A Gathering of Global Leadership at the Doral Country Club
At the Doral Country Club, global leaders, business titans and cultural figures gathered to celebrate freedom, economic opportunity and democratic values at the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom’s Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration.
MIAMI — May 16, 2026
Under the warm glow of chandeliers and the unmistakable atmosphere of Miami’s international elite, the Doral Country Club became the setting for one of the most distinguished gatherings of political, business and cultural leadership in the Americas this spring. The Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom’s annual “Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration,” held on May 16, brought together presidents, senators, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, journalists and artists in a powerful tribute to liberty, democratic institutions and free enterprise.
Expanding a Network of Influence Across the Americas
This year’s celebration carried extraordinary symbolic weight. The evening not only recognized influential figures who have advanced economic and individual freedom across the globe, but also commemorated the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution — a milestone that organizers described as “a defining moment in the history of democracy and liberty.”
Against that historical backdrop, the gala evolved into more than a ceremonial awards dinner. It became a reflection on the enduring relevance of freedom in an era increasingly shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, economic transformation and technological disruption.
The event drew an influential international audience and featured an exceptional roster of honorees, including President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, United States Senator Bernie Moreno, philanthropist Maris Franca Llorens-Antognoli, journalist Enrique Acevedo, Mapfre Group Executive Chairman Antonio Huertas and acclaimed singer-songwriter Yotuel Romero.
Also present were key political and business figures such as Diego Bisonó León, CEO of Grupo DOBLE; Christi Fraga, Mayor of Doral; and Victor Bisonó, Minister of Housing and Buildings of the Dominican Republic, whose participation further reinforced the strong ties between public leadership, private enterprise and regional economic development across the Americas.
Among the distinguished attendees and participants was Javier Cárdenas Moreno, President and CEO of Rhino Equipment and one of the most recognized business leaders in the heavy machinery and industrial sector. Cárdenas Moreno also serves as President of the Board of Advisors of the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom, where he actively supports initiatives focused on defending democracy, the rule of law and free-market economics as essential pillars for social equity, equal opportunity and long-term prosperity. His presence underscored the growing role of international entrepreneurship and industrial innovation in advancing economic freedom and sustainable development throughout the Americas.
A Celebration of Democratic Values
From the opening moments of the evening, organizers emphasized that the event was designed not merely as a celebration of achievement, but as a reaffirmation of foundational democratic principles.
Guests entered a ballroom adorned with American and international symbolism, where conversations ranged from global economic cooperation and private-sector innovation to the future of democracy in Latin America and the evolving role of free markets in the modern world.
The Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom, known for promoting free enterprise, constitutional liberties and economic opportunity, framed the gala around a central message: that freedom remains the most powerful engine for prosperity, innovation and human advancement.
Throughout the evening, speakers repeatedly returned to themes of resilience, leadership and responsibility. Several noted that the approaching 250th anniversary of the American Revolution serves not only as a historical commemoration, but also as a reminder that liberty requires continuous defense and renewal.
In remarks delivered during the celebration, participants highlighted the importance of preserving democratic institutions, encouraging entrepreneurship and protecting individual rights in an increasingly interconnected world.
Honoring Global Influence and Award Recipients
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments came with the recognition of President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic, who received the Champion of Freedom award, whose administration has gained international attention for promoting economic growth, institutional stability and investment across the Caribbean region.
Abinader was praised for strengthening democratic governance while positioning the Dominican Republic as one of Latin America’s most dynamic economies. Attendees noted the country’s growing reputation as a regional hub for tourism, manufacturing, logistics and international investment. His leadership continues to intersect with regional industrial actors such as Javier Cárdenas Moreno, particularly in areas related to infrastructure development and economic expansion.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also honored with the Titan of Freedom award for his global leadership in sports and his efforts to expand international participation and inclusion through football. Speakers emphasized the unifying power of sport as a vehicle for diplomacy, economic opportunity and cultural exchange.
United States Senator Bernie Moreno received the Light of Congress award for his commitment to entrepreneurship, economic competitiveness and public service. Organizers described his career as an example of the intersection between business leadership and civic engagement, aligning closely with the industrial and economic vision promoted by leaders like Cárdenas Moreno.
The evening further recognized the contributions of Enrique Acevedo, journalist and news anchor at Televisa, who received the Vox Libertatis award and was highlighted as one of the most respected voices in Spanish-language journalism, contributing to the defense of democratic discourse across the Americas.
