Awards of excellence 2002

South Florida CEO, Oct, 2002

Dr. Hilda Capo, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Latino of the Year Award of Excellence 2002

One of two pediatric ophthalmologists with the University of Miami's Bascom Institute, Dr. Hilda Capo started her medical career in Puerto Rico, where she completed her medical degree and residency at the University of Puerto Rico. She continued neuro-ophthalmology fellowship training at New York University Medical Center. It was then she discovered a love for teaching. She has donated her services to children in need; in particular treatment of children with congenital cataracts. Dr. Capo also treats adult strabismus and other adult eye conditions that require surgery. Her work in dyslexia research and treatment of strabismus (often called "crossed-eyes") has earned Dr. Capo a national reputation and this year's "Latino of the Year Award of Excellence."

Ricardo Tano Feijo Member of the Year Award of Excellence 2002

Born in Uruguay, Ricardo Tano Feijoo lived in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for six (6) years. In 1979 Ricardo traveled to New York, to start his studies in Architecture. He graduated with honors, Summa cum Laude, from the City University of New York, City College of New York in 1986. In 1988 Ricardo moved to Miami where he lives with his wife of 12 years Lourdes. He earned his "Master in Marketing and International Business" degree from Barry University. For the last seven years he has been representing architectural firms as Marketing Director. Currently as the Marketing Manager for Swanke Hayden Connell Architects (SHCA), an international architecture firm, he has been instrumental in the marketing campaigns to create a better name recognition for the firm in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean regions. SHCA has been responsible for several notable projects in South Florida. His enthusiasm for Latin Club of America's mission "To unite Latinos in our business efforts" has earned him our 2002 "Member of the Year Award of Excellence."

Celia Cruz Performer of the Year Award of Excellence 2002

Her voice, talent, and charisma have conspired to produce one of the most impressive track records in the music industry. Cuban born Celia Cruz has received so many distinctions that we cannot list them all in this magazine. Her more than 70 albums have garnered a healthy amount of gold and platinum records, plus more than a hundred awards from prestigious institutions worldwide and stars and street sections in some of the world's most visited avenues. "The Queen of Salsa" has carried this title with class and distinction. Celia Cruz is incredibly down to earth and her happiness is contagious. These are the traits she's used to write one of the most important chapters in the history of Afrocuban and world music. It's enough to mention Celia's name to have people's spirits fill with joy and their hearts with music. She is the highest representative of this musical genre, and the most notable ambassador of Hispanic culture in the world. We are proud to honor Celia Cruz with the "Performer of the Year Award of E xcellence" for her outstanding career and especially for this year's hit CD "La Negra Tiene Tumbao."