Cuban-American community gathers to celebrate achievements at prestigious awards event
On Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, Miami's vibrant Cuban-American community came together at the 23rd FACE Excellence Awards Luncheon, an event that spotlighted some of the most accomplished individuals in business, leadership, and community service. Held at the renowned Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne, the luncheon was attended by over 350 local leaders from various sectors, including business, media, education, and culture.
Honoring exceptional leaders
Facts About Cuban Exiles (FACE) presented the 2024 FACE Excellence Awards on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, at Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne. The event, hosted by FIU Casa Cuba in collaboration with Murgado Automotive Group, recognized the achievements of four prominent Cuban Americans who have made significant contributions to their industries and the Cuban-American community as a whole.
Aida Levitan, Ph.D., was awarded the Excellence Award for Leadership. Dr. Levitan is the President of ArtesMiami, a board director for U.S. Century Bank, and has been a key figure in the Hispanic advertising sector. Frank del Rio received the Excellence in Business Award. The former President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Del Rio is the individual behind the founding of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Jorge Pérez was honored with the Entrepreneurship Award for his role as the Chairman and CEO of The Related Group, as well as his philanthropic contributions. Sam Verdeja was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Co-founder of FACE; Verdeja's impact on journalism and community advocacy continue to leave a lasting impression
The FACE Excellence Awards Luncheon is more than just an event; it is a testament to the contributions of the Cuban-American community to the fabric of American society. Since its founding in 1982, FACE has worked tirelessly to ensure that the stories of Cuban exiles and Cuban-Americans are accurately represented and their contributions are celebrated. The organization’s efforts reflect its core mission of promoting resilience, leadership, and community service—values that were on full display during the luncheon.
Mario Murgado, Chairman of FACE, expressed his pride in honoring such influential figures. “We are proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to our community and beyond,” he said. “Their stories are a testament to the strength and perseverance that define the Cuban-American experience.”
Event details and community engagement
The event, which began with a reception at 11 a.m., was a key gathering point for Miami’s Cuban-American leaders. The luncheon, running from noon to 2 p.m., offered attendees an opportunity to network and reflect on the shared history and future of the community. The awards ceremony itself was a powerful reminder of the deep impact that Cuban-Americans continue to have in various fields.
With valet parking available at Rusty Pelican, attendees had an easy and convenient way to arrive at the event. The awards luncheon provided a platform for honoring not only the honorees but also the broader Cuban-American community that continues to shape Miami's cultural and economic landscape.
The FACE Excellence Awards Luncheon also served as a platform to inspire the next generation of Cuban-American leaders. By celebrating the achievements of these honorees, FACE emphasized the importance of community involvement, education, and innovation in driving change. The event underscored the critical role that mentorship and leadership play in shaping the future of the Cuban-American community.
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