By Marci Shatzman
Even the official proclamation from Palm Beach County Commissioners Maria Sachs and Marci Woodward got a standing ovation.
That’s how Boca Raton Museum of Art and other local VIPs welcomed the Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce to a “special cocktail reception bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from Broward and Palm Beach Counties to celebrate a shared vision for business prosperity, meaningful connections, and future collaborations across our vibrant communities.”
Greeting this Chamber Boca-style worked. A glass of wine, brief remarks and the proclamation were followed by a reception in the museum’s colorful lobby with hors d oeuvres by El Atico Colombian restaurant in Boynton Beach.
Hispanic Heritage board chair Carolina Veira and fellow board members mixed happily with elected officials like Boca city council, including Yvette Drucker, a proud first-generation Cuban who delivered her remarks in Spanish. Museum staff included the new executive director Dr. Ena Helle, and among the invited guests were State Sen. Lori Berman, Boca Chamber president/CEO Troy McLellan and Boca Raton Tribune publisher Douglas and Dini Heizer. Hispanic Heritage board members there present represent companies including Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and nonprofits like Kids in Distress.
A familiar face in Boca and the Boca Chamber, Mary Sol Gonzalez has moved from her role as co-founder and leader of Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative known as HEI, to president and CEO of this chamber. She explained how this event came together with Tatiana Velasquez, the museum’s associate director for visitor services and special events: “Tatiana just joined our board of directors…When we met to talk about the chamber two months ago, she was open to collaborate and loved the idea of the CREATE (Arts and Culture Committee) that she will chair. The Museum has been a member of the Chamber since 2023.”
Her successor at HEI, co-founder Yulimar Trumbo, was in attendance, as was HEI board member Simplify’s Erick Solms.
Here’s Mary Sol’s statement about her change to the Boca Raton Tribune. She made the official announcement on April 10: “After co-founding the Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative (HEI) and witnessing its growth and impact over the years, I felt it was the right time to hand the leadership of the organization to my co-founder Yulimar Trumbo. I am confident she will continue to lead HEI with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to its mission. As I step into my new role as President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce, I remain deeply committed to fostering economic development and will always support and advocate for HEI and the entrepreneurs it serves.”
