DISCOVER THE LEGACY OF
THE DON QUIJOTE AWARDS
Celebrating the success, unity and empowerment of the
Hispanic community in Central Florida.
History of the Don Quijote Awards
The Don Quijote Awards gala was first conceived in 1997 by a group of visionaries from the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Prospera. As Central Florida’s Hispanic community grew rapidly, these leaders saw the need to recognize the hard-working, innovative business owners and professionals who exhibited the spirit of Don Quixote: visionaries, dreamers, and businessmen and women willing to take risks to achieve those dreams.
The two organizations have teamed up to honor those who demonstrate extraordinary skills in their field of work. The Don Quijote Awards have grown from 250 guests to 1,000 and have earned recognition from the Florida Association of Festivals and Events and the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals as Best Event of the Year.
To date, numerous individuals have been honored with the prestigious award for their contributions and achievements as community leaders, business owners, and outstanding professionals.
This event was created to serve three main objectives:
- Increase diversity, equity and inclusion efforts by recognizing outstanding Hispanic business owners and professionals.
- Celebrate the economic, cultural, and social contributions of the Central Florida Hispanic community.
- Serve as a catalyst for the two major economic fundraisers that serve and support the growth of the Hispanic business community.
History of the Lladró statuette
In 1953, Juan, José and Vicente Lladró made their first creations inspired by an experimental vocation at their home in Almássera (Valencia), Spain. In 1955, they were already creating sculptures that were clearly influenced by 18th century trends. These pieces evoked the works of ancient porcelain artists such as Meissen, Sèrves and Capodimonte.
In 1958, the Lladró brothers decided to dedicate themselves exclusively to their own works and moved their small company to a warehouse in the neighboring town of Tavernes Blanques.
The brothers introduced innovations not only in the design and style of the figurines, but also in the firing techniques, reducing the three-layer firing to a single-layer process. Single firing is an innovative method that creates the crystalline finish and pastel shades typical of Lladró works.
In 1998, the first Don Quijote committee selected the exquisite Don Quijote statuette as the official award of this world-class event. The Lladró Don Quijote statuette symbolizes the elegance, uniqueness, passion and dedication of the outstanding individuals who have the honor of being recognized with this splendid award.
The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando is one of the largest business organizations in Central Florida. For over three decades, the Hispanic Chamber has been an advocate for the Hispanic business community. This organization is recognized as one of the main economic development entities in the region, serving as the central point of connection, fostering business success, unifying communities, and empowering Hispanic business owners and professionals to drive exceptional economic growth in the region.
As a valued member of the Hispanic Chamber, business owners and professionals will be part of one of the largest, most engaged business networks in Central Florida, with exclusive access to unparalleled benefits, award-winning events, and programs focused on commerce opportunities, coaching, and community building, making the Hispanic Chamber the top choice for businesses of all industries in the region.
For more information about the Hispanic Chamber, please hispanicchamber.com or call 407-428-5870.
Prospera is an economic development, nonprofit organization that since 1991 has specialized in providing Hispanic entrepreneurs bilingual assistance to establish or expand their business.
In the last five years alone, Prospera has facilitated over $60 million in loans, trained over 20,000 entrepreneurs, and helped consulting clients create or retain over 16,000 jobs. It has offices in Florida's north central, south, and west coast regions and other states like North Carolina and Georgia.
For more information, visit www.prosperausa.org or call 407-428-5872.
Prospera is an economic development, nonprofit organization that since 1991 has specialized in providing Hispanic entrepreneurs bilingual assistance to establish or expand their business.
In the last five years alone, Prospera has facilitated over $60 million in loans, trained over 20,000 entrepreneurs, and helped consulting clients create or retain over 16,000 jobs. It has offices in Florida's north central, south, and west coast regions and other states like North Carolina and Georgia.
For more information, visit www.prosperausa.org or call 407-428-5872.
The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando is a nonprofit organization that drives economic growth by empowering Hispanic businesses in Central Florida. Since 1993, it has connected members through programs and events focused on commerce, coaching, and community. With over 1,800 members, it's one of the largest and most recognized Hispanic chambers in the U.S.
More info: hispanicchamber.com | 407-428-5870
Prospera is a nonprofit focused on helping Hispanic entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses with bilingual support. Since 1991, it has provided training, consulting, and access to funding, positively impacting thousands of jobs across Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia.
More info: prosperausa.org | 407-428-5872
Award categories
CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH OF THE AWARD CATEGORIES
Hispanic
Micro Enterprise
of the year
Hispanic
Enterprise
of the year
Professional
of the year
Excellence
Lifetime
Achievement
Hispanic
community
champion
Community Commitment
The Don Quijote Awards goes beyond a night of celebration, it represents a deep commitment to strengthening and empowering the Hispanic community in Central Florida. This signature event contributes in a variety of ways to the economic, educational, and social development of our region.
Community Commitment
The Don Quijote Awards 2024 goes beyond a night of celebration; it represents a deep commitment to strengthening and empowering the Hispanic community in Central Florida. This signature event contributes in a variety of ways to the economic, educational and social development of our region.
Economic Development
Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as Prospera, the event fosters the growth of Hispanic entrepreneurs by providing access to vital resources, training and funding opportunities. Over the past five years, Prospera has facilitated more than $60 million in loans, trained more than 20,000 entrepreneurs and helped create or retain more than 16,000 jobs. These efforts are reflected in the positive and tangible impact on the community, promoting an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Social Empowerment
The Don Quijote Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service. By recognizing and rewarding these role models, others are inspired to become actively involved and contribute to the well-being of the community. This public recognition serves as a catalyst for civic participation and social engagement, creating a network of support and collaboration that amplifies the impact of each individual effort.
Social Empowerment
The Don Quijote Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service. By recognizing and rewarding these role models, others are inspired to become actively involved and contribute to the well-being of the community. This public recognition serves as a catalyst for civic participation and social engagement, creating a network of support and collaboration that amplifies the impact of each individual effort.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane and Discover our Past Winners
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
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READY TO secure your spot?
Frequently Asked Questions
Dress to impress in Black Tie Formal attire. Glamourous, long gowns for women and tuxedos or formal suits for men.
Yes, there are opportunities available at various sponsorship levels. Please fill out the form on the “SPONSORSHIP” menu option above for more details on how you can support the event.
Secure your spot by purchasing tickets online through the “TICKETS & TABLES” menu option above. Please select the type and number of items you wish to purchase, complete your registration, and proceed with payment. Thank you in advance for supporting the missions of the Hispanic Chamber and Prospera through your purchase!
For more information, please fill out our form on the “CONTACT” menu option above. We are happy to assist with questions or special requests.
