Frederick was well represented at the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 40th Anniversary Gala and Awards Ceremony, which celebrated leaders and organizations making an impact across Maryland’s Hispanic business community. Three Frederick honorees received awards:
• Centro Hispano de Frederick — Non-Profit Award: For nearly two decades, Centro Hispano has helped Frederick’s immigrant community overcome language, cultural and economic barriers, providing education, citizenship assistance, youth programming and other services that reached nearly 4,000 clients in 2025.
• Karen Zuccardi, Maryland Technology Development Corporation - TEDCO — Rising Star Award: As TEDCO’s Ecosystem Director of Venture Development, Zuccardi connects early-stage technology and life sciences entrepreneurs with resources and partnerships while championing greater access to Maryland’s innovation ecosystem.
• Santhana Shan, Minnodi LLC — Unsung Hero Award: Through Minnodi LLC, Shan has championed workforce development and community empowerment, including partnerships that provide free technology training and career advancement opportunities for underserved populations.
The gala also recognized several Frederick-area finalists, including Ariel Rodriguez Mercado of Northwestern Mutual, Sandra Hofmeister of A&S Construction, and Marién Hornyak of The Kitchenette. Their nominations and awards highlight the strength, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of Frederick’s business community.
Congratulations to all of Frederick’s honorees and finalists on this well-deserved recognition. Their accomplishments reflect the many contributions Hispanic and minority-owned businesses and organizations continue to make across the community.
Learn more about Frederick’s thriving business community and discover local businesses at BusinessInFrederick.com.