On a gorgeous Friday night in Tampa Bay , in a black tie , Oscar style award gala , which was put on by the Tampa Bay Business Journal , Tampa Bay ’ s top business women were honored for their hard work and dedication within their prospective professional categories . Among those honored that evening was Jolie Gonzalez , Publisher and Editor of Tampa Bay ’ s Latin Times Magazine , and director of the popular Latin ConneXions Business Networking series of events .
In a sold out event , that was hosted by Tampa ’ s Mayor Pam Iorio and TBBJ ’ s publisher Bridgette Mill , the Tampa Bay Business Journal put on a wonderful show at the Hard Rock Seminole Hotel and Casino – where the main ballroom was transformed for one exciting night into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood .
Jolie was awarded the 2008 Business Woman of the year award in Media by the Tampa Bay Business Journal .
“ I felt very blessed and honored that evening ; I was being honored as a top Business woman in all of Tampa Bay !”
As it came down to that moment of truth , I couldn ’ t seem to breath- and I swear my heart stopped beating , and would have exploded if I would have had to wait one more moment ! There was a loud drum roll , and silence , and then I heard the words … and the winner is , Jolie Gonzalez – Latin Times . I felt my heart start to beat again – and tears filled my eyes , I felt so grateful for my many blessings , in that single moment , before I shot up to my feet , I thanked God – hugged my friends and headed toward the stage – What an incredible moment !”
“ I would like to thank my wonderful friends who sat with me that evening , sharing in this special moment with me was Mr . Brad Swarts of Worldwide Merchant Services – who has always been there for me , Mr . Wayne Cass of ACM , my great friend- Mr . Hig Rodriguez Dillinger of Cirsco , Mr . Patricio Navarro of Fifth Third Bank , Mr . Jaime Yepes of Regions Bank , Mrs . Yenny Yepes of Yenny ’ s Place Beauty Salon , Mrs . Miriam Velez , candidate for Hillsborough County Circuit Court Judge , Group 2 , Mr . Jason Valkenburg of Valkenburg & Velez , Ms . Damaris Rivera of the law offices of Byrd and Gonzalez , and my BFF Ms . Elizabeth Saldaña Kobel , President of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce of the Gulf Coast !”
“ I am tremendously happy and proud – excited , and ready to live up to this huge honor , I would like to thank my wonderful son , Nikko , my beautiful mother Carmen , my family and my friends , my valued clients , and of course all of Tampa Bay for their support and belief in me .”
A Message to my fellow Dreamers
have had many wonderful , strong and intelligent people come into my life since I began
I my career , to teach me , and to give support and advice , but the one belief that stays with me faithfully day in and day out is the advice of my mother and father gave me as they told me to never to give up . What I like to share with my readers , is that my career has been a rocky , winding road , that I have walked on despite the obstacles , and yes , I have never given up on my dreams , nor will I , because I truly love what I do , and I think that is the most important thing in life , doing and pursuing not a job – but living a dream ! I encourage people , to not be afraid of failing , of succeeding – of falling , or of taking off , and to embrace competition because it gives us the opportunity to strive a little harder and to do better . My career has been an adventure , and there have been times when I didn ’ t know how I was going to finish a project , but I continued to work and to pursue my dream , walking in faith and believing in myself and in my dreams .