Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC) Announces 18th Annual Business & Community Excellence Awards Recipients

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Business & Community Excellence Awards.

During Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 – Oct 15) the NAHCC recognizes the professional, civic and business contributions of its members and highlights non-members whose involvement had a meaningful impact in the Nashville community throughout the year. Nominees are selected from among those who have demonstrated commitment and leadership to the advancement of the organization, the Hispanic community, and the city of Nashville.

NAHCC’s 18th Annual Awards at Belmont University marks the last week of a National Hispanic Heritage Month-long program (September 15 through October 15) presented in partnership with the NAHCC Foundation. The event, two days before the official end of a month-long calendar, was made possible thanks to the support of NAHCC members, Corporate Sponsors and Community Partners.

“Congratulations to all the businesses. I think any business, small business that has survived the pandemic deserves an award and appreciation. And to all the winners, congratulations on exemplifying what Hispanic Heritage Month is all about “Con Ganas Se Puede Hacer Todo” and so onward to the Celebration. I’ve really enjoyed being your chairman” said, Dr. Rolando Toyos MD, NAHCC Chair of the Board.

In addition to a proclamation honoring Hispanic Heritage Month by Governor Bill Lee; remarks by Nashville Mayor John Cooper; Dr. Paul Juarez, with Meharry and TN CEAL; Metro General Hospital CEO Dr. Joseph Webb; NAHCC’s Entrepreneur Achievement past recipient Ruth Rico owner/founder of Delicias Colombianas RR; Ramiro Cavazos, U.S Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO; Karlha Ramon, Azul615 Magazine owner/founder; Thomas Sheffield, Director Nashville Opportunity Fun at Pathway Lending; the Dean of Watkins College of Art at Belmont, James Pierce; and musical guest performances by award winning Rafael Vazquez and San Rafael Band, La Mision ConArte folkloric dancers, Trio Internacional Hidalguense; amazing student artwork was unveiled by Watkins College of Art at Belmont; mentored by local artists Dalia Garcia and Jose Vera Gonzalez. The celebration included special guests representing government, businesses, and the non-profit community.

“On behalf of the NAHCC Board of Directors, I congratulate the recipients of our 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Awards. We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize those whose work and achievements have been vital to the empowerment, growth and appreciation of Hispanic businesses and our Nashville community, despite challenging pandemic times. The number of Hispanics in Nashville represent 14% of the population, and at more than 500,000 we are now 7% of Tennessee’s population. It should be our priority to ensure that our Latino small businesses have the resources and guidance necessary to access the economic support to keep this essential sector of the country’s economy alive and thriving.” said Yuri Cunza, NAHCC President & CEO.

Award recipients are selected by an independent committee and are chosen based on their contributions, outstanding accomplishments, quality of service, civic, business leadership and commitment to the Hispanic business community and the city of Nashville.

It is a tradition now on its 18th year, to not make award recipients aware until the moment the awards are announced and presented. “It is easy to come to an awards program when you know you are receiving something. During our annual recognition we know those attending joined because they care about our work and community without expecting anything in return, just to participate and belong.” says Yuri Cunza, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.

NAHCC’s 2022 Business & Community Excellence Awards recipients

Thursday, October 13, 2022 – Belmont University

“Ganas” Entrepreneur Award in Media

Karlha Ramon, Azul615 Magazine

Outstanding Community Health Impact Award

Tennessee Community Engaged Alliance Against COVID-19 (TN CEAL)

NAHCC’s Legacy Achievement Award

YMCA Latino Achievers (YLA)

“Spirit” in Arts & Culture Leadership Award

Alex Paul Loza

Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Flor Melgar, Mi Casa Realty