GWHCC HISPANIC BUSINESS HALL OF FAME
For some, their names are as recognizable as a leading household brand. For others, their work stands as a testament to their innovative thinking and never-say-never commitment to their business, industry and the community. The GWHCC Hispanic Business Hall of Fame was established in 2019 to recognize the accomplishments of entrepreneurs and business executives throughout the DC Metropolitan region whose contributions, in business and in the community, have helped to advance the small business community and the state’s business climate.
An Executive Gala Committee nominates the individuals and the inductees are selected by the Chamber’s Executive Committee and honored each year at the GWHCC Annual Gala.
An Executive Gala Committee nominates the individuals and the inductees are selected by the Chamber’s Executive Committee and honored each year at the GWHCC Annual Gala.
2019 HONOREES
Juan Pablo Segura - Babyscripts
Juan Pablo founded Babyscripts in 2014 with the vision that internet enabled medical devices would transform the delivery of pregnancy care. Since then, Juan Pablo has been named a Healthcare Transformer by the Startup Health Academy in New York and a Wireless Lifechanger by CTIA for his work in detecting problems in pregnancy faster. Moreover, Mr. Segura is actively involved in community service, serving on the Advisory Council for Catholic Charities and the Spanish Catholic Center and was a politically appointed board member of the Fairfax/Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB).
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María Gómez - Mary's Center
Maria Gomez is the founder of Mary’s Center, a community health organization that provides healthcare, social services, and education in the DC metropolitan region. Under her leadership, Mary’s Center has grown from an initial budget of $250,000 serving 200 participants in a basement in 1988 to an annual budget of $63 million serving over 50,000 individuals at eight locations in the District of Columbia and Maryland. Her commitment to helping others made her 1 in 10 community leaders among 1,200 in the country selected by United Way to be featured in the Hero Effect documentary that aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network in February 2017.
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Dave M. Velazquez - Pepco Holdings
For Pepco, diversity and inclusion is one of their core foundational values in the workplace, their outreach to customers and the communities they serve. As part of that commitment, Pepco supports hundreds of local organizations by sponsoring innovative programs, events, and initiatives that promote art and culture, education, and community development efforts across the greater Washington region. They provide energy assistance to low income customers, volunteer their time and resources with local non-profits like Mary’s Center, and partner with groups like Jubilee Housing to power initiatives like the resilience pilot project at the Maycroft Apartments.
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Juan Pablo Barrientos - ElCielo Restaurants
Michelin Star and celebrity chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, known in the gastronomic world as “Juanma”, was born in Medellín on June 16, 1983. He is a father, cook, businessman, entrepreneur, lecturer and peace leader with more than thirteen restaurants, bars and a hotel. He is the creator and founder of Elcielo Restaurants in Medellín, Bogotá, Miami and Washington, D. C., Elcielo luxury boutique hotel in Medellín, as well as other prominent eateries and bars such as La sere, Cuon, Kaime, Elcielo Classic, Aguafresca, Shibari Bar, El Navegante Bar and Syrenka Bar all in Medellin, and AO in Bogotá. Juanma is a highly decorated chef and has been awarded prestigious accolades over the years. In 2021, the Elcielo Restaurant located in Washington D. C., obtained the first Michelin Star in history for a Colombian restaurant.
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Antonio Tijerino - Hispanic Heritage Foundation
José Antonio Tijerino is president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on education, workforce, social impact, and culture through innovative leadership.
HHF under Tijerino’s leaderhip is recognized as a creative, agile, impact-focused organization recognized by The White House, US Congress, Fortune 500 companies, other nonprofits and the Government of Mexico. Tijerino is also executive producer of the Hispanic Heritage Awards at the Kennedy Center, which are broadcast on PBS. Prior to HHF, Tijerino was an executive at Fannie Mae Foundation, Nike, Burson Marsteller, and Cohn & Wolfe. Tijerino is an Influencer on LinkedIn and his blogs and media presence have made him a national voice on various issues including diversity, immigration, creativity and youth empowerment. |
James Schenck is President & CEO of PenFed Credit Union, America’s second-largest federal credit union. Since James became CEO in April 2014, PenFed has:
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