![20th Annual Hispanic Women of Distinction](https://www.goriverwalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Hispanic_women_of_Distinction_std_9.21_2.jpg)
This milestone of two decades will take a look back at all the past Hispanic Women of Distinction since its founding in 2001 as well as naming the 2021 Hispanic Women of Distinction and the Latina Pioneer of the Year.
Founded in 2001 by the late Erwin M. Vasquez, M.D. a Venezuelan-born cardiologist, philanthropist and publisher of the pioneer Spanish newspaper, El Heraldo de Broward, the goal was to help to empower Latinas and to recognize the influence they have in the South Florida community. Over the past 20 years, we seen these powerful women’s share of the nation’s population grow and that is expected to increase to 25.7% by the year 2050! As this recognition grows, we see how our former honorees have encouraged many others to follow their dreams of success.
These Latinas, both past and present, are not afraid to dream big, to carve their own paths, to be grateful for the opportunities they have received, and to pay it forward to those who will follow. Their drive is authentic, their work ethic is strong, and their culture is embedded in all they accomplish. The accomplishments of these women stand on their own and are even more significant given the traditional roadblocks that exist for women, especially Latinas.
Presented by Latina Style Magazine, the nation’s leader in Hispanic women business in partnership with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a host of other corporate and media partners, the celebration will include a number of pre-event activities including a Hispanic Women Summit, the annual reunion reception of honorees “DOS CULTURAS”, a commemorative booklet and video of former honorees, and sponsor related public events to celebrate their leadership, vision and achievements.
This year, we are proud to announce our charity, HANDY, an award-winning 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Founded in 1985, HANDY has met the needs of more than 50,000 Broward County children in foster and relative/nonrelative care associated with the child dependency system HANDY’s mission is to achieve positive, lasting change for youth by providing life skills, education, and a supportive community.