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Teresa Alvarado • Carlos Ascencio • Bill Baron • Marie Barrajas • Rick Callendar • Nora Campos • Angie Cardoza • Kate Carter • Darrell Cortez • Jim Cunneen • Val de Leon • Dan Fenton • Mike Fox, Jr. • Rebecca Gallardo-Serrano • Victor Garza, Sr. • Carl Guardino • Bill Hargreaves • Fernando Hernandez • Chris Johnson • Robert Kieve • Bill Kindricks • Rosana Madrigal • Jonathan Martinez • Alex Ontiveros • Dan Orloff • Debbie Owens • George Rivero • Steve Rubin • Sherry Simmons • Carlos Singh • Laurie Smith • Alex Torres • Steve Tully • Fernando Zazueta

Teresa Alvarado
Executive Director, Hispanic Foundation Of Silicon Valley
A woman who is a rising star in the Latino community and beyond! The Founder of Latina Coalition Silicon Valley, an organization that strives to inform, engage and empower Latinas though leadership development and civic engagement via a variety of educational platforms. She is the smoothest schmoozer I know, who makes you smile and be proud to know her.
Nominated: 2005
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Carlos Ascencio
Dentist
Always charismatic and charming, Carlos attends all the Hispanic networking events ready to do business and make new friends!
Nominated: 2004
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Bill Baron
President, Brandenburg, Staedler & Moore
Bill "Next round's on me!" Baron holds several San Jose records, including speed-talking and largest bar-tab. Bill finds himself at a surprising number of schmooze events, especially when you consider he never misses a Sharks game, his son's hockey games, and still finds time to be a very good golfer!
Nominated: 2006
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Marie Barrajas
Co-Founder, National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals
Marie is a Royal Schmoozer in many circles. Professionally she has soared through the Real Estate field as a founding member of the NAHREP of SCC traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast promoting homeownership by day and dancing by night. Yes, she is known as the Salsa Angel, a pro in Cha-Cha, Tango and Hustle. Not bad for a mother and grandmother!
Nominated: 2005
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Rick Callendar
President, NAACP Silicon Valley
Rick has as much energy to schmooze as the Energizer Bunny. We all know Rick's philosophy is to give until it hurts. And yes, your experience may be painful with Rick but remember its all be for the better good of mankind. What keeps him going? His passion for civil rights and lobbying for water, that and a can of red bull!
Nominated: 2003, 2005
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Nora Campos
City of San Jose Councilmember
Everyone knows schmoozing is a part of the political game, but for Nora being a part of the community comes from her heart! Sometimes going to 4 or 5 events in one evening.
Nominated: 2002
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Angie Cardoza
President, Aries Financial Services
Not only does she work her own business like a crazy but, she is a huge advocate of other businesses as the President of the Greater Hispanic Chamber. She is a great leader who is always on the go making connections for herself and other people. Go Angie!
Nominated: 2005
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Kate Carter
Reporter, Willow Glen Resident
Kate "owns" the community. A reporter who's writing is crisp and clear, she's objective, informed and knows all the rumors, dealings and idle talk of the town.
Nominated: 2002
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Darrell Cortez
Chapter President, National Latino Peace Officers' Association
What can you say about Darrell, except the guy gets around, schmoozing with everyone he knows to make connections and raise money for youth scholarships. He's like Scooby Doo looking for a clue!
Nominated: 2002, 2006, 2007
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Jim Cunneen
State Assemblyman, California Strategies
Former President, California Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce
I would say he's a man of few words, but I can't! But a man of action he is! With his many accomplishments his whole life has revolved around schmoozing.
Nominated: 2002
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Val de Leon
Agent, Allstate Insurance Company
Val is the man-about-town selling insurance to the masses and putting his energy in more community organizations than we can count. He is always the first one to joke around, make a toast and get on the dance floor. Wherever Val is, that's where the party at!
Nominated: 2006, 2007
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Dan Fenton
President/CEO, San Jose Convention & Visitor's Bureau
Dan's drive and sense of purpose to improve and promote San Jose is tireless. This dynamic leader is always on the go and his gift of connecting to people from all walks of life is one reason why we like to say, "Dan is the Man"! P.S. Just don't call South Hall "the big blue tent".
Nominated: 2005, 2006, 2007
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Mike Fox, Jr.
Owner, Chez Vous Catering
Mike is a non-stop community leader who is great advocate for the SJ/SV Chamber as well as countless other civic and charitable enterprises.
Nominated: 2003, 2004
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Rebecca Gallardo-Serrano
Realtor / Lender / Mom / Schmoozer
As a top notch Real Estate professional Rebecca stays active in the community serving as SCC Planning Commissioner & President of the Hispanic Association of Real Estate Professionals not to mention being a wife and proud mother of a 5 year old. With all these credentials you know this woman knows how to schmooze!
Nominated: 2004
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Victor Garza, Sr.
Chairman, La Raza Roundtable
Victor is the ultimate in networking. He goes where he needs to go, is seen where he needs to be seen and makes the most of every situation.
Nominated: 2003
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Carl Guardino
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
Carl Guardino, named one of the 10 Most Powerful People in Silicon Valley, heads up the Silicon Valley Leadership Group that gathers the most high profile and influential business leaders in the region. In his spare time he hosts the CEO Show interviewing the movers & shakers of Silicon Valley, competes in Marathon & Triathlons, is active in a slew of business, civic and charitable organizations and never fails to spoil his two precious girls, wife Leslee & daughter Jessica.
Nominated: 2007
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Bill Hargreaves
VP Business Development, The WAVE Magazine
Bill with boyish good looks, sweet charm, and great looking soccer legs can get you to do just about anything! He has created tight relationships between the community & the WAVE magazine. Yep, he is the Papi Chulo of Schmoozing!
