WASHINGTON, June 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) celebrated its 38th Annual Gala on Friday at the Marriott Marquis, attended by more than 500 leaders from local and federal government, nonprofits, corporations and businesses community. Our successful event celebrated the role and contributions of local Hispanic doctors in business.
The honorees recognized during the special ceremony included:
- Academia – Dr. Fernando Pagan, Medical Director of the National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence and Professor of Neurology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
- Government – Dr. Hortencia M. Hornbeak, Associate Director for Scientific Review and Policy at the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- Non-Profit – Dr. Clayton Lawrence, Chairman of the Board and Founder of the LEAP Foundation
- Cooperative Medicine – Dr. Carlos Picone, Associate at Chevy Chase Pulmonary Associates
"We have seen firsthand the important role of doctors in our lives and their desire to enrich the health and wellbeing of our community," said Angela Franco, GWHCC President and CEO. "It is with great honor that we recognized their incredible work at this event. A special thanks to all of our sponsors and partners, and particularly Kaiser Permanente and Verizon, the gala main sponsors."
Several regional leaders attended the event including: County Executive of Prince George's County, Rushern Baker III; Prince George's County Council District 2, Will Campos; Councilmember At-Large Vincent Orange; Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander; among others.
"The Gala celebrated the GWHCC's accomplishments as a leading business organization committed to helping move Hispanic-owned businesses forward by promoting a business-friendly environment and improving our community and overall region," said Mario Acosta-Velez, Chair of GWHCC Board of Directors and Verizon's Director of State Government Affairs. "This year, we honored outstanding Hispanic doctors whose accomplishments and contributions serve as an inspiration to business leaders and our younger Hispanic generation."
GWHCC's 38th Gala is made possible by the support of the following sponsors: Platinum Sponsors – Verizon, Kaiser Permanente; Gold Sponsor – PwC, Herbalife; Silver Sponsors – DC Health Link, Walmart, Events DC; Bronze Sponsors – AARP, Arlington Economic Development, Building Hope, Carefirst, Giant, Keystone Plus Construction, American Airlines, PNC Bank, Providence Hospital, Visionary Ophthalmology, Acacia Financial, Studio Santalla, Toyota, M&T Bank; Sign Sponsor - Gelberg Signs; Table Sponsors – Deval LLC, Johns Hopkins University, TruBios, Precision Wall Tech, Absolute Builders, Libre Initiative, Washington Gas, Mayorga Coffee, LEAP Foundation; Media Partners – SmartCEO Magazine, Latina Style; Photo Booth Sponsor – Crystal Insurance; Partners - Leadership Greater Washington, Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington; Video Sponsor – Asi Es Mi Gente.
About the GWHCC
GWHCC is a membership-driven organization that supports the economic development of the Washington metropolitan area by facilitating the success of Latino and other minority-owned businesses through networking, advocacy and education. The Chamber was founded in 1976 and is a 501(C) 6 organization. For additional information visit our website www.gwhcc.org.