The Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for its 2026 annual gala awards ahead of the Oct. 16 event.  

The annual awards recognize individuals, businesses and organizations that are making a meaningful impact in the Tri-Cities community.  

Educator of the Year finalists: 

• Adriana Chavez, Southridge High School, Kennewick School District 
• Analicia Alvarado, Kiona-Benton Elementary, Ki-Be School District 
• Gabriela Whitemarsh, Pasco High School, Pasco School District 
• Dr. Nelmi Devarie Baez, Washington State University Tri-Cities 
• Yeselle Maldonado, Tapteal Elementary, Richland School District 

Business of the Year finalists: 

• Ballet Folklórico Cielo de México 
• Maitas Childcare 
• Premier Tax & Bookkeeping Services 

Non-Profit of the Year finalists: 

• Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho 
• Grace Collective 
• Pasco School District 
• Sparkle Initiative 

Community Leader of the Year finalists:  

• Carla Lobos, Pasco School District 
• Maria Ayala, Sparkle Initiative 
• Rudy (Rodolfo) Mendoza Mendoza, STCU 

Community Ally of the Year (AMIGO) finalists: 

• GESA Credit Union 
• Kevin Lewis, Visit Tri-Cities 
• Annie Warren, Northwest Public Broadcasting 

Rising Star of the Year finalists: 

• Joshua Guajardo, Community Health Plan of Washington 
• Kristal Solorzano, Migrant Education Program, ESD 123 
• Vanesa Quiroz Sanchez, Century 21 

Winners in each category will be determined through an open vote of current Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce members, and winners will be announced at the Floreciendo Juntos: Blooming Together gala.  

The event takes place at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at the HAPO Center, 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco, and  will feature keynote speaker Luzy King, founder of Say Hola Wealth. She also helped bring the Pitch Latino event to the Tri-Cities in 2025.  

Go to: tchispanicchamber.com.