Dr. Juan Hernandez will keynote the Hispanic Chamber Annual Gala. Dr. Hernandez is described as one of the most brilliant men in the world (Fortune 2001), named Humanitarian Man of 2001 by Latin Trade Magazine (2001), and classified as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the U.S. (Hispanic Business Magazine 2001), he is known for his passion for the defense of the rights of immigrants. He has been showcased on Nightline, the Peter Jennings show, and is a regular on Univisión, CNN and Fox News.
The celebration will be held 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31st, at the QC Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State Street, Bettendorf, IA. Tickets for the event is $50 for early bird registration through January 19th. After January 19th, tickets will be $60 for members and $75 for non-members. Sponsorship opportunities are available and silent auction donations are being accepted. To find out more or to register for the event, visit www.gqchcc.com/2015Gala or call (309) 797-8650.
Juan Hernández was born in Fort Worth, Texas, from a long line of Texans from Fort Worth, Burleson and Alvarado. His Mother, Mary Clay Senter went to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, to study Spanish and Art, and fell in love and married a Mexican law student, Francisco Hernández. Together they created a Mexican American family dividing their time between Guanajuato and Fort Worth. Juan completed his B.A. at the age of 19 at Lawrence University and his Doctorate at 25 at Texas Christian University (being one of the youngest graduates in the history of both institutions).
After teaching at various universities and consulting for international corporations, Juan founded a Research Center at the University of Texas at Dallas and advised the UT Chancellor on programs for all UT universities in the Texas system. In 1996, Hernandez, who had never participated in politics, invited Vicente Fox (then Governor of the state of Guanajuato) to speak at UT and meet George W. Bush (then Governor of Texas). This historic meeting marked U.S.-Mexico relations and Juan’s life. After the Fox visit, Juan began receiving calls from people he had never met: Condoleezza Rice, Karl Rove and Felipe Calderon. When Fox and Bush decided to run for presidents of their countries, both sought advice from Juan. Fox invited him to be his “gatekeeper” and close confidant. Bush’s campaign sought his advice on gaining the Hispanic vote. Juan brought international advisers to Fox, taking him to victory over a party which had been in power for 71 years. Juan helped Bush turnout Hispanic votes in historic proportions. After the Fox and Bush victories, Juan created US-Mexico programs benefiting small business on both sides of the border, became the closest link between president Fox and President Bush and one of the most effective promoters of the US-Mexico Partnership for Prosperity. Juan continues today close to the Fox and Bush families.
The evening is a celebration of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce accomplishments, members, and supporters. The annual gala will feature reception, entertainment, dinner, business awards, silent auction, and the warmth of colleagues, clients, business leaders, community partners and Hispanic chamber members. The theme for this year is “Celebrating the Future.” For more information on the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, visit www.gqchcc.com or call (309) 797-8650.
The Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GQCHCC) is the only organization in the Quad Cities created to address the specific needs of the Hispanic business community. The GQCHCC serves the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.
The mission of the GQCHCC is to support, promote and enhance the growth and success of local businesses, and to leverage the community’s assets, contributions and unique Hispanic cultural identity to generate new business opportunities. The GQCHCC welcomes businesses, organizations, and individuals from any cultural background to join this community-minded organization.
In September 2012, the GQCHCC received national recognition as the winner of the 2012 Small Hispanic Chamber of the Year Award. The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) celebrated three Hispanic chambers from across the nation for their accomplishments, contributions, and commitment to helping the Hispanic-owned businesses in their communities.
Miss Iowa Aly Olson will be the MC for the Gala
To register to the Gala click here