Black & White Ball and Business Awards

The Black & White Ball and Business Awards is the Arizona Hispanic Chamber’s (AZHCC) largest annual fundraiser and the state’s longest running formal gala. This year’s presenting sponsor for the ninth year in a row is Cox Communications.

The honorees listed below will be recognized at the Chamber’s formal gala on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, 8000 Arizona Grand Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85044.

“This year’s theme, ‘A Night Around the World,’ highlights the diversity of Arizona and its emergence as a global hub of business. We bring together leaders committed to inclusion to integrate a more global mindset” said Mónica Villalobos, President & CEO.

The five winners of the 2021 Black & White Ball and Business Awards are:

• Man of the Year – David Adame, President & CEO, Chicanos Por La Causa

• Woman of the Year – Maria Lacal, EVP and Chief Nuclear Officer, APS

• Entrepreneur of the Year – Omar Alvarez, President & Owner, Tortas Paquime

• Corporation of the Year – AAA

• Legacy Award – Sharon Harper, President & CEO, Plaza Companies

Historically, about 1,200 Arizona business and community leaders attend the event, which honors the achievement of Arizona entrepreneurs, business leaders and individuals who have contributed to the state’s social progress and economic prosperity. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event will be capped at 800 guests and will follow safety protocols provided to all attendees. The event also features an elegant dinner, live entertainment, luxury raffle prizes, and the annual business awards presentation.

While this is the 62nd year for the event, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been playing an important role in the state’s business community for over 70 years by promoting economic development, entrepreneurship, and representing the interests of the state’s more than 150,000 Hispanic-owned businesses, a majority of which are owned by Latinas.

The event is SOLD OUT but can be viewed on livestream by registering at https://bit.ly/BW21Virtual.

About AZHCC 
Founded in 1948, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the premier advocate for more than 125,000 Hispanic-owned small businesses and more than 2 million Hispanic consumers statewide.

Led by President and CEO Monica Villalobos, the non-profit organization provides products and services in the area of market intelligence, capacity building, advocacy and education for the benefit and success of its members, corporate partners and to actively promote the economic growth and vitality of Arizona. The Arizona Hispanic Chamber’s annual signature events include the Black & White Ball and Business Awards; the release of DATOS: State of the Hispanic Market; the Arizona Minority Business Enterprise Summit; and the Bud Shootout Golf Tournament—along with more than 60 other workshops, seminars, public forums and business networking activities.

The Chamber also operates Arizona’s only two federally funded Minority Business Development Agency Centers, one of which provides access to contracts and capital for mid-sized companies among the state’s 100,000+ Minority Business Enterprises in search of growth and investment opportunities; while the other is focused on the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian (AIANNH) grant, Project, to develop trainings, workshops, and provide additional technical support to these communities.

The Arizona Hispanic Chamber is dedicated to promoting the health and prosperity of the state and national economy by serving as a vital link to the growing power and influence of Hispanic business owners and consumers as part of our increasingly diverse global marketplace.