At a press conference in Orlando this morning, the Hispanic Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc. (HBIF) and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando announced the 12 finalists for the 18th Annual Don Quijote Awards.

Clean the World founder and CEO Shawn Seipler was among the finalists. He is nominated in the Excellence Award category. The award winners will be announced at the Don Quijote Awards Gala on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Epcot World Showplace Pavilion. Each year, the Don Quijote Awards recognize business excellence, dedication to serve, and outstanding professionalism among Central Florida’s Hispanic community.

Former U.S. Senator from Florida Mel Martinez will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his impact legacy on the Hispanic community in Central Florida and the nation.

At today’s press conference, three finalists were named in each category:

Hispanic Business of the Year, Five Years or Less
Chatter Buzz
E-Vacations, Inc.
Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.

Hispanic Business of the Year, More Than Five Years
Albu & Associates, Inc.
FLQ Interior Design
ECX Electronics

Professional of the Year
Dr. Cyndia Muniz
Karla Radka
Gloria Puerto

Excellence Award
Shawn Seipler
Janet Perez Eckles
Henry Maldonado