Pavilion, located at 110 West 19th Street in New York City’s trendy Chelsea district.

Juan Guillen, LatinTRENDS founder & CEO states “The Latino Trendsetter Award recipients proudly represent 52 million US Hispanics. They have each developed the mindset and characteristics of a leader. They are influential heads of households and play a major role influencing what their children and parents purchase. They maintain high standards in actions and deeds. They are accomplished people on the move. They are Trendsetters who never stop! As acculturated Latinos, they are influencing three generations; theirs, their children and their parents. They are influencing mainstream society while inspiring our youth, who will become tomorrow’s trendsetters.”

Among some of this year’s Trendsetters are Linda G. Alvarado, President & CEO of Alvarado Construction and co-owner of the Colorado Rockies Baseball Team; Eliana Murillo, Head of Multicultural Marketing at Google, Inc. Ana Roca Castro, founder ofLATISM (Latinos in Tech, Innovation & Social Media); Stephen Ritz, Founder of the Green Bronx Machine is receiving a special award, given to a person of non-Hispanic descent that has positively impacted the community. Additional Trendsetters are Lucia Ballas-Traynor, EVP of MamasLatinas.com; Sonia Sroka-Peña, EVP of Multicultural Marketing at Edelman; Lisette Nieves, Professor in Public Policy and Administration Brooklyn College& Social Entrepreneur in Residence at Blue Ridge Foundation; Ofelia Castiblanco, Director of Community Affairs at NBC & Telemundo NY; and Ramón J. Pineda, General Manager of Univision 41; Shoe designer Alejandra G; renowned Chef Ricardo Cardona; Eliza Esquivel, Vice President of Global Brand Strategy at Mondelēz Global LLC; Daisy Expósito-Ulla, Chair & CEO of D’Expósito & Partners, LLC; Vincent Santana, MBA, EMPH, chief administrative officer of the Department of Neurology at Columbia University; Rafael Pineda, senior anchor on Univision41: Actor Luis Antonio Ramos; Singer-Songwriter & Entrepreneur Anthony “J’Martin” Espinal; Delta Airlines will receive the Corporate Company of the Year Award for its commitment to excellence, being a solid corporate citizen and its proven track record of success in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and supporting Hispanic community initiatives. NY1 Noticias will receive the Media Company of The year award for its ten years of brining up to the minute news and informing New York’s Latino Community.

It was truly inspiring to be in a room filled with so many accomplished, ambitious and influential Latinos. It not only made me proud to be a Latina but it also motivated and encouraged me to keep trusting in The Lord, working hard and chasing my dreams.

It was a lovely black tie event although honestly between us not many people were dressed the part. We were able to attend the red carpet, have dinner as well as attend the awards ceremony. There was a 4 course meal prepared by renowned Chef and Trendsetter recipient Ricardo Cardona. That shrimp and flan were so delicious! I got to meet some pretty awesome people and spend a wonderful evening with my blogger friend.