The 2026 Fides Entrepreneurship Awards Night will take place on Friday, May 15th in New York City. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
Fides Entrepreneurship will host its most celebrated evening of the year, a black tie aperitif reception honoring three extraordinary figures whose lives make the case that faith, lived seriously and without apology, produces some of the most remarkable entrepreneurs and leaders of our time. Guests will arrive on the red carpet, beneath the marquee, for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and fellowship at the highest level.
Sam Goodwin is the Author of Saving Sam. He has a Doctorate in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins and he visited all 193 countries.
In 2019, while attempting his 180th country, Sam was detained by Syrian government forces and accused of being an American spy. He spent 63 days in captivity — 27 of them in solitary confinement 50 feet underground — and survived through strict daily routine and his Catholic faith. His “Winning Through Uncertainty” framework now equips leaders around the world to navigate chaos and emerge stronger.
Award Honorees
Eduardo Verástegui will receive the Fides Award for Entrepreneurial Justice. He is an actor, film producer and founder of Metanoia Films.
His 2023 film Sound of Freedom brought global attention to the crisis of child trafficking and earned him a private audience with Pope Francis. Eduardo will offer an exclusive preview of his upcoming projects at the gala. Also known as Nacho Libre
Father Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez — “Fray Tormenta” will receive the Fides Award for Entrepreneurial Sacrifice. He is a Mexican Catholic Priest,Professional Luchador, and Founder of Orphanage in Texcoco.
The real Nacho Libre. Facing desperate need to fund his orphanage, Father Sergio made one of the most audacious decisions in the history of faith-driven entrepreneurship: he became a professional luchador. Training in secret at 4:00 AM before morning Mass, he wrestled for 23 years and raised over 2,000 children in the process.
Jordi Vilasuso will receive the Fides Award for Entrepreneurial Witness. Jordi is an Emmy Award-winning actor and Co-founder of The Code Red Foundation.
Cuban-American actor and man of deep faith. Jordi will make a special public announcement on the evening — the first reveal of a new project rooted in faith and service.
To learn more about this upcoming Fides Entrepreneurship Awards GALA event, click here.
