A curated reception, leadership forum, and awards experience designed to recognize those shaping business, community, and culture.

A Curated Reception

Each Milestone Series event begins with a private, curated reception that brings together a select group of professionals, decision-makers, and community leaders.

This is a space designed for intentional connection where conversations are meaningful, relationships are strengthened, and the people in the room reflect a shared commitment to leadership and progress.

A Leadership Forum with Market Insights

At the core of the experience is a leadership forum focused on timely conversations shaping today’s business and community landscape.

Discussions may include:

  • Generational wealth and economic opportunity
  • Real estate and housing market insights
  • Business leadership and growth strategies
  • Community influence and long-term impact
  • Regional trends unique to each host market

These conversations are designed to provide perspective, clarity, and insight connecting ideas with real world experience.

THE EXPERIENCE

A curated, invitation-only reception

A leadership forum featuring market-relevant insights

Recognition of selected honorees

An elevated setting designed for meaningful engagement

FUNDING PARTNER

Wells Fargo Logo

HL | Culture & Influence is proud to announce Wells Fargo as a Funding Partner of the HL | Milestone Series “an invitation-only” leadership experience recognizing individuals and organizations shaping business, community, and culture.

As part of this collaboration, Wells Fargo will support the Milestone Series across three key markets in 2026: Orange County, New York, and Silicon Valley.

“We are proud to collaborate with Wells Fargo as a Funding Partner of the Milestone Series,” said Richard Sandoval, Storyteller | Producer | Connector, HL | Culture & Influence. “Their support allows us to elevate conversations, recognize leadership, and create spaces where relationships and ideas can move forward with purpose.”

Upcoming Events

HONOREES

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Anita Martinez Lepp

A Legacy Defined by Leadership, Influence, and Endurance The HL | Milestone Series recognizes individuals whose leadership, influence, and legacy reflect a lifetime of contribution, resilience, and impact across our communities. Anita Martinez Lepp represents a...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors NAHREP® Orange County Chapter

Advocacy | Homeownership | Economic Empowerment The HL | Milestone Series recognizes organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to community continue to shape culture, business, and influence across industries. The National Association of Hispanic Real...

HL | Milestone – Silicon Valley

A curated reception, leadership forum, and awards experience designed to recognize those shaping business, community, and culture.Event Overview Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PMLocation: Blanco Urban Venue - 12 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110A...

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Stay Connected OC

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to community continue to shape culture, business, and influence across industries. Connecting Orange County Through Culture, Community, and Information Founded by lifelong...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Reuben Franco

Business Advocate | Economic Leader | Community Connector Reuben Franco serves as President and CEO of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where his leadership reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the region’s business community and expanding...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Liliana T. Pérez-Palacios

Public Servant | Community Connector | Cultural Strategist Liliana T. Pérez-Palacios serves as Cultural Affairs Director for the Los Angeles Chargers, where she leads strategic partnerships and community engagement across California’s dynamic economic and cultural...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Chipotle Mexican Grill

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to community continue to shape culture, business, and influence across industries. Founded in 1993, Chipotle Mexican Grill has grown into one of the most recognized...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Sylvia Pizarroso

Finance Leader | Community Champion | Mentor With more than three decades of experience in commercial and business banking, Sylvia Pizarroso has built a career defined by leadership, trust, and measurable impact. Her journey reflects a rare balance of financial...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD)

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership and influence create lasting impact across our communities. We are honored to recognize Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for its decades-long commitment to ending impaired driving...

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Georgina Maldonado

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes leaders whose work reflects lasting impact, elevates communities, and helps shape the future of leadership, access, and opportunity. Georgina Maldonado, Executive Director of the Community Health Initiative of Orange County...