Ketel One Vodka launched its Chicago’s Modern Hispanic Gentlemen (MHG) People’s Choice Award, a new aspect of the series taking place online, at www.modernhispanicgentlemen.com, where online community voting through April 15, 2013 will determine Ketel One’s third Modern Hispanic Gentlemen. Ketel One has selected three finalists for the honor: Nicholas Delgado, founder of Dignitas; Jose Luis Velazquez, a military veteran of the Air National Guard; and Ivan Vega, co-founder and executive director for Urban Theater Company (UTC). The winning People’s Choice candidate will join this year’s other two honorees, Sergio Fernandez and Carlos Jaramillo. To learn more about the MHG program and/or the nominees, visit www.modernhispanicgentlement.com. Both Delgado and Vega shared their thoughts on their Ketel One People’s Choice Award nominations.

]“It’s an honor to be a People’s Choice candidate. My candidacy has afforded me the opportunity to meet some great individuals who are contributing to our community in a number of different ways. It has also been a wonderful platform to highlight the great work of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and their Coaching for Growth Program along with the innovative programming at the Community Media Workshop. Both of these organizations do wonderful capacity building work and I support them because I know a contribution to them can have a substantial impact across a number of other groups and institutions.” -Nicholas Delgado

“I’m very honored to be a finalist for Ketel One Vodka’s Modern Hispanic Gentlemen. This nomination validates my work and love for both UrbanTheater Company (UTC) and Chicago Theater. It also sheds light on the importance of community and producing theater that is easily accessible as well as La Casa Norte (LCN), the inspiring charity organization I’ve chosen, whose mission is to end poverty one family at a time. This is an all around wonderful opportunity and I’m truly grateful.” –Ivan Vega