Week 9/24/25 Newsletter - Viva Miami Hispanic Heritage Business Expo & Lunch Conference Celebrates 21 Years of Community and Progress
- Sep 23
- 5 min read
Viva Miami Hispanic Heritage Business Expo & Lunch Conference Celebrates 21 Years of Community and Progress
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) proudly hosted the 21st Annual Viva Miami Hispanic Heritage Business Expo and Lunch Conference on September 19, 2025, at the Biltmore Hotel. This year’s event, themed “Powering Progress: The Industries Moving Miami Forward,” gathered business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals for a day of networking and inspiration.
The Expo kicked off with a vibrant networking reception, followed by a stimulating panel discussion moderated by 7-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Rayne Anciaini of Univision 23.
Expert panelists included the following:
Eva Hughes - Executive Vice President - Istituto Marangoni Miami
Alina T. Hudak - President & CEO - FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Host Committee
Elizabeth Béjar, Ph.D. - Provost, Executive Vice President & COO - FIU
Cristina de Melo Nascimento - VP North America & Caribbean - LATAM Airlines
Rodrick Miller - President & CEO - Miami-Dade Beacon Council
The annual Miguel de Cervantes Awards recognized distinguished community leaders, including.
Manuel A. Morales - Chief of Police - City of Miami Police Department
Lili Betancourt Space - Executive Director - FIU CasaCuba
Dr. José F. Méndez Méndez - President - Ana G. Mendez University
Tony Argiz - South Florida Managing Principal - BDO USA
Dr. Marcos Mestre - Senior Vice President, Chief Clinical Operations Officer - Nicklaus Children's Health System
Daniel Jiménez, Ph.D - Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences - University of Miami Health System and Miller School of Medicine
Raul Valdes-Fauli, PA. - Raul Caldes Fauli Firm
Arnhilda Badia, Ph.D. D - Former State Representative, Florida
Special thanks to title sponsor Verizon, presenting sponsor TD, and other supporters for making this celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month possible.
Celebrating Hispanic-Owned Businesses
A Fresh Face in Wellness: Introducing Blufox Elevated Wellness to SFLHCC
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the vibrant contributions of Hispanic businesses to South Florida's economy and culture, we are delighted to welcome Blufox Elevated Wellness as a new member of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce!
Blufox Elevated Wellness is devoted to enhancing the South Florida community's well-being and quality of life through innovative wellness solutions and holistic health practices. Their mission is to empower individuals to take charge of their health journeys with a comprehensive range of wellness services, knowledgeable staff, and a commitment to excellence.
Focused on personalized care, Blufox Elevated Wellness offers state-of-the-art therapies and wellness techniques to address various health needs. From nutritional guidance to advanced body therapies, the Blufox team prioritizes education, awareness, and accessibility for everyone, values that resonate strongly with our diverse and growing Hispanic community.
We are excited to have Blufox Elevated Wellness join our network of forward-thinking, community-driven members. Their dedication reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural pride that Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates.
Please join us in welcoming Blufox Elevated Wellness to the SFLHCC family!
For more information about their services, visit https://blu-fox.com/
SFLHCC Event Video Recap
SFLHCC Viva Miami Hispanic Heritage Business Expo and Lunch Conference featured on Univision
WATCH NOW
Greater Miami Ranked Among the Top 10 Sports Destinations in the World
MIAMI – (September 12, 2025) – Greater Miami and Miami Beach is officially ranked among the world’s top 10 global sports cities, according to Burson’s highly anticipated 2025 Ranking of Sport Cities. Miami’s jump to #8 worldwide underscores the destination’s undeniable role as a year-round hub for world-class competition—and adds another powerful proof point to its reputation as a global sports capital. Already home to marquee competitions like the Orange Bowl, Miami Open, Miami Marathon and F1 Miami Grand Prix, the region’s sports calendar has expanded with five new global annual events: PGA Tour Signature Event, E1 Power Boat Series, Formula E, Unrivaled Women’s Basketball, and the HYROX Fitness Festival. Following the successful hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year, these additions—along with upcoming international tournaments including FIFA World Cup 26™—reinforce Miami’s status as a year-round sports capital while delivering powerful economic impact for the community.
RSVP to svalega@simon.com by Friday, September 26
Register for Our Upcoming Events!
SFLHCC's 25th Anniversary Gala Featured in Selecta Agosto Magazine in 2019
CHAMBER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
2025 Sunshine Kids Fundraiser - Sunshine & Style at the Ocean Club Key Biscayne
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.
 Denise JordanExecutive Vice President Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce |
Schedule your Appointment for the New Year Now!
Thursdays with Lily
Chamber Member Announcements
Do you have an Ad or content you want to display in the SFLHCC Newsletter? Email info@sflhcc.com for the requirements and availability |
How to Register:
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 | Wine & Fries Friday, October 10, 2025! Join us for an unforgettable evening where fine wines meet everyone’s favorite fries, all to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida. Sip and savor unique wine pairings, indulge in gourmet fries, and enjoy an atmosphere filled with friends and community spirit. Every sponsorship directly supports families with critically ill children, helping them stay close when it matters most. Date: Friday, October 10, 2025 from 6:00pm-9:00pm Details & Tickets: Event Website Register Now: Click Here
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Goodwill South Florida Presents Rythm &Threads: A celebration of People and Purpose
 | WOW Experience 2025
This WOW Experience invites you to celebrate not only our amazing individuals, but also YOU — the champions who bring love, joy, life, and color into every inch of our campus.
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Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: An Introductory Event This free session, led by Babson Professor John Hallal, will explore how professionals can become entrepreneurs by acquiring existing businesses. With many Baby Boomer-led companies entering a transition phase, this topic is incredibly timely and full of opportunity. October 22. The registration page is not out yet.  | HUB South Florida Compliance & Benefits Summit on October 23, 2025
Join us for an in-depth discussion on what the latest compliance updates mean for your organization. We’ll also share insights on employee benefits strategies and personalized employee programs that will help you build an engaged and vital workforce and a resilient organization.
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A"Business Minute with Lily Lopez"
"A Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring Marco Rubio, US Senator (FL) | A "Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring US Senator Rick Scott (FL) |
Click below to access "A Business Minute with Lily Lopez" on YouTube
