Week 3/11/26 Newsletter - Just in Case You Missed It!Sands of Time Gala Shines for the SFLHCC 32nd Anniversary Celebration
- Mar 11
- 7 min read
Just in Case You Missed It!
Sands of Time Gala Shines for the SFLHCC 32nd Anniversary Celebration
On Friday, March 6, 2026, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) hosted an unforgettable celebration at the historic Biltmore Hotel: “Sands of Time, A Journey Through 32 Years of Excellence.” With its vibrant Arabian Nights theme, this dazzling gala honored the Chamber’s 32-year legacy of leadership and community impact.
Guests enjoyed a magical evening filled with elegance, culture, music, and fine cuisine. The night featured captivating performances by Lucy Grau and the Miami Elite Band, and was guided by TV personality Javier Romero as Master of Ceremonies.
Special awards highlighted the event, including the Global Excellence in Journalism Award presented to Ambrosio Hernández, 10-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and Miami Univision 23 anchor, and the Excellence in Entertainment Award given to Carlos Oliva, the acclaimed Cuban artist and a pioneer of “El Sonido de Miami.”
Attendees donned black-tie attire with an Arabian flair, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere. The evening was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Title sponsor, Phillip Morris International, and other sponsors, including David Yurman, Valentino, G Beauty, Fabio Limo Services, and many more.
Congratulations to all honorees, and thank you to everyone who made this milestone gala a resounding success!
SFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez Attends GMCVB Board Meeting, Champions Regional Collaboration
Liliam M. Lopez, President of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC), proudly represented the organization at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) board meeting. The meeting brought together prominent leaders and stakeholders dedicated to shaping South Florida’s vibrant economic landscape.
Following the board meeting, Lily enjoyed quality time with colleagues and friends who share a deep commitment to the region’s prosperity.
Her participation underscores the SFLHCC’s ongoing commitment to making South Florida a hub of innovation, opportunity, and success for all its residents and businesses.
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Coalition of Chambers Brings Miami-Dade Business Leaders Together at PortMiami
At the beautiful PortMiami, leaders from chambers across Miami-Dade County gathered for the Coalition of Chambers in-person meeting, bringing together dedicated colleagues committed to strengthening our local business community.
Liliam M. Lopez, President of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, continues to lead with a strong vision of collaboration, connection, and growth. Through her leadership, partnerships among chambers continue to expand, creating valuable opportunities that support and uplift businesses throughout South Florida.
The Coalition of Chambers plays an important role in fostering unity among business organizations, encouraging collaboration, and ensuring that the voice of the business community remains strong across the region.
Together, these partnerships help drive economic development, promote innovation, and build a stronger, more connected South Florida business community.
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Special Offer to SFLHCCC Members
Use this link with code Corp2026 at checkout to save up to 20% off select seats/dates
Join us as we take you on a journey into the colorful and fantastical world of LUZIA, set in a make-believe Mexico, where you will be treated to stunning visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances. LUZIA deftly guides you through the locations, people, and sounds of both classical and contemporary Mexico, taking you from urban locations like an old movie set and a smoke-filled dance hall to the beach and barren desert.
Women Who Lead:
Celebrating the Impact of Hispanic Women in Business
March is Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the achievements, leadership, and lasting impact of women throughout history. At the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we proudly celebrate the many Hispanic women who are shaping the future of business, leadership, and community development across South Florida.
Hispanic women are among the fastest-growing groups of entrepreneurs in the United States, launching businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening local economies. From small business owners and corporate executives to nonprofit leaders and innovators, these women are redefining leadership while paving the way for future generations.
In our South Florida community, women continue to play a vital role in driving progress and fostering collaboration. Their determination, creativity, and commitment to excellence inspire others to pursue their goals and contribute to a thriving and inclusive business environment.
Women’s History Month is not only a time to celebrate accomplishments but also an opportunity to encourage mentorship, empowerment, and continued support for women in business. By uplifting women leaders and sharing their stories, we help build a stronger network where opportunities and success can flourish.
Throughout March, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals by providing resources, connections, and platforms to grow and lead.
As we celebrate this important month, we recognize the women who continue to break barriers, inspire innovation, and make a lasting difference in our community. Their leadership today is helping shape a brighter future for tomorrow.
Start the Year off with the Chamber's
Upcoming Events
Grant Opportunities
Apply for the Mona $5,000 Small Business Impact Grant
Mona $5,000 Small Business Impact Grant: Mona, the small business funding co-pilot incubated at Harvard Innovation Labs, has launched its first Impact Grant – $5,000 in unrestricted, flexible funding for an entrepreneur making a meaningful impact in their community. The application is intentionally brief. Apply here by March 16th.
Apply Now for the District 4 Small Business Grant Program
Bid Now on Auction Items Benefitting the SFLHCC Foundation
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to our Chamber Partner, Clear Channel, for providing us with a fantastic billboard! Your support helps shine a light on our community and the businesses that make it great. Keep an eye out!
