Cover credits:
Photography: Dulce Naranja Studios
BBest of Houston Latino Awards
Dear Houston Latino Family,
The 2025 Best of Houston Latino Awards edition is a heartfelt tribute to the people and businesses that make our city thrive — those who lead with passion, serve with purpose, and inspire through their example.
Each honoree featured in these pages represents the strength, creativity, and resilience that define our Latino community. They are the dreamers, the builders, and the doers who remind us that excellence is achieved when we stay rooted in our values and united in our purpose.
At Houston Latino Family Magazine, we take pride in highlighting these stories that uplift and connect us. To our readers, partners, and all those who support our mission — thank you for being part of this celebration of community, culture, and success.
Because when we celebrate one, we celebrate all. Together, we are The Best of Houston Latino.
With pride and appreciation, Laritza García Publisher
–
Houston Latino Family Magazine
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re a reader, contributor, or partner, your presence and support help us continue building a publication that reflects the heart and strength of our community.
vargas agency
It’s more than a business—it’s a mission born from family, built for families.”
In 2017, we launched Vargas Agency, drawing on our previous experience in the insurance industry. That background gave us the courage to take the leap into business ownership. We understood how important it is to protect what matters most, and we wanted to help families do the same.
Courtesy:
1. Origins and Beginnings
How did Vargas Agency start, and what inspired you to enter the insurance and financial services field?
“The idea for Vargas Agency was born with the arrival of our daughter, Ofelia. Her birth gave us a new sense of purpose—to build something lasting, not just for our family, but for others who wanted to feel secure about their future.
Starting our own agency was a leap of faith, but it came from love, vision, and a desire to make a difference. Vargas Agency began with one simple goal: to serve our community with integrity and guide people through the oftenconfusing world of insurance. It’s more than a business—it’s a mission born from family, built for families.”
Photos
Dulce Naranja Studios
What challenges did you face at the beginning, and how did you overcome them as a family?
“Starting a business isn’t easy, and for us, financial hardship was the biggest challenge. Those early years tested our faith and our strength. But we stayed focused, leaned on one another, and kept moving forward.
What carried us through was unity—our commitment as a family— and our faith in God. Even when things got difficult, we believed in the path we were on. That faith gave us the courage to persevere. Today, Vargas Agency stands as proof of that journey, built on resilience, love, and purpose.”
2. Working as a Couple and Family
How do you balance professional work with family life?
“Family comes first, always. Whether it’s a work event or a family outing, we make it a shared experience. We plan our vacations a year in advance to make sure we have that time together.
By setting clear boundaries for work hours, we keep a healthy balance between business and home. That structure helps us stay connected, rested, and focused—both as parents and business owners.”
What family values do you consider essential to maintaining success and unity in business?
“We live by what we call F.I.V.E.S: Faith, Integrity, Value, Excellence, and Service. These values have kept us grounded as a family and serve as the foundation for Vargas Agency’s culture.
They guide how we serve our clients, lead our team, and grow together. F.I.V.E.S isn’t just a slogan—it’s how we live and work every day.”
How do trust and communication between you contribute to the agency’s growth?
“Trust and communication are everything—in marriage and in business. For us, they’re the reason we’ve been able to grow. Open communication and mutual respect keep us aligned and help us make better decisions.
Our agency’s success is a reflection of that teamwork—how we trust each other, our staff, and our clients. When communication flows, everything else follows.”
3. Community and Purpose
What do you consider the biggest contribution of Vargas Agency to the Latino community in Texas?
“We’re proud to bring knowledge and experience to our community. Our mission is to help Latino families feel confident about their insurance decisions.
We believe language should never be a barrier—it should be a bridge. By offering clear, bilingual guidance, we help families understand their options and protect what matters most.”
What motivates you to help other families protect their financial future?
“Our motivation comes from knowing how life-changing financial security can be. We want families to feel empowered—to understand their coverage, make informed choices, and protect their loved ones and their legacy.”
