On November 21, 2024, Anita’s Mexican Foods took center stage at the Riverside Convention Center as the recipient of two prestigious accolades at the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards. Selected from over 300 nominees, we were honored to accept the Manufacturing Entrepreneur Award and the coveted Best of the Best Award! Representing our team at the black-tie gala were Chief Growth Officer Mauro Gomez and CEO Ricardo Robles, who were joined by family to celebrate this incredible milestone.
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The Judging Process
This year’s awards program featured a comprehensive selection process, beginning with an initial screening of nominees to ensure they met the eligibility requirements. The judging panel was comprised of past award recipients and seasoned business professionals who reviewed extensive background information submitted by nominees and conducted in-person evaluations. Their focus was on identifying entrepreneurs who demonstrated excellence in innovation, leadership, financial performance, character, and vision.
A Celebration of Entrepreneurship
Proceeds from the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards gala support the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund and the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at California State University, San Bernardino. The IECE is nationally recognized for its entrepreneurship program, which nurtures aspiring entrepreneurs and empowers them to shape the future of the Inland Empire.
About the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards
Founded in 2003, the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards program is dedicated to recognizing the outstanding achievements of the Inland Empire’s top entrepreneurial leaders. Over the years, this event has honored hundreds of visionaries who have made lasting impacts in their industries and communities.
Winning the Manufacturing Entrepreneur Award underscores our commitment to pushing boundaries in the food industry, delivering high-quality products that honor our traditions while meeting the evolving needs of our customers. The Best of the Best Award—a pinnacle of recognition—reaffirms our vision, our story, and reinforces our mission to create a positive impact not only in our industry but also in our community. Thank you to everyone that has helped us in our journey thus far!
