Joseph A Unanue Latino Institute Hosts "BINJE’s Best Inaugural Hispanic Leaders" Celebration

On November 14, New Jersey’s most influential Hispanic and Latino leaders were celebrated in a powerful gathering developed by BINJE, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and hosted by the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute of Seton Hall University. The event brought together community champions, cultural trailblazers and emerging voices to honor individuals shaping the future of the state.

The evening spotlighted an ecosystem of Latino entrepreneurship, featuring local vendors such as Qero Restaurant, La Fortaleza Restaurant, Aroma Cafetera and CATB Liquor Import. Their flavors set the tone for a night rooted in culture, heritage and community pride. Enhancing the atmosphere was the expressive piano performance of James Vincent, recently featured on American Idol, whose music elevated the energy of the celebration.

Taking the top honor of the night was Ulises Diaz, senior vice president of Government and Community Affairs at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Diaz earned the highest recognition on a distinguished list of more than 70 leaders, acknowledging his decades-long impact and steadfast commitment to New Jersey’s communities.

The keynote address was delivered by Colonel Marisol Chalas, a groundbreaking figure in U.S. military history. As the first female Dominican in the Army Reserve to achieve the rank of colonel and the first Latina Black Hawk pilot in the National Guard, Col. Chalas shared a message of resilience, service and representation. Her leadership and achievements were further highlighted by her recent donation of historical artifacts to the Smithsonian.

The awards ceremony was led by Emmy Award winner Jenny Saavedra of Quadratín, whose presence added prestige and journalistic excellence to the program.

This memorable celebration was made possible through the support of key sponsors, including Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, United Airlines, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, LISC New Jersey and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

In a special moment of the evening, the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute was honored with a generous $4,000 gift in support of its mission to advance Latino leadership, education, and visibility throughout the region.

The event not only recognized the remarkable contributions of New Jersey’s Hispanic and Latino leaders but also reaffirmed the strength, innovation and future of the community they continue to uplift.

Categories: Business