HOLA EMPY Gala 2025: A night of recognition for the Latin community in Canada

The HOLA EMPY Gala 2025 brought together entrepreneurs, communicators, artists, creators, community leaders, and projects in Montreal that are part of the recent history of the Latin community in Canada.

The 2025 edition was held on November 8, 2025, in Montreal and marked a new chapter for the awards, with twelve categories dedicated to recognizing talent, achievement, innovation, and community impact.

A night to celebrate stories that leave a mark

The gala combined awards, community, entertainment, and networking. Beyond the trophies, the night served as a meeting point for projects that have built audiences, businesses, cultural initiatives, and spaces for Latin representation in Canada.

The official categories of the edition covered visual arts, communications, content creation, gastronomy, entrepreneurship, cultural events, customer service, digital influence, startups, music, and podcasts.

Featured winners of HOLA EMPY 2025

The public archive available for the 2025 edition does not currently maintain a complete list of the twelve winners on a single page. However, several recognitions do have independent public confirmation.

Fernando Mendoza Nivicela — Communicator of the Year 2025

Ecuadorian journalist Fernando Mendoza Nivicela was recognized as Communicator of the Year 2025. According to information published subsequently regarding the event, he received the highest public support of the edition within the mixed voting system used that year.

Masa Empanadas — Best New Idea / Startup of the Year

Masa Empanadas, a project led by Juan Carlos Hernández Roa, received the recognition for Best Startup. The venture stands out for bringing the tradition of the empanada to a gourmet proposal designed for the Canadian market.

Tercera Cumbre de la Mujer Latina — Latin Cultural Event of the Year

The Tercera Cumbre de la Mujer Latina was recognized as Latin Cultural Event of the Year. The project, promoted by Sandra Londoño and a team of collaborators, volunteers, and allies, has created a meeting and visibility space for Latin women in Quebec.

Twelve categories to recognize different forms of impact

The 2025 edition included twelve official categories: Visual Artist and Artisan of the Year, Communicator of the Year, Foodie Content Creator of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Gastronomic Business of the Year, Latin Cultural Event of the Year, Excellence in Customer Service, Influencer of the Year, Best New Idea / Startup of the Year, Musician and Band of the Year, and Podcast of the Year.

Relive the HOLA EMPY Gala 2025

The official video allows you to revisit some of the moments that defined the night: the stage, the recognitions, the presentations, and the atmosphere of an edition that helped consolidate the project as a platform of visibility for the community.

From HOLA EMPY to HOLA AWARDS

The history of 2025 is a direct part of the evolution towards HOLA AWARDS. In 2026, the awards continue under a new identity within HOLA Media Group, preserving the history built and expanding the editorial, digital, and community platform surrounding Latin recognition in Canada.

This archive will continue to grow as we recover and organize more historical material, photographs, and records of winners from previous editions.