Is there a particular story or experience with a client that has deeply impacted you?
“One of our earliest clients was a retired couple living on a fixed income. They thought about cutting key coverages to save money, but we strongly advised against it. They decided to trust us and keep their policy as it was.
Just a few months later, their home was damaged, and the insurance covered everything. That experience reminded us why we do this—to give families peace of mind and help them make decisions that truly protect their future.”
4. The Future and Dreams
How do you envision the future of Vargas Agency?
“Our vision is to grow in size and in purpose. We hope to expand nationwide, building a network of agents who share our values and mission.
No matter how big we get, our goal will always be the same: to keep families’ insurance on track and provide valuable, trustworthy options. As we grow, we want to empower more communities, build lasting relationships, and continue serving with integrity.”
What message would you share with families who dream of building a business together?
“Dream big—and then go after it. We came to this country with a dream, and through faith, determination, and hard work, we made it happen. Vargas Agency is proof that with purpose and perseverance, anything is possible.
Building a business together isn’t just about success—it’s about the journey, the lessons, and the love that grows along the way. Stay passionate, stay united, and believe in your vision.”
What does this recognition mean to you for your work and commitment to the community?
“It’s a tremendous honor. We’re proud of our roots—both of us come from Mexican heritage, and Spanish is our first language. I was born in Mexico, and my husband was born here to Mexican parents.
We carry that pride in everything we do. This recognition fuels our drive to keep growing and to continue representing our culture and community with pride. More than anything, it inspires us to show others that with faith, hard work, and purpose, dreams really can become reality.”
By Hannah Menslage
When Sendy Mojica’s body began to shut down, she felt her life slipping away. Her kidneys had failed, her lungs struggled to draw breath, and toxins flooded her blood at levels that should have rendered her unconscious. Nurses and doctors told her she was a walking miracle.
One nurse even cried when she looked at her test results and said, “This cannot be right. If it is, you’re a miracle.” Sendy knew exactly who deserved the credit.
“God did that,” she said. “He’s the reason I’m alive.”
CRAVEABLE CHICKEN FINGER MEALS™
ORDENA EN LÍNEA O EN NUESTRA APLICACIÓN
R aising C anes .C om
Born in the Dominican Republic, Sendy moved to the United States at just ten years old. The transition was difficult—she missed her family and friends deeply—but she learned English within a year and a half and threw herself wholeheartedly into her studies. She graduated summa cum laude from college, earned her master’s degree with honors, and built a career in finance that began while she was still in high school.
In Rhode Island, she won scholarships, contributed to a pioneering state project researching housing discrimination, and served as a youth leader in her church. “I’ve always been competitive,” she said. “I always tried to do my best in everything I set my mind to.”
After marrying, Sendy and her husband relocated to Texas, seeking a better lifestyle. She had a great job, but the long hours and stressful pace took a toll. Around that time, her body began to feel off. Despite regular exercise, she wasn’t losing weight, and she felt exhausted and swollen. “It didn’t make sense,” she recalled. “I was drinking water all the time, eating right, but my body was hurting. My back hurt so much I would just lay on the floor.”
When her doctor told her she was dehydrated, Sendy was confused— she was drinking gallons of water each day. But as her symptoms worsened, her life began to unravel. Her marriage ended, she lost her job, and along with it, her health insurance. “I remember praying and hearing God say to me, ‘Be still and know that I am God,’” she said. “That moment changed me. It gave me peace when everything around me was falling apart.”
In 2016, her health took a critical turn. Her new doctor told her her kidneys were rapidly declining but still treated symptoms casually. Frustrated and frightened, Sendy flew to the Dominican Republic to visit relatives and grieve the loss of two beloved uncles. While there, she sought a second opinion. The doctor was blunt: she was dying. “I had gained over 50 pounds of fluid because my kidneys weren’t processing anything,” she said. “I couldn’t breathe. My family didn’t even recognize me.”