Member Spotlight Feature
SFLHCC Member Spotlight:
Adrienne Arsht
Center for Performing Arts
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (@arshtcenter) and Broadway Across America (@bwayamerica) are proud to announce the 2026-27 Broadway in Miami season in the Ziff Ballet Opera House with a six-show subscription package that includes two South Florida premieres, one Miami premiere and the return of three blockbuster musicals. The season opens in late September with the South Florida premiere of the five-time Tony Award®-winning musical BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™, a vibrant and meaningful spectacle that honors Miami’s enduring connection to Cuban music, culture, and storytelling.
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™– September 29-October 4, 2026. National Tour Press Opening Engagement.
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL – December 1-6, 2026
THE GREAT GATSBY – January 12-17, 2027
THE SOUND OF MUSIC – February 9-14, 2027
DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST – March 30-April 4, 2027
JERSEY BOYS – June 8-13, 2027
SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS
Season ticket packages are now on sale, priced from $260 to $975* for all six shows. To renew a subscription or become a subscriber, visit arshtcenter.org or call the Adrienne Arsht Center box office at 305.949.6722 or the Season Ticket Holder Hotline toll-free at 800.939.8587.
SFLHCC President/CEO Liliam Lopez and SFLHCC Chamber Members Featured in Calle Ocho News
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This week, we take a trip down memory lane to the First Annual Chamber Gala (1998), with former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (1993 to 1997) Henry Cisneros and SFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez.
Secure Your Spot Now
Digital Forensics Now Conference
April 20, 2026 · One-Day Conference · Coral Gables, Florida
Remember to Maximize Your Benefits
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) has announced an exciting partnership with CareerSource South Florida to deliver enhanced services to its members. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths and resources of both organizations to benefit businesses and job seekers within the community.
 Joseph Lamelas, MD Cardiothoracic Surgeon & Director of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Rooney Heart Institute Naples Comprehensive Health |
Chamber Member Announcements
NUC University – Florida Technical College Evolves into Northbridge University
NUC University – Florida Technical College has announced a new institutional identity as Northbridge University, reflecting the institution’s academic expansion, workforce-aligned mission and growing national presence.
Rooted in Florida for more than five decades, the institution has evolved into a multi-state university system with a strong emphasis on workforce-aligned education. Today, Northbridge University operates 8 campuses across Florida—Orlando, Kissimmee, DeLand, Lakeland, Tampa, Pembroke Pines and Miami—along with 19 campuses in Puerto Rico and 3 campuses in Oregon through its aviation division, Hillsboro Aero Academy.The university also includes a second academic unit, The DAVE School of Digital Arts, based at Universal Studios, offering programs in visual effects, game production and virtual production. Through online learning, Northbridge University serves students in more than 40 states.
“The transition to Northbridge University aligns the institution’s identity with the scale of its academic offerings, its multi-state footprint and its role as a trusted partner in advancing student success and workforce-aligned outcomes,” said Michael Bannett, CEO of Northbridge University.
As part of this transition, the university is expanding its academic portfolio with more than 30 new academic programs, including bachelor’s and doctoral degrees, with several scheduled to launch in 2026. In parallel, the institution is developing short-term credential.
Do you have an Ad or content you want to display in the SFLHCC Newsletter? Email info@sflhcc.com for the requirements and availability |
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Join us for Women of Tomorrow® Mentor & Scholarship Program’s annual gala, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM in beautiful Indian Creek, Miami Beach. This unforgettable night will celebrate our mission, honor the vision of our Founder, Jennifer Valoppi, and Co-Founder, The Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle, and raise critical funds to support the young women we serve. Reserve your tables and tickets today and be part of something truly magical.  | Join us in celebrating a historic milestone! Diario Las América's is preparing a special commemorative edition in honor of its 250th anniversary, and we invite our readers and advertising partners to be part of this unforgettable moment. This edition will highlight our shared history, community, and the voices that have shaped our journey. We would be honored to include your participation in this celebration. Be part of our legacy. Be part of this special edition.  |
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 ✨ Help us make Graduation Day unforgettable for our Senior Mentees! 🎓 Each year, the Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program celebrates the incredible young women who have worked hard, overcome challenges, and are graduating from high school ready to take their next step toward college and careers. This year, we are hoping to add something extra special to our Graduation Ceremony on April 30 from 9 AM – 1 PM — a photo booth experience so our seniors can capture fun memories with their fellow mentees, mentors, and families. We are currently looking for a generous photo booth sponsor who would be willing to provide this experience as a gift to our graduating seniors. 📸 Your support would help create joyful moments and lasting memories for these amazing young women as they celebrate this milestone. If you or your company would be interested in supporting this special moment, we would love to hear from you. 📧 Please contact: b.leon@womenoftomorrow.org Thank you for helping us continue to uplift and celebrate the next generation of women leaders. 💫 |
A"Business Minute with Lily Lopez"
A "Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring Steven Meiner, Mayor of Miami Beach | A "Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring US Senator Rick Scott (FL) |
Click below to access "A Business Minute with Lily Lopez" on YouTube
