The First—but Not the Last—of Its Kind

An evening-in-review celebrating Hispanic Executive's inaugural Latinos in Sports series in New York City.

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Hispanic Executive’s Latinos in Sports celebration took place on Thursday, January 25 in New York City, and the event was an incredible showcase of Latino talent in the world of sports—and an assurance that more greatness is to come.

Sponsored by ESPN, BODYARMOR, the Boston Red Sox, Draft Kings, MLB, Cotto Wealth Management Group of Morgan Stanley, and Nike, the evening featured a celebration of Hispanic Executive’s inaugural Latinos in Sports series, an effort to showcase high-level Latinos who are working hard behind the scenes to bring the love of sports to audiences across the globe.

Over 140 Latinos who are heavy hitters in the sports industry gathered at SECOND, a bespoke events space located in Midtown’s Hotel Eventi. The evening featured a sit-down dinner, panel discussions and talks from a who’s who of Latinos in the sports world, special drinks courtesy of BODYARMOR, energizing live music, an award ceremony, and plenty of big moments on stage.

Photo: Anjelica Jardiel. Team members from the New York City Football Club (NYCFC) join honoree Andres Gonzalez, NYCFC VP of Partnerships (center).

The evening’s featured speakers and award presenters included: Fernando Palomo, Master of Ceremonies and ESPN Announcer, Federico Muyshondt, CEO, BODYARMOR, Vianni Lubus, Head of Audience & Engagement, Hispanic Executive, Freddy Rolón, Head of Digital Content & Audience Expansion, ESPN.

The night showcased two impactful segments: “Women in Motion: Shaping the Business of Sports” and a keynote delivered by Xavier A. Gutierrez. As the NHL’s inaugural Latino president and CEO, Gutierrez utilizes his position to highlight the economic influence of Latino fans propelling US sports.

Photo: Anjelica Jardiel. Speakers L to R: Marysol Castro, Public Address Announcer, New York Mets; Adriene Bueno, Senior Community Manager – Executives, Athletes & Sports, LinkedIn; Iris Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer, Dallas Mavericks; Lauren Lopez, Chief People and Culture Officer, National Women’s Soccer League.

The best part? While so many honorees acknowledged they were the first Latino to do what they’re doing today, they vowed not to be the last. Everyone expressed a desire to pave the way for other Latinos in the industry while continuing to change the face of sports.

With so much inspiration for rising Latino professionals, who can now see themselves reflected in this group, the future is surely looking bright.

Photo: Anjelica Jardiel. Honorees received a customized portrait of themselves by the New York City-based Dominican artist Tony Peralta.

Photo Gallery

Photos by Anjelica Jardiel

Photo: Anjelica Jardiel. BODYARMOR CEO Federico Muyshondt addresses the audience and presents a round of awards to the evening’s honorees.

Photo: Anjelica Jardiel. Keynote speaker Xavier Gutierrez is the first Latino president and CEO in the National Hockey League, leading the Arizona Coyotes Hockey Club.

Photo: Anjelica Jardiel. CEO of LALIGA North America and Partner at Relevent Sports, Boris Gartner, graciously accepts an award during the New York City celebrations.

View the full album on Hispanic Executive’s Facebook page.