These students were recognized for their achievements at the Achieving the Dream Scholarship luncheon presented by the Jaguars Foundation on Friday, May 16, 2025. The luncheon took place from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Florida Blue, 4800 Deerwood Campus Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

The scholarship program enables students who work hard and achieve academic excellence to start or continue their education. The FCHCC Community Development Fund awards these scholarships based on primary criteria of financial need (30%) and academics (minimum GPA 3.0) (25%). The remaining points are assessed based on a finalist interview, letters of recommendation, video, essays, extracurricular activities, community involvement and honors/awards.

FCHCC congratulates an impressive group of 2025 Achieving the Dream Scholarship recipients.

The Sponsors for the ATD Luncheon were:

• Presenting Sponsor: Jaguars Foundation
• Gold Sponsors: Coca Cola Beverages, Florida and Action News Jax
• Silver Sponsor: Bank of America
• Bronze Sponsor: VyStar Credit Union
• Scholarship Donors: Jimenez-Bellisario Family Trust, Clark Vargas Scholarship, In memory of Elizabeth Baptista-Carrero, Arlington Toyota, Florida Blue, University of North Florida (UNF), Fisher Tousey Attorneys at Law and VyStar Credit Union
• Luncheon Sponsors: Real 4 Jax Realtors
• In-Kind Sponsors: MiAddvantage, DEX Imaging, Sheila Trujillo Photography, DV Home & Style, LLC and Mocha Misk’I Brownie Shop

FCHCC thanks all our Sponsors, Corporate Partners and the Gala Planning and Selections Committee Members for all their hard work in making this event once again successful.

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Mission of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC): to positively impact the regional economy by creating value, promoting and facilitating the success of Hispanic-owned businesses and by engaging the community at large.

Media Contact: Chief of Staff, chiefofstaff@fchcc.com
Phone: (904) 346-1118 ext. 2
Website: https://fchcc.com

Media Contact: Maria Isabel Montoya, mimontoya@miaddvantage.com
FCHCC Director of Communications
Phone: (484) 868-4227

FCHCC Strategic and Large Corporate Partners are: Florida Blue, iHeart Media, CMG Cox Media Group, Norsan Media, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), CSX, MiAddvantage, Dominion Inc., Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA), PNC Bank, UNF Coggin College of Business and Citi.

The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) was created to encourage and promote sound, ethical and successful business practices in the Hispanic community and to further the recognition of Hispanic heritage and culture through educational endeavors. The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) is committed to positively impact the regional economy by creating value, promoting and facilitating the success of Hispanic-owned businesses and by engaging the community at large. For more information about the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit https://fchcc.com.

The post First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Announces the 2025 Achieving the Dream Scholarship Recipients first appeared on FCHCC.

WHAT: Monica Hernandez, FCHCC President and CEO receives “Ultimate CEO” award by the Jacksonville Business Journal. The ceremony took place October 3, 2024 at the Southbank Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida.

The Jacksonville Business Journal’s Ultimate CEO award honors the top executives who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and positive impact in their industries and communities. The Ultimate CEO award celebrates leaders who have not only driven their companies to success but have also contributed to the broader business ecosystems and community development.

This year, that Ultimate CEO award is being bestowed on 12 individuals who have led their companies to success through times of challenge and of growth. Selected by the Business Journal with the input of local business leaders, these honorees stand as an example of leadership in the Jacksonville area. The full article, “Meet the 2024 Class of Ultimate CEOs” is on Jacksonville Business Journal here.

WHEN: October 3, 2024
TIME: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Southbank Hotel
Jacksonville Riverwalk
1515 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207

Monica Hernandez has been serving as the President and CEO of FCHCC since 2019. During her tenure, the Chamber has experienced continued growth throughout the Hispanic Business Community in Northeast Florida. Monica is a leader in the growth and support of the Hispanic Community in Northeast Florida as well as giving back to the community at large.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to recognize Monica Hernandez for her instrumental role in the growth and support of the Hispanic community in Northeast Florida. Through her unwavering commitment, she has significantly contributed to the transformation of the Hispanic business community across the five counties represented by the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC).

Monica’s leadership has not only driven local progress but has also sparked national and international interest in the vibrant Hispanic community of this region. Her efforts have drawn the attention of major organizations, eager to collaborate and support the ongoing development of Hispanic businesses and professionals in Northeast Florida.

“Monica’s dedication to fostering growth within our community has been nothing short of inspiring,” said FCHCC’s team, her vision and drive have expanded opportunities for Hispanic entrepreneurs, creating connections that transcend borders in the five counties she represents.

This year, Monica’s contributions are being celebrated as a significant highlight of Hispanic Heritage Month. Her work has empowered the Hispanic community to reach new heights, paving the way for future generations of Hispanic leaders and innovators.

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Mission of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC): to positively impact the regional economy by creating value, promoting and facilitating the success of Hispanic-owned businesses and by engaging the community at large.

Media Contact: Chief of Staff, chiefofstaff@fchcc.com
Phone: (904) 346-1118 ext. 3
Website: https://fchcc.com

FCHCC Strategic and Large Corporate Partners are: Florida Blue, iHeart Media, CMG Cox Media Group, Southeastern Grocers, Prospera USA, Norsan Media, Sherwin-Williams, VyStar Credit Union, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), Adams Homes, CSX , MiAddvantage, Dominion Inc., Jacksonville Electric Authority, PNC Bank, UNF Coggin College of Business and Citi.

The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) was created to encourage and promote sound, ethical and successful business practices in the Hispanic community and to further the recognition of Hispanic heritage and culture through educational endeavors. The First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) is committed to positively impact the regional economy by creating value, promoting and facilitating the success of Hispanic-owned businesses and by engaging the community at large. For more information about the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit https://fchcc.com.

The post First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (FCHCC) President and CEO Monica Hernandez “Ultimate CEO” Honoree by Jacksonville Business Journal first appeared on FCHCC.