The 2016 Latino Leadership Awards convened on Oct. 15 at Northwestern University’s Rebecca Crown Center.
Latino Resources President Dr. Teresa Ramos welcomed students, parents, and community leaders to their annual celebration, which takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Dr. Elena Garcia Ansani, Executive Director of Latino Resources, said, “The Latino Leadership Awards is a counter-story for Latino excellence. We are rewriting the narrative for Latinos with our work of advancing Latino leadership through college completion and civic engagement.”
Dr. Isidro Lucas, professor emeritus and Latino activist for more than five decades introduced keynote speaker Michael Garcia, who shared a story about Latino resiliency and perseverance.
Mr. Garcia is the Midwest regional Hispanic leader for G.E. Healthcare.
Dr. Garcia Ansani presented Mr. Garcia with a 2016 Latino Leadership award for Global Business & Engineering Achievement.
Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and Sixth Ward Alderman Mark Tendam participated in the presentation of Latino Resources College Scholarship Fund awards to 11 students who were selected for their demonstrations of academic excellence, leadership, community engagement, and financial need.
The following students received awards:
Martha Armenta-Robles, Northeastern Illinois University, Scholastic Award
Jazmin Arteaga Torres, DePaul University, Honors Award
Juan Alvarado, Illinois Institute of Technology, Honors Award
Luis Mejia, University of Illinois at Chicago, Honors Award
Arianna Renee Roldan, Oakton Community College, Honors Award
Nancy Cardenas, Lake Forest College, General Award
Jaqueline Medina, University of Illinois at Chicago, General Award
Nina Angelica Rodriguez, Emmanuel College, General Award
Rosa Victoria Palma-Rodriguez, DePaul University, General Award
Dulce Torres, Oakton Community College, General Award
Diana Vega, DePaul University, General Award.
A salute to Latinos in Blue also included an award presentation to Evanston Police Sergeant Tony Correa for Community Public Service.
Michael Vega, a member of Club Éxito/Success Club high school youth program, closed the ceremony with a violin performance.