She stayed for several months, receiving intense treatment just to become stable enough to fly back to the United States. Upon her return, her U.S. doctor was astonished she was still alive. But soon, her kidneys failed completely, and after extensive testing, doctors discovered she had Lupus—a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks healthy organs and tissues. The disease had destroyed her kidneys.
Doctors began aggressive chemotherapy to control the Lupus, but the treatment nearly killed her. “The first round was horrible,” she said. “I was gagging and throwing up dozens of times a day.” Her body swelled again with fluids, and the toxins affected her brain so severely that she could no longer read. “I told my mom to play the word of God for me,” she said. “I just wanted to hear His voice.”
During her second round of chemo, something extraordinary happened. Sendy arrived for treatment unaware she needed a blood test beforehand. The medication was already prepared, and as she drifted off in her chair, a nurse came back asking, “Where’s the chemo?” The IV bag was empty. The liquid had vanished.
Moments later, a doctor learned she had skipped the blood test and sent her to complete it before continuing. The results showed she was in critical condition. When the doctor finally called her, he told her she was dying and needed to get to the hospital immediately. “They said if I had taken that chemo, I would have died right there,” she said. “God made that chemo disappear. God did that.”
At the hospital, nurses rushed her into surgery to insert wires into her chest and start emergency dialysis. Doctors were astonished she was still conscious. “They told me I had ten times more toxins in my body than anyone could survive,” she recalled. “They couldn’t understand how I was talking. But I knew. I said, ‘Oh my God, You did that, Lord.’”
Over the next several years, Sendy endured more than forty surgeries. Lupus attacked every new dialysis port they tried to insert, destroying them one by one. Surgeons eventually consulted specialists in Europe to create a new type of graft in her neck using re-valved veins. “They offered me plastic surgery to fix the scars,” she said, “but I told them no. Those are my battle scars. They tell my story.”
Through it all, she refused to lose faith. “Every day, I chose life,” she said. “I chose the Lord.”
To qualify for a kidney transplant, she had to lose the massive amount of weight she’d gained from illness and treatments. She underwent gastric bypass surgery, which nearly took her life again when she bled out on the operating table. “I needed several blood transfusions,” she said. “But once again, God brought me through.”
Psalm 41:3: “The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness, you restore him to full health.”
Her cousin in the Dominican Republic—the son of one of the uncles she’d lost—offered to donate a kidney. It took a year of effort, paperwork, and prayers to get his visa approved, but he finally made it to the U.S. to give her the gift of life. “It was another miracle,” she said softly. “God kept opening doors when everything seemed impossible.”
Even amid pain and constant medical crises, Sendy continued serving God. She joined prayer teams at her church and opened her own business, working from home while still undergoing dialysis. “I was literally taking my laptop with me to dialysis,” she laughed. “I would work while hooked up to the machine.”
That business grew into her career today. As a Loan Officer and Financial Educator with Network In Action, Sendy helps individuals and families— especially in the Hispanic community—achieve their dream of homeownership. “My mission is to educate and empower people,” she said. “I want to help families build generational wealth and walk alongside them through the process. I’m living proof that God can restore everything.”
Her recovery brought new challenges. After years in survival mode, she had to learn how to live freely again. “I couldn’t drink more than eight ounces of water a day during dialysis,” she said. “Even now, it’s hard for me to drink a whole cup. I’m retraining myself, body and mind, to live again. It’s been an interesting journey.”
But through every setback, she kept her focus on faith. “I never stopped praying,” she said. “Even when I couldn’t move, I said, ‘God, I choose You. I choose life.’ There were moments when my blood pressure would drop, my calcium would spike, and everything felt chaotic. But I fixed my eyes on Jesus. I felt like the enemy was taking pieces of me, but I kept my eyes on Him and didn’t feel anything else around me.”
