Latina Cuban-Born Latina Entrepreneur, Designer & Philanthropist

by Elaine Vasquez

Jacqueline Ceballos

Meet Jacqueline Ceballos, 2026 Hispanic Woman of Distinction, Founder and Owner, Petal Cartel by JC

“As Hispanic women we carry a deep sense of resilience, cultural pride, and responsibility to create opportunities not only for ourselves, but for the generations that follow.”

Jacqueline Ceballos is a Cuban-born Latina entrepreneur, floral designer, philanthropist, and visionary business owner whose passion for creativity and community has shaped an inspiring career.

As the founder and owner of Petal Cartel by JC, Jacqueline has spent the last nine years building a luxury floral and event design brand recognized for creating unforgettable experiences through flowers. Specializing in corporate events, luxury brands, galas, and high-end celebrations, she is known for transforming spaces into elegant works of art through innovative floral concepts and refined design.

Her entrepreneurial journey extends beyond the floral industry. Jacqueline is also the co-owner of Milky Ways Cereal Bar and recently expanded her business portfolio with the opening of Liduvina’s Café in Palmetto Bay in January 2026. Her dedication to business growth reflects her passion for creating unique spaces that bring people together and inspire meaningful connections.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Jacqueline is deeply committed to giving back and creating impact within her community. She serves as a director for Out of Foster Foundation and Pink Luminous, organizations focused on supporting young people and promoting early breast cancer prevention awareness. Her philanthropic work is rooted in purpose, compassion, and the belief that success becomes more meaningful when used to uplift others.

Jacqueline is also actively involved in community leadership organizations and initiatives that empower women, entrepreneurs, and families. Through her work, she continues to inspire others by blending artistry, business leadership, and service.

Driven by creativity and purpose, Jacqueline’s mission goes beyond designing beautiful florals, she strives to create memorable experiences, inspire future entrepreneurs, and leave a lasting impact through both her work and her commitment to the community.

The 25th Hispanic Women of Distinction  charity luncheon and business expo

The 25th annual Hispanic Women of Distinction charity luncheon and business expo will take place Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, marking a milestone year honoring Latina leadership across South Florida. Founded in 2001 by the late Erwin M. Vasquez, M.D., a Venezuelan-born cardiologist and publisher of El Heraldo de Broward, alongside his wife, Elaine Miceli-Vasquez, the program was established to recognize Latinas whose leadership, service and professional success continue to shape the region.

Over the past 25 years, the initiative has grown into one of South Florida’s most recognized platforms celebrating Latina achievement across business, government, health care and community service. “The remarkable Latinas I have met over the past 25 years have created a true sisterhood — supporting one another in business, community service, and in preserving and sharing their culture and traditions,” said Miceli-Vasquez, producer and co-founder. “Our Dos Culturas reception brings together past and current honorees, reinforcing those connections year after year.”

The annual sold-out luncheon draws approximately 1,000 attendees in partnership with Nicklaus Children’s Health System, the region’s only licensed health care system exclusively for children. More than 30 corporate and media partners support the event. Latin Business Today, a longtime media co-sponsor, features honorees through dedicated editorial coverage. Each year, a charitable organization benefits from proceeds generated through the event’s silent auction, raffles, sponsorships and advertising. The 2026 beneficiary is the American Lung Association, which works to improve lung health, prevent lung disease and advance clean air initiatives nationwide.

2026 honorees: Selected from more than 60 nominations across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties:

  • Jacqueline Ceballos — Founder, Petal Cartel by JC (Miami-Dade)
  • Maria Jose Haimovitch — Senior manager, communications, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance (Broward)
  • Michelle Harper —Esq, Florida Legal Services Inc. (Broward)
  • Alex Llerena — Managing director, alumni engagement, Emory University (Broward)
  • Martha Guerra-Kattou — Executive vice president, sales and marketing, US Century Bank (Broward)
  • Janet Lorenzo-Garcia — Garcia Lorenzo & Associates; Founder, Many Happy Hearts (Miami-Dade)
  • Griselle Marino, Dr. h.c. — Director, Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, Office of Community Advocacy, Miami-Dade County Government (Miami-Dade)
  • Cristina Martinez-Gonzalez — Field marketing executive MarketPoint Humana Inc. (Broward)
  • Maria C. Mejia, M.D. — Professor, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University (Palm Beach)
  • Maria Alejandra Membreno — Chief of staff, city of Sweetwater (Miami-Dade)
  • Michelle “Mish” Pelaez — Chief operating officer, Mark, Ferrer & Hayden PLLC (Miami-Dade)
  • Nercy Barroso Radcliffe — President and founder, Providence Healthcare Services (Miami-Dade)
  • Soraya Rivera-Moya — Executive director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida (Miami-Dade)

