News Summary
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana is set to honor contributions to the Hispanic community at the upcoming Excelencia Gala. Scheduled for September 19, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, this annual event will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a focus on Colombia’s rich cultural heritage. Attendees can look forward to a Dinner Dance, Silent Auction, and performances while supporting key community growth initiatives through fundraising efforts.
New Orleans
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana has announced its upcoming 2025 Excelencia Gala, scheduled to take place on September 19, 2025, at the prestigious Hyatt Regency New Orleans. This annual event aims to honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Louisiana’s Hispanic community and will take place in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month and the celebrations of Central America’s Independence.
This year, the Gala will spotlight Colombia, showcasing its rich cultural heritage through a variety of festive activities. Planned events include a Dinner Dance and a Silent Auction, where attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy live performances from the band Ashe Son, DJ DOTCOMMER, and a traditional dance group. Guests will also be treated to a culinary experience featuring a specially crafted dinner by Chef Kalych Padro, focusing on traditional Colombian cuisine.
The Excelencia Awards will honor the 2025 recipients, recognizing their pivotal roles in the community. While the specific honorees have not been disclosed, their selection signifies the Chamber’s commitment to celebrating excellence within the Hispanic community.
Fundraising for Community Growth
As the Chamber’s sole fundraising event for the year, the proceeds from the Gala directly support initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth in the region. Key initiatives funded by the Gala include:
- Entrepreneurship and procurement seminars
- Digital and financial literacy training
- Workforce development and job placement services
- Bilingual training through the Chamber’s Workforce Training & Business Development Center
The Gala serves as a platform to celebrate cultural pride, community leadership, and a shared commitment to advancing a vibrant Louisiana. It reflects the significance of the fastest-growing minority population in the United States and among the Chamber’s goals is to enhance the capacity of both Hispanic and traditional American businesses through expanded trade relations between Louisiana and Latin America.
Historical Context of the Chamber
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana is a reputable non-profit organization that formed in 1999 as a result of the merger between two existing chambers: The Louisiana Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, established in 1984, and The Gulf Coast International Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1990. Since its inception, the Chamber has focused on creating a more business-friendly environment for the Hispanic community in Louisiana, with the ultimate goal of promoting economic development and capacity building in the area.
The Excelencia Gala is not only a significant cultural event but also an essential fundraising opportunity that enables the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana to continue its vital work within the community. The ongoing commitment to empowering individuals and organizations through various educational and professional development initiatives ensures the Chamber plays a critical role in supporting the community’s growth and success.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Biz New Orleans: 2025 Excelencia Gala to Celebrate Hispanic Louisiana
- Wikipedia: Hispanic Americans
- My New Orleans: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana Excelencia Gala 2023
- Google Search: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana
- NOLA: Nell Nolan NOMA Loved in Garden Excelencia Gala Signature Luncheon
- Google Scholar: Hispanic Heritage Month
- NOLA: Nell Nolan Excelencia Gala Garden District Association Huguenot Society
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hispanic

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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.