Today, Sendy lives each day with gratitude and joy. She travels, works, and serves others again. “How fortunate I am to have Him as my Lord and Savior,” she said. “I’ve never lacked anything. I’m enjoying life. God has been amazing. Every breath I take is a reminder of His mercy.”
PVI Manufacturing
Prairie View Industries stands as the world’s premier manufacturer of multifold aluminum wheelchair ramps, crafted right here in the USA.
PVI produces the finest quality ramps on today’s market, with each product rigorously tested to a 3X safety factor, delivering unmatched strength-to-weight performance.
We take pride in our product lines being Made in the USA and fully ADA Compliant, and we stand behind our craftsmanship with a comprehensive Limited Lifetime Warranty for your complete peace of mind.
Scan to View Ramp Solutions
It’s that time of year again. The lights go up, Christmas trees fill living rooms, and the smell of cinnamon, pine, and baked cookies reminds us that the season of joy has arrived. It’s easy to get swept up in the fun and the busy schedules, but Christmas has always been about something much deeper.
At its core, Christmas celebrates the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ, born to bring light and hope to a weary world.
More than two thousand years ago, in the small town of Bethlehem, God fulfilled a promise. Isaiah had written that a virgin would give birth to a son called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” That’s exactly what happened on that quiet night when Mary laid her baby in a manger because there was no room anywhere else. It was a humble beginning for the One who would change everything.
The shepherds who kept watch in the fields were the first to hear the good news. An angel appeared and told them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Imagine that: ordinary people, standing under the stars, suddenly realizing that God’s long-awaited promise had arrived.
The True Meaning of Christmas
C
That’s the heart of Christmas: God stepping into our story because He loves us. John 3:16 says it best, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” Jesus was born so that we could be made new, so that hope would never again be out of reach.
Even many of our Christmas traditions point back to that truth. The evergreen tree reminds us that eternal life never fades. The lights we hang sparkle because Jesus called Himself “the light of the world.” The gifts we exchange mirror the wise men’s offerings: small reflections of the greatest gift of all.
Still, it’s easy to let the season rush past in a blur of shopping, decorating, and checking lists. Maybe this year, we can slow down long enough to let gratitude take root. Read the Christmas story with your family. Say a prayer of thanks for the blessings that matter most: faith, love, and the people who make life rich.
Because when the noise quiets and the lights dim, what remains is the same truth that started it all: God loves us, and He proved it that night in Bethlehem.
By Joseph Menslage
Comprehensive care for everything life throws your way.
Taking care of you and your family is what we do best.
• Women’s Health & Maternity Services
• 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Center
• Level III Trauma Center
• Primary Stroke Center
• Memorial Hermann | Rockets Sports Medicine Institute
• Primary Care Physicians & Specialists
• Magnet Recognition for Nursing Excellence
• Digestive Health
• Heart & Vascular Care
memorialhermann.org/katy
• Imaging Center
• Neuroscience Services
• Orthopedics
• Physical Therapy
• Robotic & Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Surgical Services
• Memorial Hermann Sports Park
• TIRR Memorial Hermann Pediatric Outpatient Rehabilitation Advancing health. Personalizing care. TIRR is a registered trademark of TIRR Foundation.
