May 6th, 2022

Media Contacts:

Nicole Topete

Digital Media Coordinator

Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

(623) 734-7809

[email protected]

• Six awards will be presented at the AZHCC’s 63rd Annual Black & White Ball and Business Awards, including the rare Advocate of the Year that has only been awarded twice before in the history of the event.
• High-resolution headshots and full bios available upon request

The honorees listed below will be recognized at the Chamber’s formal gala on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, 8000 Arizona Grand Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85044.

This year’s theme is ‘Noche de Comedia (Comedy Night)’, and will be emceed by Letitia Frye, America’s foremost “Auctiontainer.” Attendees will enjoy a night of laughter provided by renowned comedian, Paul Rodriguez, and other special guests.

"The awardees represent the best of Arizona and their work in our community is a testament to all that we can accomplish together.” said Mónica Villalobos, President & CEO.

The AZHCC will present awards in six total categories:

•       Entrepreneur of the Year – Lorena Valencia, Founder and CEO, Fizz Technologies

•       Woman of the Year – Lori Higuera, Assistant General Counsel, Freeport-McMoRan

•       Man of the Year – Ricardo Carlo, President, Associated Minority Contractors of Arizona (AMCA)

•       Corporation of the Year – Arizona Coyotes

•       Advocate of the Year – Vince Roig, Founding Chairman, Helios Education Foundation

•       Legacy – Tony Astorga, Owner/Principal, AZTOR Health Management Strategic Advisors | Retired SVP & CFO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Historically, about 1,200 Arizona business and community leaders attend the event, which honors the achievement of Arizona entrepreneurs, business leaders and individuals who have contributed to the state’s social progress and economic prosperity. The event also features an elegant dinner, live entertainment, luxury raffle prizes, and the annual business awards presentation.

While this is the 63^rd year for the event, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been playing an important role in the state's business community for over 70 years by promoting economic development, entrepreneurship, and representing the interests of the state’s more than 150,000 Hispanic-owned businesses, a majority of which are owned by Latinos.

For more event information and current sponsorship opportunities visit our website at www.azhcc.com. For questions on how to purchase individual tickets, tables, or sponsorships please contact Director of Programs, Elizabeth Flores at [email protected] or call 602.294.6081.

Founded in 1948, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the premier advocate for more than 125,000 Hispanic-owned small businesses and more than 2 million Hispanic consumers statewide.

Led by President and CEO Monica Villalobos, the non-profit organization provides products and services in the area of market intelligence, capacity building, advocacy and education for the benefit and success of its members, corporate partners and to actively promote the economic growth and vitality of Arizona. The Arizona Hispanic Chamber’s annual signature events include the Black & White Ball and Business Awards; the release of DATOS: State of the Hispanic Market; the Arizona Minority Business Enterprise Summit; and the Bud Shootout Golf Tournament—along with more than 60 other workshops, seminars, public forums and business networking activities.

The Chamber also operates Arizona’s only two federally funded Minority Business Development Agency Centers, one of which provides access to contracts and capital for mid-sized companies among the state’s 100,000+ Minority Business Enterprises in search of growth and investment opportunities; while the other is focused on the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian (AIANNH) grant, Project, to develop trainings, workshops, and provide additional technical support to these communities.

The Arizona Hispanic Chamber is dedicated to promoting the health and prosperity of the state and national economy by serving as a vital link to the growing power and influence of Hispanic business owners and consumers as part of our increasingly diverse global marketplace.

We encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out our Website, for up-to-date information about AZHCC. 

Learn how the AZHCC can help you grow your business by connecting and expanding your network. Contact us for more information