Negocios Now’s ‘Who’s Who’ Edition Honored 170 Leaders

By Migdalis Pérez

On July 25, Negocios Now, the leading Hispanic business publication in Chicago, celebrated more than 170 Latino leaders during its latest edition of “Who’s Who in Hispanic Business.” The honorees were recognized at the annual Negocios Now Gala, held at the historic Old Post Office in Chicago.

This 12th edition of the highly regarded publication marked a major milestone in the magazine’s ongoing mission to elevate Latino excellence. The honorees represented a broad range of sectors, including business, corporate leadership, government, Latinas in construction, law, finance, nonprofits, and elected office.

“This year, we recognized another extraordinary group of individuals whose leadership, vision, and service continue to uplift our communities,” said Clemente Nicado, Publisher of Negocios Now. 

The list of awardees included Luis Puig Jr., CEO of A.L.L. Construction, who received the Business of the Year Award; Claudette Soto, CEO of baso Ltd., who was posthumously honored with the Latinas in Business Award; and Pablo Enriquez, founder of Enriquez Produce, recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Marta Cerda, CEO of ASI, was named Community Champion, while Homero Tristan, founder of Tristan & Cervantes, received the Small Business Award.

The edition also recognized 50 outstanding Latinas in the construction industry, as part of its ongoing effort to highlight the growth and leadership of Hispanic women in a field historically dominated by men. 

Additionally, the annual Negocios Now Gala showcased company owners, CEOs, CLOs, vice presidents, senior managers, market and managing directors, elected officials, and high-level corporate executives.

These individuals were celebrated not only for their professional accomplishments but also for their impact on the Hispanic community and their growing influence in shaping the future of business in the United States.

“I want to thank everyone who made it possible to bring together these Hispanic leaders in a single edition,” said Clemente Nicado, publisher of Negocios Now. “I’m grateful for their collaboration in providing us with their information. We also thank our sponsors for their support and our team for their hard work.”

This year’s edition stood out in particular for highlighting new faces in leadership—60 percent of the honorees were recognized for the first time. This reflects the expanding visibility and presence of Hispanic professionals across multiple industries.

Negocios Now has established itself as a key platform for highlighting the depth and diversity of Latino talent in the U.S. business ecosystem. Through its “Who’s Who” initiative and other projects, the publication seeks to inspire younger generations, elevate Latino voices, and promote stronger representation in executive and public leadership roles.

As the Hispanic population continues to grow and contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, the acknowledgment of these leaders serves as a testament to the strength and momentum of a thriving community.

The “Who’s Who in Hispanic Business” is more than just a recognition—it is a statement about the rising influence of Latino professionals and the vital role they play in driving progress, innovation, and equity in today’s business world.