Miss Ohio Latinas Colo lor Guard Wright-Patterson Air Force Base - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Opening Performance Miss Ohio Latinas

Colo lor Guard

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Tony Simms-Howell National Anthem: Karen Labra

In Invocation

Commissioner Greg Guzman, PhD

Opening Remarks

Chair Mary Santiago Ohio Latino Affairs Commission Lilleana Cavanaugh Ohio Latino Affairs Commission Executive Director

Nu Nuest estra ra Fam Famili ilia a Awa Award rds

Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union

Toledo, OH

On behalf of the Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union (NECCU), we wish to thank the Latino Affairs Commission and Commissioner Greg Guzman, PhD for nominating us for this prestigious

• award. We are greatly humbled by the statewide recognition for work within the Latino
• Community. There are a great number of people to thank who have made this mission to

financially empower our community possible. We would like to thank first our membership and second our board of directors. Thirdly and certainly not least, I would like to thank our CEO & President, Sue Cuevas who epitomizes servant leadership and the spirit in which our credit union was founded upon. It is truly through her dedication, faith, and commitment to our community that NECCU has been a success. Finally, I would like to thank the credit union community, specifically Directions Credit Union, Great Lakes Credit Union, and Champion Credit Union. Through their guidance, kindness, and at times their tough love attitude we have been able to successfully navigate through many of the pitfalls that many small start-up credit unions have succumbed to in the past. Words cannot express how thankful we are to have a group of dedicated individuals with a passion and drive to keep our efforts going. We thank everyone that’s believed in our mission, our abilities, and empowering the Latino

• community. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Adam J. Martinez, Chairman Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union

• Dr. Christopher Babiuch

I would like to sincerely thank the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission for the recognition of the work of myself, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, in bettering the health of the Lorain County Community. Since starting as a physician in Lorain in 2010 I have seen first-hand how it takes a group effort to bring up the health of a community. For me this starts with my fellow caregivers - nurses, physicians and support staff - at The Cleveland Clinic in Lorain and continues with the wonderful Lorain County community organizations we have partnered with. We are making a great impact through collaborating on food pantries, walking clubs, health lectures, a County wide Community Health Improvement Plan, United Way Collaboratives, Cleveland Clinic Health Fairs and many more. In particular I would like to thank Victor Leandry and the amazing team he leads at El Centro. He, and his

• rganization, are the true backbone of service to the

Latino community in Lorain, and any recognition I might receive, should be shared with them. Thank you.

Lorain, OH

General Electric Hispanic Forum Cincinnati Chapter

The General Electric Hispanic Forum is truly honored to be a recipient of the 2019 Nuestra Familia award, joining a distinguished list of winners both past and present that have made important and lasting contributions to our wonderful state of Ohio on behalf of all Hispanics. Thank you to the Advisory Committee of the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission for the nomination, to Governor Mike DeWine and his administration for making this event possible and, last but not least, to all GE Hispanic Forum Cincinnati Chapter members for working tirelessly to contribute to the advancement of Hispanics within GE and throughout the community. GE’s Hispanic Forum Cincinnati Chapter was formed in 1998 with the mission to attract, develop and retain Hispanic talent and increase Hispanic community outreach. The Cincinnati Hub has grown from a founding group of 5 Latinos to over 500 members and is more energized than ever to continue fulfilling its purpose for decades to come!

Cincinnati, OH

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Columbus, OH

We want to thank Commissioner Emanuel Torres for nominating us for Nuestra Familia Award. We’re thrilled to be recognized by the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission in this way and proud of our partnership with the Latino community. The Hospital’s leadership understands the importance of diversity and inclusion and we practice it in patient care as well as with our fellow employees. It makes our care better and makes Nationwide Children’s Hospital a better place to work and it’s rewarding to see these efforts acknowledged. Since Nationwide Children’s founding more than 100 years ago, the hospital has operated with the understanding that each family, patient and employee is essential to its success and each individual deserves equal treatment, opportunity and care. In addition to practicing an inclusive approach to patient service, Nationwide Children’s is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that works inclusively. The hospital supports employee resource groups such as HOLA—Hispanic Organization for Leadership and

• Achievement. The members of HOLA and other resource groups are

ambassadors to the broader communities through referrals, advocacy, education and care and we are all grateful for the recognition.

