© 2006. Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc
Founded 1979
Man and Woman of the Year -
Ms. Diana Almeida
Ms. Diana Almeida was born in Ybor City, where she and her family lived until she was eighteen years old. She is very proud of her Latin Heritage and has always excelled in the Hispanic community. As a member of various boards, she has represented Tampa all over the State of Florida, 10 other states, and 15 countries.
Diana was the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Boards of Tampa Port Authority, Tampa Sports Authority, Hillsborough County Civil Service, and the Human Rights Council. Her signature project was the development and construction of the Florida Aquarium, which was started during her term as chair of the Tampa Port Authority.
As a World History teacher at Hillsborough High School in the 1960’s, she served as a mentor to children of Cuban refugees. She then worked as a Foreign Student Advisor and later on as Dean of Student Services at Hillsborough Community College. She is now retired but very active in the Tampa Bay Area.
Diana received her B.A. and M.A. from the University of South Florida.
Mr. Richard Gonzmart
Richard Gonzmart is the President of the Columbia Restaurant Group, which was founded by his grandfather, Casimiro Hernandez, in Tampa’s Historic Ybor City in 1905.
A graduate of Jesuit High School, Richard studied at the University of Denver School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Later on, he graduated from the University of Madrid with a degree in Hotel Management.
Richard serves on the Boards of several local and national groups and is very involved with philanthropic activities.
Both of Richard’s parents were also recognized by Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. in the past. His father, Cesar Gonzmart, was named Hispanic Man of the Year in 1992, and his mother, Adela Gonzmart, was named Hispanic Woman of the Year in l996.