TheBestof WINNER
Food & Dining
Best Mexican Restaurant WINNER: Ferso’s Mexican Cuisine
Best Tex-Mex Restaurant WINNER: Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen
Best Colombian Restaurant WINNER: Made in Medellin
Best Cuban Restaurant WINNER: Havana Blues
Best Karaoke Bar WINNER: Katy Vibes
Best Venezuelan Restaurant WINNER: Dukes Venezuelan Food
Best Latin Fusion Restaurant WINNER: Rancho La Cumbre Latin Food
Best American Restaurant WINNER: Federal American Grill
Best Steakhouse WINNER: Gauchos Do Sul
Best Hamburger WINNER: TMG Burger
Best Pizza WINNER: Star Pizza 3
Best Greek Food WINNER: Pappa Gyros
Best Seafood Restaurant WINNER: Pier 36
Best Sushi Restaurant WINNER: Kokai Sushi
Best Italian Restaurant WINNER: Ciro’s Italian Grill
Best Chinese Restaurant WINNER: North China Restaurant
Best Barbecue (BBQ) WINNER: Rudy’s Bar-B-Q
Best Breakfast WINNER: Snappy’s Café
Best Fast-Food Restaurant WINNER: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Best Brunch WINNER: Toasted Yolk
Best Coffee Shop WINNER: Minuti Coffee
Best Bakery WINNER: Imperio del Pastel
Best Diner WINNER: Sam’s Deli Diner
Best Dessert Shop WINNER: Peach Cobbler Factory
Best Cookie WINNER: Munch Bunch Cookies
Home & Services
Best Roofer WINNER: Roofer Supreme
Best Plumber WINNER: The Katy Plumbing Company
Best Electrician WINNER: Zuniga West Electric
Best AC & Heating Company WINNER: The Katy Plumbing Company
Best Garage Door Service WINNER: EZ Lift Garage Doors & More
Best Painter WINNER: Perera Painting & Remodeling
Best Landscaper WINNER: JMAS Landscaping
Best Remodeling Company WINNER: Tico Home Remodeling
Best Cleaning/Maid Service WINNER: Westside Maids
Best Flooring Company WINNER: Design Carpet Flooring America
Best Computer Repair Service WINNER: Primary Computer Service
Best Pool Company WINNER: Costa Maya Pools
Best Pest Control WINNER: Frontier Exterminating
Best Moving Company
WINNER: EPM Movers
Best Handyman WINNER: Handyman Felipe1
Best Recycling Company WINNER: JD Metals
Best Interior Designer WINNER: Paloma Contreras Design
Real Estate & Finance
Best Realtor WINNER: Maggie “The Daughter” Castillo
Best Real Estate Agency WINNER: Nicole Freer Group
Best Mortgage Company WINNER: Bonck and Baker Mortgage
Best Loan Officer WINNER: Somos Latino Mortgage/ Sendy Mojica
Best Insurance Agent WINNER: Jeremy Adams
Best Insurance Agency WINNER: Vargas Agency
Best Life Insurance Agency WINNER: Curiman Brokers Group
Best Health Insurance Agent WINNER: Reina Romero Insurance Agent
Best Commercial Insurance Company WINNER: Vargas Agency
Best Title Company WINNER: Black Label Title
Best Accounting Services WINNER: CCFS
Best Tax & Financial Services WINNER: SR Global Multiservices
Best New Home Builder WINNER: David Weekley Homes
Health & Wellness
Best Family Doctor WINNER: SteadFast Primary Care
Best Podiatrist WINNER: Total Foot Care Specialist
Best Dentist WINNER: MiraMar Family Dental
Best Cosmetic Dentist
WINNER: C & C Dental
Best Pediatric Dentistry WINNER: Febres Dentistry for Children
Best Orthodontist
WINNER: Smiles on Orthodontics
THE WINNERS OF THE 2025 BEST OF HOUSTON LATINO
Best Holistic Medicine WINNER: Hotze Health & Wellness
Best Chiropractor WINNER: One Life Chiropractic/Dr. Nate Gomez
Best Physical Therapist WINNER: Select Physical TherapyKaty
Best Functional Medicine WINNER: Amaya Clinic The Biochemistry of Bliss
Best Gym (Family Friendly) WINNER: Memorial Athletic Club
