Orlando, Fla. September 16, 2009.  On September 10, the 4th Annual Beacon Awards were held at the Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort. This event recognizes those in Central Florida who promote the diversity of our community by encouraging inclusion in the workforce. The Beacon Award is a distinguish acknowledgment of service and leadership; recognized by our community as a significant honor. Recipients are committed to inclusion and encourage the true meaning of diversity.

This year Hispanic individuals and organizations were recognized as "Beacons" in the community. Among the few, was the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando who won the award under the nonprofit category. The Chamber was recognized for its significant contributions to the economic development of Hispanics in the region, and for its determined work to connect Hispanic entrepreneurs and business professional with non-Hispanics. It embraces the concept of diversity and inclusion of various ethnicities in the workforce providing networking opportunities and strengthening connections among local Hispanic business owners throughout a series of Business-After-Hours and Leads Group Events. Furthermore, it is responsible for the Hispanic Business and Consumer Expo, the largest event of its kind in the United States, where business, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic, can connect with local consumers. The Chamber's constant pursuit of excellence, the diversification of its membership, and quest for inclusion makes it a leader of diversity in our community and a shining star for all Central Florida businesses.

This year, the inaugural award for Up-and-Comer Individual Advocate was given to Ms. Zoraida Velasco, the youngest recipient to ever receive a Beacon Award. Ms. Velasco was acknowledged for her work with Future Minority Leaders (FML). This accomplishment speaks to her courage, confidence, and strength of character, making her truly a visionary woman who lives by her FML's motto  "Enhancing Opportunities, Challenging Assumptions" for persons and organizations with diverse backgrounds. The mission of FML is to foster diversity by promoting the development of minority students and recent graduates in the community through educational, professional, and networking opportunities. By being persistent and true to her values, Ms. Velasco has set an example for people everywhere. She is an assertive advocate for community betterment, especially in the promotion of diversity inclusion. Ms. Velasco is truly a beacon of light, paving the way for others to follow.

The Small Business Award was given to Web Ahoy, owned by two Hispanic entrepreneurs, Mrs. Esther De Jesús and Mr. Arnold De Jesús. For more than eight years, Web Ahoy has helped businesses and individuals locally and worldwide to establish their presence on the Web. Furthermore, Web Ahoy is an active member of the Hispanic business community, and it is highly involved in community initiatives to make Central Florida a better place for diverse businesses.

The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, the Disney Entrepreneur Center and Harris Rosen Hotel & Resorts were also recipients of a Beacon Award. Orlando Police Chief Val Demings and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings were presented with the 2009 Mary Ann Goloversic Luminary Award, which is considered the highest honor of these prestigious awards, for actively exercising diversity and inclusion in their respective law enforcement organizations.

Congratulations to our rising Hispanic stars and to all of the 2009 Beacon Awards recipients for a well deserved recognition!

For more information about the Beacon Awards, please visit www.TheBeaconAwards.org.


About the Author of this article, Omar Carmona-Sánchez:
Mr. Omar Carmona-Sánchez was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He moved to the State of Florida at the age of 15. He received his Juris Doctor, cum laden, from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law in Ponce in 2008 and is a license attorney and civil notary in Puerto Rico. Furthermore, he is a University of Central Florida Alumni with a Masters of Arts in Spanish, two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Legal Studies and in Spanish, and is a Certified Spanish/English Translator. Carmona-Sánchez teaches Spanish at the University of Central Florida, and he is the owner and president of Zyndrome Surf Company.