Human dynamos turn adversity into opportunity and receive Avon's Women of Enterprise honor in 13th annual awards ceremony.

Celebrity superstar, Whoopi Goldberg joins this years Avon Women of Enterprise Awards honorees - leading ladies in the world of entrepreneurship - at a luncheon held at New York City's Waldorf-Astoria. The Avon Women of Enterprise Awards program honors women entrepreneurs who have overcome personal and professional challenges to grow their own successful business. Honorees, embraced by Whoopi Goldberg from left to right, Maria de Lourdes Sobrino, Janet Lasley, Sarian S. Bouma, Marion Luna Brem and Rhonda K. Howerton.

The event was conceived as a capstone to Hispanic Heritage Month and will tell the incredible accomplishments and milestones of four individuals and an innovative corporation. The award categories and honorees include: the Latin Spirit Award to Jim Padilla, chief operating officer and chairman of automotive operations at Ford Motor Co.; the Latin Marketing Spirit Award to Tere Zubizarreta, president and CEO of Zubi Advertising; the Latin Entrepreneurial Spirit Award to Maria de Lourdes Sobrino, founder and CEO of Lulu's Dessert Corp; and the Latin Media Spirit Award to actor, producer, and community activist Edward James Olmos. In addition, Wells Fargo will receive the Latin Community Spirit Award for its long-time philanthropic contributions and support to Latino causes across the country.

"This is a very exciting time for us. The rapid growth of our magazine has presented us with a wealth of intriguing opportunities, including the inaugural Latin Business Spirit Awards gala. We are thrilled at the prospect of hosting such an event and further showcasing the range of talent among today's Latino business professionals and leaders in the community," says Latin Business Editor and Publisher Greg McComb, whose offices are located in Los Angeles.

The event will include an address by advertising pioneer Daisy Expósito-Ulla, chairman and CEO of The Bravo Group. Additionally, Jovana Lara and Ric Romero, reporters with KABC-TV Eyewitness News in Los Angeles, will serve as mistress and master of ceremonies.

Singer/songwriter Rebekah Del Rio, who was featured in David Lynch's award-winning film "Mulholland Drive," will provide entertainment. The event is being sponsored by UPS, Microsoft, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Latin Business Association.

The event begins with a general reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the program. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is located at 506 South Grand Avenue in Los Angeles. For reservation information, call (323) 692-2670, email: spiritawards@latinbusinessmag.com or visit: www.latinbusinessmag.com.

Published in English, Latin Business is aimed at Hispanic entrepreneurs and professionals ages 25-54, as well as marketers and corporate officers eager to understand this emerging market. The magazine, which currently has a national circulation of 150,000, has applied for membership in BPA International.

MEDIA CONTACT

Terri Hernández Rosales at 626.793.4337, hernandezrosales@sbcglobal.net