The 21st Annual Viva Miami Expo unites business leaders, innovators, and community trailblazers in a celebration of Hispanic heritage and Miami’s unstoppable progress.
Miami is a city where culture, business, and heritage are woven together into the very fabric of daily life—and few events showcase this spirit better than the Viva Miami Hispanic Heritage Business Expo and Lunch Conference. On September 19, 2025, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) hosted the 21st edition of this dynamic gathering at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, shining a spotlight on the industries and leaders that continue to push Miami forward.
Powering Miami’s Progress Through Leadership
This year’s theme, “Powering Progress: The Industries Moving Miami Forward,” brought together an impressive lineup of voices shaping South Florida’s future. The event opened with a high-energy business expo and networking reception, offering entrepreneurs, professionals, and community members the chance to connect, collaborate, and discover new opportunities.
The highlight of the day was the panel discussion moderated by Rayne Anciaini, a 7-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and Univision 23 news reporter. Panelists included some of the most influential leaders in Miami’s business and cultural spheres:
- Eva Hughes – Executive VP, Instituto Marangoni Miami
- Alina T. Hudak – President & CEO, FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Host Committee
- Elizabeth Béjar, Ph.D. – Provost & COO, FIU
- Cristina de Melo Nascimento – VP North America & Caribbean, LATAM Airlines
- Rodrick Miller – President & CEO, Miami-Dade Beacon Council
Together, they explored the industries transforming Miami—from education and healthcare to sports, tourism, and global trade—offering insight into how these sectors continue to fuel the city’s rise as an international hub.
Honoring Excellence with the Cervantes Awards
At the heart of the event was the Miguel de Cervantes Award Luncheon, which paid tribute to individuals whose leadership and service embody the resilience and excellence of Miami’s Hispanic community. This year’s honorees included an extraordinary list of executives, educators, and community leaders such as:
- 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 – SVP & Chief Clinical Operations Officer, Nicklaus Children’s Health System
- Daniel Jiménez, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, University of Miami Health System
- Raul Valdes-Fauli, PA. – Raul Caldes Fauli Firm
- Arnhilda Badia, Ph.D. – Former State Representative, Florida
These honorees represent the very best of Miami—leaders who have not only achieved excellence in their fields but have also dedicated themselves to strengthening the community.
The event’s success was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors including Verizon (title sponsor), TD (presenting sponsor), Ocean Bank (LED screen sponsor), and the Electronic Payments Coalition/Small Business Payments Alliance (Advocate for Enterprise sponsor), along with many others who helped bring this celebration to life.
For over two decades, the Viva Miami Hispanic Heritage Business Expo has been more than just a business gathering—it has been a symbol of unity, resilience, and progress in Miami’s Hispanic community. By honoring leaders, fostering new connections, and highlighting industries shaping our future, this year’s event once again reinforced Miami’s role as a city powered by diversity, innovation, and heritage.
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