Nominated: 2005
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Fernando Hernandez
Attorney-at-Law
Fernando makes sure the hearts, minds and arts stay alive in San Jose as the president of the board of Tapestry Arts, and a big supporter of numerous other non-profits in the Bay Area.
Nominated: 2004
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Chris Johnson
Celebrity Photographer
No one is more deserving of the title Royal Schmoozer of the Year title than Chris Johnson, photographer to the stars at the San Jose Business Journal. As former Royal Schmoozer titleholders & nominees we know that Chris is sought after by more people than a bulletproof vest salesman at a Dick Cheney duck hunt! It's time we turned the camera, and the limelight, on the man behind the camera who's made all of us, except Larry Stone, look great!
Nominated: 2007
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Robert Kieve
President & CEO, Empire Broadcasting
This charming gent, by far one of most dapper men in town, is known for his bowties, quick wit and being a straight-shooter. What do you expect from a Jersey guy? After working for Eisenhower as a speechwriter, Bob moved to San Jose and in 1967 acquired KLIV followed by KARA & KRTY radio stations. This 86 year-old fella (We think? Everyone else is retired) goes to work every day, is a diehard Rotarian and Chamber advocate, stills goes on-air and manages to slip in a little flamenco dancing on the side. If that isn't enough he is a 30 year Rotarian and Chamber board member. Yes, he is truly amazing!
Nominated: 2007
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Bill Kindricks
Business Relations Manager, Valley Transportation Authority
Bill is a big wig at VTA in more than one way. When this well-coifed giant with his sparkly smile and quick wit walks in a room you take notice. Formerly a Defense Tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals, he graduated with Academic and All-America Football Honors. Bill believes everyone should give back and proves it himself by actively participating on boards in numerous organizations such as 100 Black Men of Silicon Valley, San Jose After-School All-Stars, United Way of Santa Clara County and San Jose State University. When you throw on some tunes, you better stand back and make some room, to watch this bad boy get his groove on!
Nominated: 2007
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Rosana Madrigal
Public Affairs Director, KLIV/KRTY
For 14 years she has been with KLIV/KRTY as a Reporter, Public Affairs Director and advocate for the community and over 10 years as a volunteer mentor and dorm mom to urban & minority students at the San Jose Urban Journalism Workshop. Now that's stamina!
Nominated: 2004
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Jonathan Martinez
Merchant Sales Consultant, Wells Fargo
"Wherever Jonathan goes, that's where he is." Note: We're not quite sure what the deep meaning and significance behind that statement is but that's what we were told to write!
Nominated: 2006
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Alex Ontiveros
Chief Development Officer, MASCA
Alex is an all around nice guy who puts his heart into every project he does to help the community thrive.
Nominated: 2003
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Dan Orloff
CEO, Orloff/Williams advertising & public relations
Dan was born with the gift of gab, and has put it to good use by unabashedly (and at every opportunity,) connecting his clients to the community and the media. He enjoys champagne and long walks on the beach, and hates mean people and war.
Nominated: 2006
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Debbie Owens
Debbie Lyn's Costumes
Why should Debbie be Royal Schmoozer? Because she knows lots and lots of people, is involved in several organizations both locally and nationally and that's what being a schmoozer is all about. Debbie Lyn started her dream costume business 14 years ago and has reveled in making people's life fun! She is President of the National Costumers Association, Sunnyvale Chamber Board Member and was name City of Sunnyvale's "2001 Person of the Year".
Nominated: 2007
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George Rivero
Mortgage Consultant, Mortgage Now INC.
He's a happy-go-lucky guy who loves life, people and the pursuit of money.
Nominated: 2002
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Steve Rubin
Capital Club Board of Governors & Executive Committee
We cannot possibly list all this man's credentials. He doesn't just sit on boards he is an innovator helping to found such organizations as the San Jose Ballet, Silicon Valley Capital Club, Smart Paper Networks and Speakers Forum of the American Electronics Association not to mention being a faithful Rotarian for over 27 years!
Nominated: 2004
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Sherry Simmons
Director of Resource Development, Northern California Community Loan Fund
If she doesn't charm you with her humor, she'll charm you with her singing and ever-changing hairdo! Her unboundless energy in working to make the community a better place is incredible! Sherry is the perfect schmoozer about town!
Nominated: 2005
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Carlos Singh
Attorney, Ernst & Young
A farm worker as a child, he became the first person in his family to graduate from High School. Now, a mild-mannered Prosecutor by day he transforms into Super Singh a champion of youth, education and civil rights issues!
Nominated: 2003
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Laurie Smith
Sheriff, Santa Clara County
Laurie is first female sheriff in Santa Clara County, second in California history. She commands 443 sworn officers in this county, schmoozes with the good ol' boys and still finds time to be a loving wife and mother. You go girl!
Nominated: 2005
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Alex Torres
VP of Community Development, Wells Fargo
Alex has breakfast with the Mayor, lunch with foreign dignitaries and dinner with the Governator. You can't help but marvel at his energy and who else can do such an impeccable George Lopez impersonation! Alex is a one-of-a-kind type of guy and proud papa to his two young boys!
Nominated: 2005, 2007
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Steve Tully
Capital Club Board of Governors & Executive Committee
Steve is at the top of his game as the Capital Club's top schmoozer, wining & dining with the Silicon Valley's movers & shakers. Does Steve really have a home or is the rumor true that he actually lives there? Jan?
Nominated: 2005, 2006
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Fernando Zazueta
Attorney-at-law
This tuxedo-clad gent is the Don Juan of Schmoozing. This debonair man has championed for art, education, social justice and cultural causes for over 30 years. He is truly a role model for our community!
Nominated: 2006
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