Announcing the Finalists for the 2025
El Josco Awards
The excitement is building for the 2025 El Josco Awards—Central Florida’s premier celebration of excellence among Hispanic and Puerto Rican entrepreneurs and leaders. Presented by the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, this prestigious event honors individuals who are breaking barriers, elevating their industries, and making lasting contributions to our community.
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This year’s finalists represent nine outstanding categories, including the highly respected Lifetime Achievement Award. These individuals have demonstrated professional excellence, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to community impact.
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A distinguished panel of Central Florida professionals, business leaders, and community influencers carefully reviewed a record-breaking number of nominations to identify those who truly stand out for their achievements and service.
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Save the Date
Join us on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Caribe Royale Orlando, starting at 6:00 PM, for an inspiring evening of recognition and celebration.
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For tickets and more details, visit premioseljosco.net.
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Here are the finalists for the 2025 El Josco Awards:
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Art​
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Janet Patricia
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Dimas Sanchez
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Jacoub Reyes
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Annie Espejo
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Communications
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Daniela Droz
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Gaby Calderon - Iheart Media
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Mayra La Paz - Portada Latina
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Neisha Molina - Univision Orlando
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Communitty Services
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Beatriz Andrekovich
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Linda Perez Luna - Boricuas de Corazon
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Vivian Rivera - Hernando Hispanic Heritage
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Cecilia "CG" Gonzalez
Education
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Juan Gabriel Villegas Berrios
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Darlene Burgos Grande
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Lauranette Ramos Robles
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Lillian Reyes
Entrepreneurship
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Charlene Oliveras - Real Estate
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Linsy DiPrieto - Warehouse Equipment and Supply
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Maria Cevallos - Naxos-Strategies
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Stephany Serrano & Kevin Rivera - Galactic Beauty
Health​
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Dr. Ariel Casillas - Bling Aesthetics
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Dra. Cecilia Rusnak - AcuMedGroup Wellness Center
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Ivan Alvarado Aponte - Orlando Health
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Dr. Jose Silva - AdventHealth
Professional of the Year
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Jose Ed Ramos
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Luis Nieves Ruiz
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Marilyn Mercado
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Melina Lopez Cora
Small Business of the Year
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Coqui Bakery - Jasmarie & Brenda Rosa
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Hispanic Insurance Specialists - Luis Vargas
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Fortuna Bakery - Ricardo Panneflek
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LatinPro Insurance - Jose Javier Aguirre & Rina Camargo
Women-Owned Business of the Year
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HCI Hair Solutions - Jackie Barboza
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Gosen Insurance Group - Katiry Gonzalez
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Psico Salud Belleza Academy -Fabrina Pena Laprea
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Unik Title- Lynette Quinones
Lifetime Achievement Award​​​​
Dr. Lester Martinez Lopez
Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. In this role, he was the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness for all Department of Defense health and force health protection policies, programs, and activities.
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Dr. Martinez, a family medicine physician, retired from the Army as a Major General and was the first Latino to head the Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, where he directed the Army’s worldwide medical research, acquisition, and logistics program. His experience in military medicine also includes tours as the Commanding General of the Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, where he directed a worldwide public health organization, and command of three military hospitals. After retiring from the Army, he served as the Chief Medical Officer at the Brandon Regional Hospital in Florida and Senior Vice President and Administrator of the Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital in Texas.
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Dr. Martinez graduated from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine degree, and earned a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University.