HispanicBusiness

Some of the country's top women leaders were recognized at Hispanic Business magazine's Fifth annual Women of the Year Awards dinner at Caesars Palace Las Vegas.

Honored at the evening gala, which drew nearly 500 people on April 26, were Hispanic Business magazines 20 Elite women of 2007.

This year's Women of the Year award went to Cuban-born Maria Elena Lagomasino, chief executive officer of Asset Management Advisors, LLC. She was chosen among the 20 Elite Hispanic women who ranged from lawyers and CEOs to engineers and computer programmers.

"No matter whether we speak of sports, the arts, business, the liberal professions, entertainment and media, politics and government or the military, Hispanic women across the country are striking out in new directions, unfettered by custom or tradition," Jesus Chavarria, editor and publisher of Hispanic Business magazine told guests at the gala. "And they're doing it the old-fashioned way. They are earning their achievements through sheer drive, smarts and commitment to realizing their unique potential."

The fifth annual Women of the Year event included a daytime symposium featuring a lineup of key note speakers covering a range of topics from diversity in the workplace to negotiating skills. The daytime program also featured an hour-long panel discussion made up of some of the 20 Elite women.

Continue to view pictures from the event...

(Back Row, L to R): Top 20 Elite Honoree Alba Colon, Nilsa Guerrero Mahon representing WOY Finalist Maria Martinez, WOY Finalist Maria Azua, Top 20 Elite Honoree Sofia Adrogué, WOY Finalist Grace Lieblein, Top 20 Elite Honoree Gisel Ruiz, WOY Finalist Carmela Castellano-Garcia. (Seated): Jesus Chavarria, and 2007 WOY Winner Maria Elena Lagomasino. Photo by Marissa Lopez Donatt, Copyright La Foto, Inc.

Author and motivational speaker Maria Marin presenting "How To Negotiate... In Business and in Life" during the daytime symposium. Copyright La Foto, Inc.

Balancing Work with Real Life: Action Steps for Hispanic Women" daytime panel discussion, (L to R): Elite 20 Honoree Gisel Ruiz (Vice-President and Regional General Manager, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.), WOY Finalist Maria Azua (Vice-President of technology and innovation, IBM), WOY Finalist Grace Lieblein (chief vehicle engineer, General Motors). Copyright La Foto, Inc.