Diverse and Deserving

It’s been six months since 200 guests gathered in the Ritz-Carlton, Naples ballroom to celebrate the diversity that makes our community strong. The inaugural Face Awards, created by D’Latinos and Gulfshore Business magazines, recognized one big company, a small business and four individuals for their achievements and contributions. The winners and people in attendance represented a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds seldom witnessed in larger numbers at most mainstream events in our region. It was a refreshing sight.

The stories of the honorees also were uplifting, such as one told by Carlos Perez, the owner of Express Cool Air and the pastor of Iglesia Fuego Fresco. He recalled his arduous journey from Mexico to Southwest Florida via Houston, where he lived for a while on the streets, sometimes forced to forage for moldy bread to eat. Once living in Bonita Springs, he picked tomatoes and later worked at a luxury hotel in Naples, which he walked to and from two hours each day. As he spoke to the crowd, he offered an ironic remark: “Twenty years ago, I washed dishes here.” Over the years, he has helped others in the Hispanic community who have experienced similar challenges. From penniless and homeless to successful entrepreneur and proud father of three girls—one of whom attends Edison College—Carlos helped put the “face” in the Face Awards.

We know that there are similar examples in Southwest Florida, and we would like to learn all about them. 

D’Latinos and Gulfshore Business are accepting nominations for the second annual Face Awards—named for the rainbow of faces we see at work and around town—that will pay tribute to those whose accomplishments have inspired many others of diverse ethnic heritage to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.