Washington, DC – The 9^TH Annual Maryland Hispanic Business Conference will recognize qualified outstanding individuals that impact the welfare and progress of our community.  The 2010 Hispanic Heritage Awards will be presented to prominent Hispanics from the State of Maryland at the luncheon ceremony of the MDHBC held on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bethesda, Maryland. 

Chairwoman’s Award:

Johnny Yataco is publisher of the Washington Hispanic newspapers. A native of Lima, Peru, Mr. Yataco was exposed to the publishing world early on and pursued a career in photojournalism.  He worked for several daily newspapers before working for the Peruvian presidency for two years.  At the age of 21, Johnny decided to immigrate to the United States, with a bag full of dreams, no money, no English, and no friends. Settling in the Adams Morgan area, the heart of the Hispanic Community at that time, he began working for a local newspaper.  In 1994, Mr. Yataco launched his own publication.

Today Washington Hispanic has 28 full time employees, more than 30 freelance support personnel, has been recognized nationally by the National Association of Hispanic Publication (NAHP) and ranked among one of the fastest Hispanic growing companies in the United States. Mr. Yataco was the recipient of the Ibero American Chamber of Commerce as The Small Business of the Year in 1998 and Businessman of the Year by the Peruvian American Chamber of Commerce in 2008.
He currently serves on several boards including the Capital Area Food Bank and its executive committee and the InterAmerican Press Association. In addition he has serves on non-profit initiatives with the Latino Economic Development Corporation, the National Association of Hispanic Publications, and the Montgomery County Commission on Ethnic Affairs.

American Dream Award:

Dr. J. Alberto Martinez knew he would be a doctor at the age of eight when he moved to the U.S., undocumented, from his native Colombia. He served as a U.S. Navy corpsman (medic) and was stationed in Japan, Bethesda Naval Hospital as well as several years of sea service aboard U.S. warships. After his eight year service, he attended American University, graduated with honors and pursued ophthalmology at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Martinez currently runs his own Ophthalmology Clinic in Bethesda, M and devotes significant time and resources to humanitarian missions and philanthropy.  He is the recipient of the Lions Club International 2010 “Humanitarian of the Year Award,” was voted “Teacher of the Year,” at Georgetown University School of Medicine from 1992-1994 and consistently voted one of “Washington’s Best Doctors” by area physicians since 1996.

Latina Powerhouse Award: 

Natalia Luis is the vice president of M. Luis Construction Co., Inc., where she is responsible for the company’s overall operations and estimating activities.  

She obtained two bachelor’s degrees in Business and Marketing from the University of Maryland and speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish..  Along with her academic awards and professional accomplishments, Natalia is involved with various charitable organizations such as Refugees International and Children’s National Medical Center.  She currently serves on the boards of Children's Hospital, Little Folks, and Beauvoir.  A native of Portugal, Ms. Luis immigrated with her parents at the age of seven.  She is married to Antonio Monteiro and is the mother of two boys ages seven and four.

Cidalia Luis-Akbar is president of M. Luis Construction Co., Inc., where she is responsible for the company’s overall financial activities.  As president, Cidalia is unrelentingly committed to her employees, customers and community.

She has a degree in Economics and Spanish from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a master of Art in Portuguese and Spanish Medieval Languages and Literatures from the University of California, Santa Barbara.  She is a Fullbright Hayes and a Calouste Gulbenkian scholarship recipient and speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish and French Fluently.

Cidalia is involved with various charitable organizations such as CARE International, The Ayenda Foundation, the Aschiana Foundation, and UNIFEM.   She currently serves on the boards of Children's Hospital, The Ayenda Foundation, NOPA, and the Aschiana Foundation.  Cidalia immigrated from Portugal with her parents when she was ten years old.  She is the daughter of Manuel and Albertina Luis and is married to Mohammad Masud Akbar and has a nine month old daughter.

Join us to celebrate these accomplished Latino professionals and learn from numerous others during this year’s conference.  The conference theme is “Count on the Growing Hispanic Market.” The 2010 Maryland Hispanic Business Conference focuses on expanding opportunities, creating wealth and connecting a network atmosphere that targets the fast growing Hispanic market.