ORLANDO, FL. February, 2024.- The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando (Hispanic Chamber) announced the establishment of a new non-profit entity and the promotion of Pedro Turushina as the new President and CEO during the sold-out 2024 Ignite Luncheon on Tuesday, February 6, at the Steinmetz Hall in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Elisha Gonzalez, 2024 Hispanic Chamber Board Chair, officially announced the establishment of the Hispanic Economic Advancement Foundation. This new non-profit entity will focus on advocating and cultivating relationships with procurement executives to enhance contracting and capacity building opportunities for second-stage Hispanic-owned companies. In addition, the organization will provide executive development opportunities for Hispanic professionals, contributing to the overall advancement of the Hispanic business community in Central Florida. The Hispanic Chamber board unanimously approved the establishment of this new entity in 2023 under Jeff Villanueva’s leadership and committed the chamber’s seed funding to its cause.
Gaby Ortigoni, who served as President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber and has over 15 years serving the Hispanic business community in Central Florida, is now the new foundation executive who will spearhead this new entity.
Gonzalez also announced that effective February 1, 2024, Pedro Turushina, who served as Vice President since January 2021, became the new President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber, one of the largest in the Central Florida region. As part of his vision, he aims to strengthen the current Chamber programs and announced new initiatives such as the CEO series, new technology to improve membership benefits, and a strategic expansion in Osceola, Seminole, and surrounding counties.
“We are honored to stand behind the vision of our two strong leaders, Gaby and Pedro, who will undoubtedly pave the way for growth, prosperity, and success for generations to come,” said Hispanic Chamber Board Chair Elisha Gonzalez.
“Since 1993, our Hispanic Chamber has been at the forefront of promoting contracting opportunities and creating programs to support our members’ companies’ growth,” said Gaby Ortigoni. “The vision of this new entity is to make Central Florida the number one hub for the most prosperous Hispanic-owned companies and the premier developer of Hispanic executives nationwide,” she added.
“We strive for a more purpose-driven community, and our commitment extends to the core of our organization,” said Pedro Turushina. “As one of the main economic drivers in this region, Hispanics comprise over 32% of the population in Orange County, over 54% in Osceola County, and over 20% in Seminole County. Therefore, we have a significant responsibility to continue diligently working on our mission to strengthen the Hispanic businesses in our region.”
Please see the link below with key event images; additional photos are available upon request.
ABOUT THE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF METRO ORLANDO
The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando is one of the largest business organizations in Central Florida. The Hispanic Chamber has advocated for the Hispanic business community for over three decades. This organization is recognized as one of the main economic development entities in the region, serving as the central point of connection, fostering business success, unifying communities, and empowering Hispanic business owners and professionals to drive exceptional economic growth in the region. As a valued member of the Hispanic Chamber, you will be part of one of the largest, most engaged business networks in Central Florida, with exclusive access to unparalleled benefits, award-winning events, and programs focused on commerce opportunities, coaching, and community-building, making us the top choice for businesses of all industries in our region.