Some of Canada’s most accomplished Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and community builders are being recognized through the 2026 TLN 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians Awards.

Now in its 18th year, the national awards program celebrates Hispanic Canadians making an impact across business, culture, education, entertainment, science, sports and community leadership.

This year, 20 finalists from across Canada are competing for the honour.

Meet the 2026 Finalists

The finalists represent communities from Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile, Peru and Spain, with nominees from Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba.

The 2026 finalists are:

Cara Carmina — Children’s book author & illustrator
Camila Gonzalez — TV host & producer, TSN
Aiona Santana — Billboard-featured recording artist & songwriter
Adriana Vega — Executive Director, Fintechs Canada
Jose Espinosa — President & Chief Executive Officer, 407 ETR
Jessie Reyez — JUNO-winning & Grammy-nominated singer & songwriter
Jaime Santana — Clinical Director & Owner, Santana Behavioural Services
Dr. Halia Mavela Valladares Montemayor — President, Global Trading & DS Instructor, Simon Fraser University
Guillermo Acosta — Senior Dean, Faculty of Media, Creative Arts and Design, Humber Polytechnic
Ericka Aguilera — Founder, Canada Habla Español
David Velastegui — Owner & Academy Director, TOCA PRO FC
Carmen Puente — Founder, Women Congress MB
Wendy Pardo — Actress and director
Dr. Samuel Wiebe — Professor of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary
Ricardo Taco — Director of Latin Music, Live Nation Canada
Dr. Raquel V. Benitez Rojas — Associate Dean, University of Niagara Falls Canada
Priscila Calderon — Director of Professional Development, Manitoba Women in Construction
Pablo Arzate — Founder, 3XMAG Technologies Inc.
Michelle Morgan Pardo — Film & television actress, writer and director
Luis Arturo Briceno — President & CEO, Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Check them out on Instagram here;

https://www.instagram.com/tln10mosthiscan

Toronto Latinos Returns as Media Sponsor

Toronto Latinos has a special connection to the awards.

Founder Carlos Brito previously received the inaugural Influencer of the Year recognition at the TLN 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians Awards.

This year, Toronto Latinos is proud to return as an official media sponsor, helping shine a spotlight on Latino Canadians making an impact across the country.

The 2026 winners will be celebrated at the awards gala on October 22 at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery at Toronto’s Columbus Centre.

With 20 finalists representing an impressive range of industries and communities, this year’s list is another reminder of just how much Latino talent is helping shape Canada.