2026 Latina Pioneer of the Year

Rosanna Cordero-Stutz, sheriff of Miami-Dade County. With more than 29 years in law enforcement, she is the first Hispanic American woman sheriff in Florida’s history. The achievements of this year’s honorees underscore the continued advancement of Latinas in leadership roles, despite longstanding barriers in professional and civic spaces. The event will feature a complimentary cocktail sponsored by Tito’s Vodka, live entertainment, a business expo, silent auction and a tribute recognizing more than 350 honorees since the program’s inception. Sponsorships begin at $1,500, and individual tickets are $125.

For more information visit: Hispanic Women of Distinction or email

 Gran celebración del 25.º aniversario de Hispanic Women of Distinction:
almuerzo benéfico y expo empresarial

Comunidad • Cultura • Filantropía

El 25.º aniversario del almuerzo benéfico y expo empresarial Hispanic Women of Distinction se llevará a cabo el viernes 21 de agosto de 2026 en el Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino en Hollywood, Florida, marcando un año emblemático en reconocimiento al liderazgo latino femenino en el sur de Florida. Fundado en 2001 por el fallecido Erwin M. Vasquez, M.D., cardiólogo venezolano y editor del periódico El Heraldo de Broward, junto a su esposa Elaine Miceli-Vasquez, el programa fue creado para reconocer a mujeres latinas cuyo liderazgo, servicio y logros profesionales continúan impactando positivamente a la comunidad. A lo largo de 25 años, la iniciativa se ha consolidado como una de las plataformas más reconocidas del sur de Florida para destacar el talento y la trayectoria de mujeres latinas en los sectores empresarial, gubernamental, de salud y comunitario.

“Las extraordinarias mujeres latinas que he conocido durante estos 25 años han creado una verdadera hermandad, apoyándose en los negocios, el servicio comunitario y en la preservación de sus culturas y tradiciones,” expresó Miceli-Vasquez, productora y cofundadora. “Nuestra recepción privada Dos Culturas reúne a homenajeadas de años anteriores y actuales, fortaleciendo esos lazos.” El evento anual, que tradicionalmente se presenta con entradas agotadas y reúne a aproximadamente 1,000 asistentes, es presentado por Latina Style Inc., líder nacional en el desarrollo empresarial de mujeres hispanas, en alianza con Nicklaus Children’s Health System, el único sistema de salud pediátrico con licencia especializada en la región. Más de 30 socios corporativos y medios de comunicación respaldan este evento. Latin Business Today, copatrocinador de larga trayectoria, presenta perfiles editoriales de las homenajeadas cada año.

Como parte del evento, se selecciona una organización benéfica beneficiaria de los fondos recaudados a través de subastas silenciosas, rifas, patrocinios y publicidad. En 2026, la organización beneficiaria será la American Lung Association, cuya misión es mejorar la salud pulmonar, prevenir enfermedades respiratorias y promover aire limpio para todos.

Homenajeadas 2026:

HWD
2026 Hispanic Women of Distinction

Seleccionadas entre más de 60 nominaciones de los condados de Miami-Dade, Broward y Palm Beach:

 Latina pionera del año 2026

Rosanna Cordero-Stutz, alguacil del condado Miami-Dade Con más de 29 años de experiencia en el orden público, es la primera mujer hispanoamericana en ocupar el cargo de alguacil en la historia de Florida. Los logros de las homenajeadas reflejan el avance continuo de las mujeres latinas en posiciones de liderazgo, a pesar de los desafíos históricos en el ámbito profesional y cívico. El evento incluirá un cóctel de bienvenida cortesía de Tito’s Vodka, entretenimiento en vivo, expo empresarial, subasta silenciosa y un homenaje especial a más de 350 mujeres reconocidas desde la creación del programa. Los patrocinios comienzan en $1,500 y las entradas individuales tienen un costo de $125.

Para más información, visite: For more information visit: Hispanic Women of Distinction

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