Circle of Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award: Cristina Pineda
The Circle of Excellence in Women’s Leadership Award honors women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to advancing other women within their communities and professions. This award celebrates individuals whose achievements and advocacy inspire others, foster growth, and exemplify the values of excellence and empowerment at the heart of our community.
Cristina Pineda is a renowned Mexican designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, and co-founder of Pineda Covalin, an internationally recognized fashion and design company that celebrates Mexican and Latin American cultural heritage. Her distinguished career has earned recognition in Mexico and internationally for promoting Mexican culture through design, including the international success of Xico, her cultural icon featured at Expo Shanghai 2010. Beyond fashion, Pineda supports artisans, education, children, and indigenous communities through philanthropic and social-impact initiatives. Her work demonstrates how creativity and entrepreneurship can advance cultural preservation, empower communities, and promote Mexico’s rich heritage worldwide.
Circle of Excellence Award in the Hispanic Marketing Industry: Gene Bryan
The Circle of Excellence in Hispanic Marketing Award recognizes individuals whose exceptional achievements have made a lasting impact on Hispanic culture, media, marketing, and communications. The award honors leaders who use their talent, creativity, and influence to elevate Hispanic voices, connect communities, and inspire future generations. Through professional excellence, cultural representation, and a commitment to meaningful impact, recipients exemplify the Center for Hispanic Marketing Communication at Florida State University's values.
Gene Bryan is a pioneering executive and entrepreneur with more than four decades of leadership in U.S. Hispanic marketing, advertising, and media. As founder and CEO of HispanicAd.com, he has helped advance the industry nationwide and received the Hispanic Marketing Council Lifetime Achievement Award. Since 2004, Bryan has supported the Center for Hispanic Marketing Communication at Florida State University through its research, curriculum, and mission to prepare future multicultural marketing leaders.