Introducing the 2026 Special Honorees of the Negocios Now Who’s Who Gala

CHICAGO — Negocios Now announces the five honorees for its Who’s Who in Hispanic Business Gala, scheduled for July 23 at Beau Chateau, recognizing leaders whose work is shaping industries and advancing the Hispanic business community.

This year’s special honorees represent a cross-section of impact across education, real estate, nonprofit innovation, construction, and entrepreneurship. The group includes Luisa Fuentes, Eddie Garcia, Luis Gutierrez, Dorene C. Dominguez, and Mike Moreno, each recognized for leadership, innovation, and sustained contributions in their respective fields.

Wintrust Bank returns as the presenting sponsor of the event, with support from ComEd and Chicago Voice & Data. Additional supporters will be announced soon.

Founded in 2014, the Who’s Who Gala features a special edition recognizing individuals across industries such as business, corporate leadership, and real estate. This year, Negocios Now will also introduce a special segment highlighting Latino lawyers.

Dominguez, chairwoman and CEO of Vanir, has guided the firm’s growth into a national leader in construction management and real estate development, delivering more than $30 billion in project value. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its presence nationwide while maintaining a focus on innovation and community impact.

Garcia, founder and CEO of Realty of America, has built one of the fastest-growing real estate brokerages in the country. A former top-producing agent, he previously developed Realty of Chicago into a multibillion-dollar operation before launching a national platform aimed at empowering agents with training, technology and growth opportunities. His community initiatives have supported hundreds of thousands of families.

Fuentes, a Peruvian-born entrepreneur and educator, is the founder of Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Centers and Global Early Leadership™, a model focused on bilingual education, identity and early leadership development. Her work has expanded a nationally recognized network of early childhood centers and positioned education as a foundation for long-term social and economic impact.

Gutierrez, founder and CEO of Latinos Progresando, has led the Chicago-based nonprofit’s expansion into a broad network with reach across multiple states and countries. Raised in the city’s Little Village neighborhood, he has focused on building cross-sector coalitions and initiatives designed to strengthen community development and access to resources.

Moreno, founder of Moreno’s Liquors, marks 50 years in business as one of Chicago’s most recognized Latino entrepreneurs. His Little Village establishment has become both a commercial success and a cultural landmark, known for its extensive tequila selection and its longstanding support for local economic development.

The Who’s Who in Hispanic Business Gala is an annual event organized by Negocios Now to highlight individuals whose professional achievements and community engagement reflect the growing influence of Hispanic leadership in the United States. This year’s ceremony will bring together business, civic, and community leaders to celebrate the honorees and their contributions.