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GENERATIONAL LEADER AWARDS GILDA ALMONTE OWNER OPERATOR Gilda M Almonte was born in Juncalito Arriba, Santiago, Dominican Republic. She is married to Don Miguel Vitelio Almonte Collado, and together they have five children—Gilberto, Sylvia, Miguel, José Luis, and Eliza- beth—as well as eight grandchildren. Hilda’s entrepreneurial journey began in a small bodega in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where Don Miguel was offered the opportunity to purchase half of the business. Hilda played a pivotal role in launching and growing the family enterprise. Two years later, she and Don Vitelio took a significant step forward by purchasing the building where their store was located. In 1995, they expanded into the supermarket industry, acquiring their first supermarket in the Bronx. Their dedication and hard work led to the growth of their business, which flourished into a chain of five super- markets under the Key Food brand. A devoted Catholic, Hilda finds joy in reading and traveling. She firmly believes in the power of education and has instilled its importance in her children. Her legacy is one of perseverance, family, and community commitment.