Home // events

Talent Summit

Date & Time

October 9, 2026

Registration: 8:30-9:30 AM
Program: 9:30 AM-5:00 PM
Afterglow: 5:30

Location

Gordon Food Service
1300 Gezon Pkwy SW, Wyoming
MI, 49509, US

Fees / Admission

Latinx College Talent: FREE
Latinx Professional: $35

Contact Info

Hilary Sanchez
Send Email

A dynamic conference dedicated to empowering Latino college students and Latino professionals.

This inspiring, day-long conference brings together Latino college students and early- to mid-career Latino professionals for a dynamic program featuring:

  • A keynote address by Eduardo Placer
  • Two engaging learning tracks tailored to students and professionals
  • An immersive networking lunch experience
  • A vibrant afterglow celebration to close out the day

Premier Sponsor

Talent Advocate Sponsor

Talent Connector Sponsor

Talent Training Sponsor

For Sponsorship Opportunities Contact Kimberly Hillebrand at Kimberly@westmihcc.org

Event Photo Release Statement
By attending this event you hereby consent to having your photo/likeness/recordings posted publicly and on social media.
Al asistir a este evento, da su consentimiento para que se publiquen sus fotos, imágenes y grabaciones en las redes sociales

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member to nominate/be nominated?

Anyone can nominate and be nominated regardless of membership status.

Non-Profit Champion: This award is given to a not for profit organization that has made a positive contribution to the Hispanic Business community in West Michigan. This engagement can be with the business sector, entrepreneurial initiatives, education and professional growth.

Young Professional of the Year: This award is given to an outstanding Hispanic professional who has served as a role model to Hispanic professionals and youth and who has shown a strong commitment to the Hispanic community. This individual should hold a high school diploma or equivalent, possess a minimum of 2 years work experience, and should not exceed 30 years of age prior to May 2026 to qualify.

Most Promising Hispanic Business: This award is given to a Hispanic Business or Organization that is 1-3 years in continuous operation, who has the drive and ambition to determine its success and long term viability.

Emerging Hispanic Business: This award is given to a Hispanic Business or Organization that is 4-6 years in continuous operation, who has the drive and ambition to determine its success and long term viability.

Hispanic Business of the Year: This award is given to an outstanding Hispanic business, in continuous operation for 7+ years, that exhibits excellence in business growth, customer service, job creation, employee relations, and commitment to the Hispanic business community.

Hispanic Businessperson of the Year: This award is given to a Hispanic individual who has enhanced the Hispanic Community with a significant, positive contribution, or who has otherwise contributed positively to the economic development and business interests of the West Michigan area, and who serves as a positive role model.

Building Bridges: This award is given to a non-Hispanic individual who has been an advocate for our members and the Hispanic community at large by providing support and resources that align with our mission.

Nominees are contacted and have to accept or decline the invitation:

  • All accepted nominees have 2 weeks to complete the application.
  • A panel of judges review and score applications based on a rubric.
  • WMHCC receives all completed rubrics and tallies final scores.
  • Top scores/awardees are presented at the Annual Awards Gala.

A panel of volunteer judges are selected and composed of community leaders. Judges have expertise and experience in business, entrepreneurship, and/or talent development. 

Judges review and score applications based on a rubric.

Winners may only win once every 10 years per category.

2025 Winners: 

  • Non-Profit Champion: SpringGR
  • Young Professional of the Year: Maximiliano Velasco, GROW
  • Most Promising Hispanic Business: Equitable Learning Solutions
  • Emerging Hispanic Business of the Year: United Freedom Painting
  • Hispanic Business of the Year: Guelaguetza Designs
  • Hispanic Businessperson of the Year: Yeli Romero, Acceso VIP
  • Building Bridges: Supermercado Mexico

2024 Winners: 

  • Non-Profit Champion: Latin Americans United for Progress
  • Young Professional of the Year: Araceli Hurtado
  • Most Promising Hispanic Business: Hudsonville Chiropractic
  • Emerging Hispanic Business of the Year: HOLO Footwear
  • Hispanic Business of the Year: VIVE MICHIGAN Magazine
  • Hispanic Businessperson of the Year: Reyna Orellana Masko
  • Building Bridges: Kavy Lenon

2023 Winners: 

  • Non-Profit Champion: Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
  • Young Professional of the Year: Clarissa Mata
  • Most Promising Hispanic Business: Azucar_Ave
  • Hispanic Business of the Year: Applause Catering + Events
  • Hispanic Businessperson of the Year: Jim Roberts
  • Building Bridges: Tim Mroz, The Right Place

2022 Winners: 

  • Non-Profit Champion: Puertas Abiertas
  • Young Professional of the Year: Maria Hernandez
  • Most Promising Hispanic Business: El Caribe LLC
  • Hispanic Business of the Year: Supermercado Mexico
  • Hispanic Businessperson of the Year: Paola Mendivil
  • Building Bridges: Attah Obande, Grand Rapids Chamber

2019 Winners: 

  • Non-Profit Champion: GROW (Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women)
  • Young Professional of the Year: Adriana Almanza
  • Most Promising Hispanic Business: Tamales Mary
  • Hispanic Business of the Year: Jim Roberts Enterprises LLC
  • Hispanic Businessperson of the Year: Milinda Ysasi
  • Building Bridges: Alison Freas, Herman Miller

2018 Winners: 

  • Non-Profit Champion: Grand Rapids Symphony
  • Young Professional of the Year: Javier Cervantes
  • Most Promising Hispanic Business: City Built Brewing
  • Hispanic Business of the Year: Venturage MFG
  • Hispanic Businessperson of the Year: La Fuente Consulting
  • Building Bridges: Dr. Ken Fawcett, Spectrum Health

2017 Winners: 

  • Non-Profit Champion: Mind Meets Music
  • Young Professional of the Year: Stefanie Rosalez
  • Most Promising Hispanic Business: iRide Smart
  • Hispanic Business of the Year: El Granjero Mexican Grill
  • Hispanic Businessperson of the Year: Carlos Sanchez
  • Building Bridges: Tony Baker, Ferris State University

2016 Winners: 

  • Non-Profit Champion: Dr. Nkechy Ekere Ezeh, ELNC
  • Young Professional of the Year: Stacy Stout
  • Most Promising Hispanic Business: Monte Cristo Electric
  • Hispanic Business of the Year: Cano's Broadcasting
  • Hispanic Businessperson of the Year: Gricelda Mata, Lindo Mexico
  • Building Bridges: Kristen Ekkens, Spectrum Health

2015 Winners: 

  • Non-Profit Champion: Carlos Sanchez, Ferris State University
  • Young Professional of the Year: Arturo Gonzalez
  • Most Promising Hispanic Business: Sport Latino Magazine
  • Hispanic Business of the Year: Lindo Mexico Restaurant
  • Hispanic Businessperson of the Year: Abe Carillo
  • Building Bridges: Alan Headbloom, HCCC

Become a member and get benefits such as discounts on event tickets.

We’re here to help you connect with the resources you need, If you have specific questions, contact us directly.