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Special to The Advocate
REVERE – Representative Jessica Giannino honored twin sisters and co-founders of Chocolaffee, Angelica and Diana Cardona, for the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus’ 2025 Latino Excellence on the Hill Awards. Their story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Latino excellence. The event took place in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House on September 25, 2025, where Rep. Giannino and Rep. Turco delivered citations to Angelica and Diana in recognition of their achievement.
Born in Colombia and raised in East Boston after immigrating to the United States in 1993, the sisters graduated from East Boston High School in 1998 and went on to build a business rooted in their family traditions. What began as homemade gifts of chocolate-covered Colombian coffee beans and roasted peanuts with sesame seeds, known as ManiNuts, soon grew into a small business with big aspirations. Despite an early setback when a partnership in their first coffee shop collapsed, Angelica and Diana refused to give up. They regrouped, leaned on their work ethic and determination, and built Chocolaffee into a recognizable brand carried in dozens of local stores.
Operating first from their home in Revere and rented kitchens around Boston, the Cardona sisters pushed through long nights and financial uncertainty to keep their dream alive. Their perseverance has paid off: this year they are opening a new production facility and storefront in Revere, allowing them to double their output and meet growing demand. Both visionaries and role models, they have shown how Latino entrepreneurs can overcome challenges, celebrate culture, and build opportunity for their communities.
“We are truly grateful for this recognition of Latino excellence and community work. As twins, we’ve shared this journey together, but it is our community that has given us the strength to serve. Thank you to the State Representative Jessica Giannino, State Representative Jeff Turco and to the City of Revere for honoring us — this award belongs to all who believe in building a brighter future with us,” said Diana and Angelica Cardona.
“Angelica and Diana exemplify the strength of women with an unmatched dedication to their business; we are fortunate to have them in Revere,” said Rep. Giannino (D-Revere). “I take pride in recognizing Angelica and Diana at this year’s event for the remarkable efforts they are making in expanding their business, Chocolaffee, and the inspiring example they are setting for others in our community.”
“It was indeed an honor to stand with Rep. Giannino in recognizing Angelica and Diana Cardona for the 2025 Latino Excellence Awards. They are the embodiment of the American Dream. Driven by Faith, Family and hard work, Angelica and Diana are an inspiration to our community not to mention the provisioners of the best Café mocha in the Shirley Avenue area,” said Rep. Jeffrey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop).
