MIAMI, FLORIDA — August 16, 2026 — With elegance, music, fine dining and extraordinary attention to detail, the United States Minority Chamber of Commerce announces its 32nd Leadership Gala of the Americas 2026, taking place on September 4, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel. The invitation-only gala will bring together more than 300 distinguished business executives, investors, professionals, government representatives and civic leaders from the United States, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
The evening will honor a select group of leaders whose careers represent achievement, innovation, public service, entrepreneurship, and commitment to their communities.
“We have produced 31 galas recognizing dozens of leaders from the public and private sectors. This edition is different. We have been exceptionally deliberate about every detail—from the moment our guests enter until the final presentation—because we believe the leaders we are recognizing are creating stories that deserve to be remembered in the history of our nation and our region,” said Mr. Doug Mayorga, President and Founder of the U.S. Minority Chamber of Commerce.
The 2026 Gala also marks the Chamber’s 27th anniversary and carries a broader message:
“Peace and Security in the Americas — A New Order of Prosperity, Driven by the United States.”
A NIGHT OF DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP
The 2026 Leadership Gala of the Americas will bring together a carefully selected group of distinguished leaders from government, business, technology, media, energy, transportation, construction, and the civic community. Some honorees will be personally present to receive their recognition, while others will participate through exclusive video messages prepared especially for the Gala.
The Chamber is intentionally keeping the evening private and invitation-only. The Gala is not designed as a public entertainment event, but as a distinguished gathering of leaders who share a commitment to service, innovation, economic opportunity, and the future of the Americas.
“We are not inviting people to come because of who will be in the room. We are bringing together people who understand the importance of what is being built in this room,” said Mr. Mayorga.
THE 2026 HONOREES
Among this year’s distinguished honorees are:
Mr. Luis Fernández, President of Telemundo — 2026 Hispanic Media & Innovation Leadership Award, recognizing leadership in Spanish-language media, innovation and the voice of the Hispanic community.
Honorable, Keith Sonderling, U.S. Secretary of Labor — 2026 Public Servant of the Year Award, recognizing leadership in America’s workforce and labor community.
Honorable, Joseph B. Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — 2026 Leadership in Public Service Award, recognizing his role in the nation’s immigration and citizenship system.
Honorable Ms. Dina Powell McCormick, President of Meta 2026 Global Leadership Award — Technology, Education & Economic Opportunity, a tribute to guide one of the world’s most influential technology in the history of technology.
Mr. Brandon Bornancin, CEO & Founder of Seamless.AI — 2026 American AI Innovation Leadership Award, recognizing entrepreneurial leadership and innovation in artificial intelligence.
Amerijet International, Inc, The Company of the Year in Americas 2026 Award for a significant contribution to international commercial transportation
Honorable, Doug Kelly, CEO of America Edge Project, the Global Community Leader in America – 2026 Award, a voice in the national conversation surrounding America’s ability to remain a global leader in technology and innovation.
Ms. Michelle Morin, Corporate Female Executive in the Americas of the Year 2026 Award for her outstanding executives advancing diversity within the American Airlines corporate community.
Caribbean Community Leader of the Year 2026 -Ramón Barquín CEO of President of the Centro Unido de Detallistas (United Retailers Assn) with more than 50,000 associates in Puerto Rico, reflects a commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the island.
Mr. Damon Egglefield — 2026 Renewable Energy Legacy & Innovation Award, recognizing leadership and innovation in the renewable-energy sector.
Mr. Peter A. Millian—V.P. Clear Channel Outdoor 2026 Executive of the Year of the Americas Award 2026, a professional that reflects the highest standards of leadership and service.
Ms. Carolina Peguero, CNN en Español Correspondent — 2026 Latina Media Leadership Award, recognizing excellence in journalism, television and community voice.
Mr. Alex Mena, El Nuevo Herald / Miami Herald — 2026 Journalist of the Year — The Americas, recognizing distinguished journalism and service to the community.
Ms. Ann-Marie Campbell, The Home Depot Executive Leadership — 2026 Employer Leadership Award, recognizing corporate leadership and employment opportunities.
Honorable Byron Donalds, Member of the United States Congress, American Leadership & Community Impact Awards 2026, the spirit of leadership in the public services that helps shape the history of our nation.
Women Entrepreneurship & Education Awards 2026, Karen Carvajalino, Daniela Carvajalino and Stephanie Carvajalino, three sisters with an incredible journey of success y and leadership. They chose to transform your own entrepreneurial experience into a platform designed to educate, empower and prepare others to succeed.
Balsera Communications — 2026 Hispanic & Minority Market Public Relations Leadership Award, recognizing excellence in strategic communications, public affairs, and multicultural engagement.
Bundy Signs — 2026 Visual Communications & Signage Leadership Award, recognizing entrepreneurial longevity, innovation, and contribution to South Florida’s business community.
Ms. Juvira Briceño, Caribbean Executive & Chamber National Director — 2026 Caribbean Corporate Executive of the Year, recognizing leadership, vision, excellence, and service to the Caribbean business community.
Mr. Rafael Cabrera — South Florida Entrepreneurial Leadership Award 2026, Excellence in Construction, Innovation & Economic Development within the Latin Builders Association.
Mr. Carlos Coria, CEO Bundy Signs, the Visual Communications & Leadership Awards 2026, an incredible history of more than three decades, has remained part of the South Florida business landscape while the region itself has transformed dramatically.
AN EVENING DESIGNED FOR DISTINCTION
The Chamber describes the Gala as an intimate and highly controlled invitation-only gathering, reflecting the caliber of the leaders attending and being recognized.
The evening will feature an elegant dinner, a musical celebration of the 1970s and 1980s, and a mariachi performance during the reception, creating a distinctive atmosphere before the dinner and awards ceremony.
Clear Channel Outdoor is supporting the event, highlighting the importance of strategic communications and the power of outdoor media to connect businesses with communities throughout Miami-Dade County.
ABOUT THE U.S. MINORITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Celebrating 27 years of service, the United States Minority Chamber of Commerce is a business organization dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship, trade, investment, economic development and opportunities for minority and diverse businesses in the United States and the Americas.
For additional information:
www.minoritychamber.net
Rosse Garcia Director of Public Affairs
786.406.2190
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