50 Most Influential Latinos

We measure success in many different ways. On the playing field athletes measure it in victories. In academia it is measured by accreditation. In public service, by election or appointment to higher office. Business success is typically gauged in terms of financial performance. But whatever the field of endeavor, a benchmark common to all levels of success is the degree to which an individual influences others. In that regard, it is impossible to overlook the influence that the Latino community has had on the state of Georgia.


Through the years Georgia has experienced great economic development and cultural enrichment due to the diverse and vibrant makeup of its residents including, significantly, the Latino community. Of the over 1,000,000 Latinos living in Georgia many have taken it upon themselves to serve in various capacities of leadership. And through their efforts, improve lives and create opportunities for growth.


To recognize the accomplishments of these gifted leaders, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presents the “50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia.” The nominations of the men and women selected for this prestigious honor have gone through a rigorous process to evaluate contributions they have made. Weighing heavily on the final selection was the degree of influence each person exhibited in their role as a representative of the Latino community. It is one thing to be successful but quite another to ensure others are successful as well. For that positive influence, the GHCC is thankful and is delighted to recognize the “50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia” for 2019.

On behalf of our wonderful judges, we are honored to introduce the 2019 awardees of The 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia

President’s Award

Gabriel Vaca

Gabriel Vaca is the Executive Director of the Hispanic Business Center a 501c3 subsidiary of the GHCC.

The Hispanic Business Center (HBC) is the educational arm of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. For over 17 years the GHCC Hispanic Business Center has provided leadership and economic education for small Hispanic businesses. The HBC’s mission is to help Hispanic businesses accelerate their growth through education and access to resources.

Gabriel Vaca recently retired from UPS International after 24 years and was responsible for consulting and supporting UPS’ largest enterprise customers in their logistics and global supply chain.

Mr. Vaca has been an integral part of the growth transformation of the GHCC for over 12 years and has held a variety of positions, such as Chairman of the Board and GHCC Board Director. He also recently served as member of the Senior Executive Corporate Advisory Board of the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce based in Washington, D.C.

He is a founder and graduate of the GHCC Cultivating Hispanic Leadership Institute and founding member of Crecer, the UPS Latino Business Resource Group, which he helped lead in 2017 to win first place at the USHCC Corporate Challenge. He has been a guest speaker on Leadership Development, Latino Employee Resource Groups, Hispanic business and International trade in the US and international countries.

He has been honored by the Georgia Secretary of State as an “Outstanding Georgia Citizen” for his work on helping Hispanic businesses in Georgia and also received the CEO Award in Corporate Ambassadorship from the GHCC. In June 2016 he was honored and was named Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairman Emeritus. In 2018 at the GHCC celebration of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia, Gabriel received The Special Recognition Award, above and beyond, because of his contributions and impact to the Hispanic business community and his support of the GHCC.

Mr. Vaca has a degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, was born in Mexico City and raised in Washington, D.C. has two children and lives in Roswell, GA.

Notable Mentions

  • Norelie Garcia
  • Alex Campos
  • Julio Rivera
  • Lina George
  • Hilda Abbott
  • Doug Rohan
  • Mariciello Fuller
  • David Schafer
  • Jason Anavitarte
  • Jose Perez
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