GlobalPittsburgh forges cultural, educational, and business relationships between the Greater Pittsburgh Region and the global community. In 2016, the organization held its first Immigrant Entrepreneurs Celebration (IEC) to showcase the talent, tenacity, and innovative thinking of the newcomers who have made Pittsburgh their home and helped make it a world-class city.
This year seven outstanding Latinos from our community have been nominated for IEC awards in categories including the food industry, healthcare and social services, immigrant champion, professional services, and more.
Presente congratulates these outstanding immigrant leaders, entrepreneurs, and champions for making a difference in our community and paving the path for future Pittsburgh Latino leaders.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NOMINATIONS
(Descriptions by GlobalPittsburgh)
Dr. Diego Chaves-Gnecco Salud Para Niños – Diego Chaves-Gnecco is a Colombia native and the Founder and Program Director of Salud Para Niños at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. His clinical and academic interests include the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism and ADHD, and providing care to families and children with disabilities.
Guillermo Velázquez Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation (PHDC) – Guillermo is the Executive Director of the PHDC. Originally from Mexico, Guillermo is responsible for helping with community development and equity. PHDC is dedicated to improving the lives of the Pittsburgh Hispanic population, which includes supporting Hispanic businesses and investments.
Brent Rondon University of Pittsburgh SBDC – Brent Rondon, who is originally from Peru, is the Senior Management Consultant for International Trade at the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center. Brent is an active member of several non-profit boards in the city of Pittsburgh, including: GlobalPittsburgh, Welcoming Pittsburgh, CCAC Diversity and Inclusion.
Jazmín Hernández & José Flores Panadería Jazmín – Jazmín and José are co-founders and owners from Mexico. They wanted to bring their knowledge of baking to the U.S. Their panadería has been featured in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Mt. Lebanon Magazine, and a success story article for The University of Pittsburgh SBDC.
Grecia Diaz SnackEVER – Grecia Diaz, born in Venezuela, founded SnackEVER in hopes of bringing healthy snacks to the people of Pittsburgh. Grecia started her business just four years after arriving in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. SnackEVER features snacks such as Vegan Jerky and Amaranth wafers.
Verónica Lozada-Jenkins Casa San José – Verónica, originally from Bolivia, serves as the current Deputy Director of Programs and Community Engagement at Casa San José, an organization with the mission to connect, support, and advocate with and for the Latino community. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, Verónica transformed her office into a network hub of volunteers and donors.
María Hernández Hernández Painting LLC – María Hernández is a native of El Salvador and the founder of Hernandez Painting LLC. María is 1 of 12 children and the first one in her family to graduate from high school.
