In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Miami International Mall recently hosted ‘Noche De Honor’ as part of the weekend long 6th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration Presented by TACA Airlines. The evening, which benefited the League Against Cancer (La Liga Contra el Cáncer), recognized Ana Maria Rodriguez, a local Hispanic leader, for her commitment to making a difference in the community.
“As a vital community partner, Miami International Mall is proud to recognize Ana Maria Rodriguez, director of government and community relations for Baptist Health South Florida, as a deserving local leader, while celebrating our heritage for a good cause,” said Maria Prado, mall manager, Miami International Mall. “Rodriguez has been an inspiration to the community in so many ways and we are proud to present her with an award recognizing her achievements.”
Ana Maria Rodriguez is entrenched in many of South Florida’s organizations and is dedicated to advancing many causes both locally and beyond. As an active member of the South Florida Community and a city of Doral resident for the past four years, Rodriguez serves many organizations including Young Professionals of the Lighthouse as part of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Florida International University’s Women’s Center, the Coral Gables Community Foundation, Leadership Miami, Connect Florida, the City of Doral Parks, Police 4 Kids Foundation and more.
The special fundraising event, which was hosted Paola Reyes, news anchor for Telemundo 51, also included a ‘Taste of the Nations’ with authentic cuisine provided by The Knife Restaurant, Patacon, Mondongos, Braseros, Los Olivos, Mrs. Mendoza, Le Café Limoge, Cali Caracas, Cao Chocolote, La Patogonia, Brisas de España, Yuka Deli, Caldas Rum/Cristal, La Esquina del Lechon, Las Terrasas del Cojimar and Polar Beer, and a high-end, Latin inspired fashion show that featured guest media personalities from Telemundo 51 and NBC 6 including Elizabeth Pérez, sports anchor for Telemundo 51, Mariana Rodríguez, host of Acceso Total and entertainment reporter for Telemundo 51 and Roxanne Vargas, co-anchor of South Florida Today on NBC 6.
The weekend-long celebration, sponsored in part by City of Doral, continued on Sat., Oct. 2 and Sun., Oct. 3 with folkloric music and dance performances, fashion shows, country exhibits, art and flag displays and a ‘Parade of Native Dresses’ that showcased the fashions of South America, Central America and the Caribbean.
“The City of Doral is honored to have collaborated with Miami International Mall to host the 6th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration,” said City of Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez. “This event is a Doral tradition that makes a significant contribution to the Hispanic community, while providing an exciting weekend for the thousands of people who attended this year’s event.”
Sponsors who made the 6th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration Presented by TACA Airlines possible include Telemundo 51, El Nuevo Herald, the City of Doral, the Doral Business Council, Leon Medical Centers, Miami-Dade County, Baptist Health, the Doral Golf Resort, Meza Azul, the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau and Bathfitters.