Hello

Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla was born and raised in Chicago, IL to parents Carmen Santiago and Orlando Rodriguez, of Puerto Rican descent.  

In 2000, in search of new opportunities, Jolie relocated to Tampa Bay, and after taking a crash course in publishing, and “business 101” and while knowing only a handful of people in the Tampa and Orlando areas, she started her first publication; C.L.U.B. Magazine, (City of Latin Urban Beats!).  The mini magazine was a digest size and targeted mainly Latin Entertainment.  The magazine eventually began distribution to the Metro Orlando area. Today, her publication is called Latin Times Magazine, a full-size color, glossy (bi-lingual) publication that combines Business, Community, Culture and Entertainment, in an impressive presentation.  In early 2004, Jolie Gonzalez created the “e-Latino Weekly”

Previous Accomplishments, Awards and Recognitions:
April 2006 Ms. Gonzalez was awarded the prestigious “Hispanic Businesswoman of the Year” award by the Puerto Rico Cultural Parade Organization of Tampa Bay. 
2007, Latin Times Magazine was awarded the Idolo Award which was presented by Tampa Bay’s Historical Centro Asturiano, for best Spanish Owned Magazine in Tampa Bay.  

2007 Tampa Bay Business Journal
Minority Businessperson of the Year in Business Services
In early 2008, Jolie Gonzalez was awarded the 2008 EXITO Award for Women Entrepreneurs by the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Tampa Bay.

2008 Tampa Bay Business Journal
Media award: Businesswoman of the Year in Media 
2010: Elected Chair of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay

In 2011 Jolie received the Builder of Community Award by Univision and FMCRC at the Let’s Do Business Florida Summit.

In 2012, Mrs. Gonzalez-Padilla helped to organize a merger between the two leading local Hispanic/Latino chambers of commerce in Tampa Bay and was elected as President of the merged organization the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay. 

In 2012, Mr. and Mrs. Padilla produced the first Cuban Sandwich Festival in Ybor City, the event was an immediate success, and just celebrated its 12th Annual event -held even during Covid19.  The event is currently hosted in Central Florida, SW Florida as well as Jacksonville area -with the main event held in Ybor City.  People from all over the world attend the Ybor City festival.
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2013 Winner NFL & U.S. Hispanic Heritage Foundation 
Hispanic Leadership Award Presented on National television during Hispanic Heritage Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game

2013 NFL Hispanic Heritage Honorary Captain
Flipped the Game Coin to start the game!
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In 2019, the couple “re-started” the Taste of Latino Festival, held during Hispanic Heritage month, the Taste of Latino is currently held in Central Florida, SW Florida, Jacksonville and Tampa Bay – the event consists of a Top Chef Contest, Top Latino Lideres awards, Live music and entertainment.