SOUTH ORANGE, New Jersey (October 16, 2026) — BINJE, the publication founded by journalist Tom Bergeron, is once again shining a spotlight on the talent, influence, and contributions of Hispanic professionals with the 2026 edition of BINJE’s Best: Top Hispanic Business Leaders. The initiative recognizes more than 100 executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders whose careers contribute to New Jersey’s economic and social development. Rather than limiting recognition to a single sector, the list spans a wide range of fields, including healthcare, higher education, finance, construction, technology, commerce, and the arts.
The decision to highlight these career achievements takes on particular significance at a challenging time for many Hispanic communities in the United States, amid tensions surrounding immigration, representation, and economic opportunities. Publicly recognizing those who lead institutions, build businesses, create jobs, and pave the way for other professionals is a concrete way to bring their contributions to the forefront. BINJE’s initiative deserves recognition precisely because it provides editorial space for stories that reflect the diversity and influence of the Hispanic community in New Jersey’s economy.
The 2026 edition continues an initiative launched by BINJE in 2025. When introducing the inaugural list, Bergeron explained that its purpose was to recognize people who inspire others and demonstrate the strength of the state’s Hispanic business community. The publication has also highlighted the community’s economic impact, attributing an annual contribution of more than $100 billion to New Jersey’s gross domestic product.
EVENT DETAILS
• Name: BINJE’s Best: Top Hispanic Business Leaders 2026
• Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
• Location: Bethany Hall, Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey
• Networking breakfast: 7:30 a.m.
• Awards ceremony: 9:00 a.m.
• Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/cbz9r874
• Organizers: BINJE, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, and Seton Hall University’s Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute
• Presenting sponsor: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Although more than 100 Hispanic leaders will be honored at the ceremony organized by BINJE on November 10 at Seton Hall University, this selection highlights the professional achievements of 14 of them, whose contributions and leadership span a variety of industries.
ANDRÉS ACEBO
Chancellor of Kean Jersey City
Andrés Acebo led the financial recovery of New Jersey City University (NJCU) during his tenure as the institution’s 13th president. Under his leadership, the university reduced its debt by tens of millions of dollars and received an improvement in its credit outlook from negative to positive from Moody’s, the first such change in its history. The son of Cuban exiles who grew up in Union City, he was the youngest known president of a public university in New Jersey.
TONIO BURGOS
Founder and CEO of Tonio Burgos and Associates
Tonio Burgos leads a government relations and strategic consulting firm with offices in New Jersey, New York, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. His company advises corporations, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies on legislative matters, public policy, and infrastructure. With decades of experience in politics and institutional relations, Burgos has built an influential career in the northeastern United States.
CID WILSON
President and CEO of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR)
Cid Wilson heads HACR, one of the national organizations dedicated to promoting Hispanic inclusion in corporate leadership positions, corporate boards, and supplier networks. A New Jersey native, he leads research, corporate engagement strategies, and advocacy efforts that influence diversity practices at major U.S. companies. His work also focuses on economic mobility and Latino representation in the business world.
LUIS DE LA HOZ
President of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and Senior Vice President at PNC Bank
Luis De La Hoz serves as president of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and as senior vice president and New Jersey market manager for PNC Bank’s Community Development Banking division. In both roles, he participates in initiatives focused on business training, access to contracting opportunities, and the development of corporate partnerships. His work helps strengthen the Latino business ecosystem and expand the resources available to small businesses.
PATRICIA CAMPOS MEDINA
President of Latina Civic Action
Patricia Campos Medina leads Latina Civic Action, a statewide organization dedicated to advancing civic engagement, leadership, and political representation for Latinas. She is also a nationally recognized strategist on labor issues and immigrant rights, with experience advising labor unions, advocacy organizations, and public policy groups. Her work focuses on building coalitions and expanding the participation of immigrant communities and working families in decision-making processes.
DR. HECTOR JAVIER CASTRO
Director of Education and Community Health and Wellness and Program Development at MAXITIA Project Inc.
Dr. Hector Javier Castro is a physician and consultant with experience in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases, and emergency and trauma medicine. At MAXITIA Project Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Paterson, he leads community health education initiatives. These include a support program that helps Latino residents navigate the healthcare system, access services, and make informed decisions about their medical care.