Best Personal Training Studio WINNER: BreatheFit
Best Yoga Studio WINNER: Serasana Katy
Best Spa WINNER: Le Chloe Med Spa
Best Massage Therapist WINNER: Fuzion Massage
Best Hair Salon WINNER: Uptown Institute
Best Nail Salon WINNER: Divine Nails & Spa
Best Dermatologist WINNER: Stephanie Florez-Pollack, MD
Best Optometrist WINNER: Optica Houston by Esmeralda Acuna
Best Pharmacy WINNER: Hope Compounding Pharmacy
Best Hospital WINNER: Memorial Hermann Hospital
Best Hospice WINNER: Blue Star Hospice
Education & Child Development
Best Private School WINNER: Spanish Schoolhouse
Best Charter School WINNER: Calvin Nelms
Best Language School WINNER: Handy Language Center
Best University WINNER: University of HoustonKaty
Best Community College WINNER: HCC
Best Tutoring/Learning Service WINNER: Spoken Learning
Best Before/After-School Program WINNER: Tiger Land Day Care Center
Best Child Care Center WINNER: Alianza Preschool Cinco Ranch
Best Preschool WINNER: Spanish Learning Castle
Best Dance School WINNER: Stylus Dance Academy
Best Music School WINNER: Molto Allegretto Music Academy
Best Martial Arts School WINNER: Vortexic Martial Arts
Best Self Defense School WINNER: Level 6 Krav Maga
Best Summer Camp WINNER: Camp West
Best Swim School WINNER: British Swim School
Shopping & Retail
Best Latin Supermarket WINNER: La Michoacana Supermarket
Best Clothing Boutique WINNER: Brown Eyed Girl Design Boutique
Best Collectibles WINNER: Atomic Monkey Comics
Best Quinceañera Dress Shop WINNER: Valencia Couture
Best Jewelry Store
WINNER: Meliva Jewelry & Mas
Best Western Wear Store (Botas / Sombreros) WINNER: Gomez Western Wear
Best Furniture Store
WINNER: SuperNova Furniture
Best Car Dealership WINNER: Mac Haik Chevrolet
Best Auto Repair Shop WINNER: Auto Helpers
Family Fun & Entertainment
Best Family Entertainment Center WINNER: Home Run Dugout
Best Indoor Playground
WINNER: Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter
Best Sports Complex WINNER: Katy Sports Center
Best Skating Rink (Ice or Roller) WINNER: Mason Road Skate Center
Best Bowling Alley WINNER: Main Event
Best Birthday Party Rental WINNER: Texas Robot Show
Best Birthday Party Venue WINNER: Smith Ranch
Best Family Festival/Event WINNER: ImagineNation Kids Expo
Community & Professionals
Best Attorney WINNER: Erin Swanson
Best Immigration Attorney WINNER: Vergara Miller Law Firm
Best Personal Injury Attorney WINNER: Law Office of Orlando Zambrano
Best Family Law Attorney WINNER: Farias Law PLLC
Best Accountant / CPA WINNER: CKO CPA’s & Advisors
Best Tax Preparation Service WINNER: InverTaxes
Best Nonprofit Organization WINNER: Family Hope
Best Community Leader WINNER: Maria Elena Orantes
Best Radio Personality WINNER: Cindy Burbano
Best TV Personality WINNER: Crystal Ayala
Best Media Influencer- Community
WINNER: Mi Gente Texas
WINNER
THE WINNERS OF THE 2025 BEST OF HOUSTON LATINO
Best Media Influencer- Family WINNER: Valeria Charrabe
Best Photographer/Videographer WINNER: Light Productions USA
Best Event Planner WINNER: Andara Creations
Best Wedding Venue WINNER: The Woodland Venue
Best AI Marketing WINNER: Marketing Dynamics
Best Banquet Hall WINNER: Rendezvous Event Center & Backyard
Best Catering Company WINNER: La Chachon Catering @ Eventos
Best Florist WINNER: Katy Flower Shop
Best Business IT Services WINNER: TeamLogic IT
Best Travel Agency (Family Travel) WINNER: Cerveza Travel Group
Best Church WINNER: Church at the Cross
