UPDATE: October 19 at 2:50 p.m.
The Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its 2026 Annual Gala Awards, recognizing people, businesses and organizations for their impact across the Tri-Cities community.
The awards were decided by its membership and announced at the 2026 Floreciendo Juntos Gala & Awards on Friday, October 16 at the HAPO Center in Pasco.
In the Educator of the Year category, Adriana Chavez of Southridge High School in the Kennewick School District and Gabriela Whitemarsh of Pasco High School in the Pasco School District tied for the award.
Maitas Childcare won Business of the Year. Pasco School District won Non-Profit of the Year.
Carla Lobos of Pasco School District was named Community Leader of the Year. GESA Credit Union won Community Ally of the Year, also listed as AMIGO.
Joshua Guajardo of Community Health Plan of Washington won Rising Star of the Year.
PASCO, Wash. — The Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host its 2026 Annual Gala, Floreciendo Juntos to honor local leaders and organizations tonight at the HAPO Center in Pasco.
The event theme, which means Blooming Together, is inspired by the Mexican marigold and focused on growth through hard work, resilience, collaboration and shared investment in the community, the chamber said in its announcement.
The gala recognizes impact in business, education, nonprofit service and public leadership, while also highlighting a Community Leader of the Year. Honorees are chosen through community nominations.
Winners of six award categories will be announced: Rising Star of the Year, Educator of the Year, Latino Community Ally of the Year, Community Leader of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year and Business of the Year.
The Rising Star award focuses on young professionals younger than 30 who are building influence and making a positive impact. The Educator of the Year award recognizes educators who support students and families while creating learning opportunities.
The AMIGO award honors an individual or organization that supports and advocates for the Latino community in the Tri-Cities. Business and nonprofit awards recognize groups making a difference through service, outreach, innovation and economic growth.
For this year’s event, the chamber said nominations have closed and tickets are no longer available.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: Oct. 16 at 10:40 a.m.