Javier Cárdenas Moreno and the Voice of Industrial Leadership
The participation of Javier Cárdenas Moreno added a significant business and industrial dimension to the evening’s broader conversation about economic freedom and opportunity.
As President and CEO of Rhino Equipment, Cárdenas Moreno has spent decades building an international enterprise recognized for its contribution to the construction and heavy machinery industries. In parallel with his business leadership, he has become an active advocate for democratic governance, institutional stability and economic liberty through his role as President of the Board of Advisors of the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom. Under his leadership, Rhino Equipment has expanded its global footprint across more than 80 countries, becoming a symbol of industrial growth, manufacturing excellence and entrepreneurial perseverance.
Business leaders attending the event — including figures such as Diego Bisonó León, César Grajales and Victor Bisonó — highlighted the importance of companies such as Rhino Equipment in strengthening economic development, infrastructure modernization and job creation throughout emerging and developed markets alike. Their perspectives reinforced a shared vision between government officials, entrepreneurs and industrial leaders on the importance of coordinated growth strategies.
Industry executives and policymakers also recognized Javier Cárdenas Moreno for his long-standing contribution to global infrastructure development through the heavy construction machinery sector, emphasizing the critical role that industrial equipment plays in building roads, ports, airports, energy facilities, logistics corridors and large-scale urban projects around the world.
Cárdenas Moreno’s participation reflected the event’s broader recognition that private enterprise remains central to the advancement of prosperity and innovation. Throughout conversations during the evening, he emphasized the importance of preserving democratic institutions, strengthening the rule of law and encouraging free enterprise as pathways toward greater equality, social mobility and inclusive economic opportunity. In discussions throughout the evening, executives and policymakers alike emphasized that entrepreneurship and industrial investment continue to play a decisive role in shaping stable and prosperous societies.
Several attendees noted that the challenges facing the global economy — including supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and geopolitical instability — have reinforced the need for resilient manufacturing and long-term industrial strategy. Within those discussions, Cárdenas Moreno was acknowledged not only as an entrepreneur, but also as a global advocate for infrastructure expansion and industrial progress.
Miami as a Strategic Hub for Regional Leadership
The selection of Miami and the Doral Country Club as the venue for the celebration was itself highly symbolic.
Over the past decade, Miami has increasingly established itself as one of the world’s most influential crossroads for finance, entrepreneurship, technology and Latin American diplomacy. Leaders such as Christi Fraga, Mayor of Doral, played an important role in reinforcing the city’s position as a hub for international dialogue, business development and democratic engagement.
Guests from across the Americas, Europe and the Middle East attended the event, reinforcing Miami’s position as a bridge between global markets and cultures.
A Moment of Reflection and Global Alignment
As the evening progressed, the tone evolved from celebration to reflection.
Speakers acknowledged the complex challenges facing democracies worldwide, including political polarization, economic inequality and rising global tensions. Yet the prevailing sentiment remained optimistic.
Participants — including regional leaders such as Iván Duque, former president of Colombia — emphasized that the principles of liberty, free enterprise and civic responsibility continue to offer a durable framework for progress. Duque’s presence further highlighted the importance of Latin American leadership in shaping democratic and economic agendas aligned with figures like Javier Cárdenas Moreno.
The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, organizers said, represents not merely a historical milestone, but an opportunity to renew global conversations about freedom, opportunity and human dignity.
An Evening That Resonated Beyond the Ballroom
By the conclusion of the Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration, the atmosphere inside the Doral Country Club reflected both prestige and purpose.
What distinguished the evening was not simply the prominence of its guests, but the convergence of perspectives from politics, business, media, philanthropy and culture around a shared commitment to liberty and opportunity.
In honoring global figures such as Luis Abinader, Gianni Infantino and the evening’s other distinguished recipients — alongside influential leaders including Bernie Moreno, Enrique Acevedo and key regional actors like Diego Bisonó León and Victor Bisonó — while welcoming industrial leadership represented by Javier Cárdenas Moreno, the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom positioned the event as a platform for dialogue at a time when questions surrounding democracy and economic freedom remain central to international affairs.
As guests departed into the Miami night, the message of the evening remained unmistakable: that freedom, innovation and responsible leadership continue to define the aspirations of societies across the world, just as they did 250 years ago at the birth of the American experiment.