ELISA CHARTERS
NJIT Board Member and Founder of Juegos AI Lab
Elisa Charters is a two-time graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and serves on the university’s board of trustees. She is the third Latina to hold that position and also serves on the board of NJII, the technology innovation organization affiliated with NJIT. In addition, she founded Juegos AI Lab, a Newark-based startup whose multilingual platform connects residents, small businesses, and municipalities through local discovery tools. She has three decades of experience in public-sector finance and entrepreneurship.
VALERIA ALOE
Director of Strategic Planning at Montclair State University’s Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Valeria Aloe has more than 20 years of experience in brand management and finance across seven countries. During her career, she worked for companies including Procter & Gamble, Citibank, Reckitt Benckiser, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. She also founded Rising Together Movement, an initiative aimed at reducing cultural gaps between Latino and non-Latino leaders, and authored the book Uncolonized Latinas. In 2023, she was named one of the Top 100 Latinas in the United States.
INGRID ECHEVERRIA
Owner and Attorney at the Law Office of Ingrid Echeverria
Ingrid Echeverria runs her own law firm, providing legal services related to immigration, family matters, and community advocacy. Her practice serves people navigating complex legal proceedings, with particular emphasis on accessible representation for immigrant families. Her work reflects the importance of legal services that can respond to the cultural and linguistic needs of New Jersey’s diverse communities.
FRANK GALINDO
Associate Vice President of Public Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at Lincoln Tech
Frank Galindo has built a career spanning more than two decades at Lincoln Tech, a career and technical education institution with a presence in several states. He joined the organization as a marketing assistant and advanced to his current leadership role in public relations and stakeholder engagement. Outside his professional responsibilities, he serves on the board of the New Jersey chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals For America, where he also serves as executive vice president of partner relations.
KAREM OSPINO
Founder of Ospino Consulting
Karem Ospino founded a New Jersey financial and accounting services firm that serves small and midsize businesses. Her team provides accounting, tax planning, and virtual chief financial officer services to help business owners align their finances with their growth plans. She also mentors entrepreneurs through the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and serves on the board of directors of 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union.
RAFAEL TORO
National Director of Public Relations at Goya Foods
Rafael Toro leads national public relations for Goya Foods, one of the largest Hispanic-owned food companies in the United States. He oversees community relations, philanthropic partnerships, and the company’s cultural impact initiatives. His work encompasses programs focused on food access, disaster relief, education, and engagement with Latino communities in New Jersey and across the country.
DEB VISCONI
President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center; 2026 Chair of the New Jersey Hospital Association Board of Trustees
Deb Visconi leads Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, one of New Jersey’s largest hospitals and a key institution providing behavioral health services, long-term care, and assistance to vulnerable populations. Her responsibilities include initiatives to improve access to care, enhance the patient experience, and expand services. In 2026, she also became chair of the New Jersey Hospital Association’s board of trustees, further strengthening her role in healthcare leadership across the state.
MARIA SPARACIO
Owner of The Pink Room Shapewear
Maria Sparacio owns The Pink Room Shapewear, a New Jersey brand operating in retail and e-commerce that specializes in shapewear, body-contouring garments, and women’s wellness products. She oversees product development, customer experience, and digital commerce strategy, aiming to expand the brand’s presence in regional and national markets. BINJE recognizes her as a Latina entrepreneur in the beauty and wellness sector who is also involved in community initiatives.
Tom Bergeron: The journalist behind the initiative
Tom Bergeron is the co-founder, co-owner, and editor-in-chief of BINJE, a New Jersey business news publication he launched in the spring of 2025 with his wife, Lori Campos Bergeron. A veteran journalist, he is also one of the platform’s leading reporters and a central figure in shaping its editorial direction. Under his leadership, BINJE has developed coverage that pays attention to communities and sectors that do not always receive equal visibility in business media. The creation of the Hispanic leaders list and its continuation in 2026 are concrete expressions of that commitment: recognizing business talent, highlighting contributions that deserve greater attention, and providing role models for future generations.