Rocking Horse Community Health Center

Springfield, OH

Rocking Horse Community Health Center would like to thank the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission for this prestigious honor. We are proud to be a recipient of the Nuestra Familia

• award. It is both our mission and our

pleasure to serve everyone in our community without regard to ability to pay, nationality or country of

• rigin. We open our doors and our

arms to those in need and do our very best to help make a difference in the lives of all of we serve.

Inna Simakovsky

I would like to start by thanking my parents Igor and Elizabeth Simakovsky for having the courage to leave mother Russia to come to the United States. They came with nothing but the desire to provide hope for their daughter. While you did not always understand your adopted country’s obsession with “talking” and “feelings,” you led by example through your work ethic, determination, and the inability to take no for an answer. I have watched, learned, and become who I am because of your combined qualities. I do not know how you did it but I am eternally grateful. I would like to thank my husband David who patiently supported me and pushed me to start Simakovsky Law. His was not a Simakovsky shove but a slow Bernstein nudge through years of my professional highs and lows. Your commitment to raising our three sons is extraordinary. You have provided a solid and loving base that has allowed me to commit to my clients and come home to your continued love and support. I could not do this without you. Simakovsky Law could not run at this pace and in this political environment without the commitment of Lauren Powers who has provided the stability, patience, and leadership to our firm and as a welcoming place for immigrants. Our team has grown with the addition of Elza, Taylor, Cameron, LB, and Sandy whose daily commitment to our clients is inspirational. And to Liliana Vasquez who has been an integral part of our growth and outreach to the Hispanic community. She is a fierce defender of our clients’ rights’ and brings passion and compassion to her role. Our jobs are not easy but as a team we are making a small difference in Columbus, Ohio. And our biggest appreciation goes out to our clients who take many routes to get to the United States with the goal of providing a better life for themselves and their families. Everyday we witness the human spirit and true

• perseverance. We are rewarded daily in doing this work and we thank our

clients for allowing us and trusting us with their lives.

Columbus, OH

Suzanne Smaltz

Copley, OH

This award is a culmination of my life’s work, which I began in 1987 during

• Amnestia. I was fortunate to work for an attorney who took a chance on a recent

college graduate looking for an opportunity to use her Spanish degree (I couldn’t envision teaching). That’s when I fell in love with the Hispanic culture. Ever since I have sought opportunities to be a part of, contribute to and be present wherever I

• can. Since I’ve been in Ohio, I have been welcomed by many of you who are here
• tonight. Thank you!

I would like to thank Lilly Cavanaugh, Commissioner Rivera and Lair Marin-Marcum for this honor. From the Latino Health Summit to our newly formed Latino Networking groups and the new cohort of the Ohio Masters Series Learning Collaborative, I have continuous opportunities to grow and serve. To my familia at Esperanza, Inc, and the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I appreciate the opportunities to grow in volunteer and business opportunities. Thank you to my good friend Nancy Kuzenko from Anthem, who participates in community events with me and supports my efforts in my health insurance

• practice. And HealthMarkets Insurance Agency continues to provide me with

excitement and support as my business grows. To my daughter Jen who inspires and encourages me. Te quiero Mija! I am honored to be in the company of so many accomplished people – congratulations to you all.

Bryan Wright

Cincinnati, OH

I am honored to receive the 2019 Nuestra Familia Award and am very thankful for the work of the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission for all the work they do to support the Latinx community across the state of Ohio. Many thanks to the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission for the award. I would also like to thank the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber for the nomination and for an ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion across the Cincinnati

• region. There are many great Latinx- led and

Latinx-serving organizations across the Cincinnati region working to advance cultural and economic inclusion of the Latinx community and would like to recognize them for all their work. It is an honor to serve the community and organizations in any way that I can. My partner, Dr. Farrah Mariel Jacquez, a 2016 Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award recipient, is a source of daily inspiration, motivation and support, and I am thankful to walk side by side with her in this life and in this work.

Din inner Break

Entertainment

Musical Performance Karen Labra Video Ohio TeVe

The Nord Family Foundation

Honorable Ju Judge Mary rylin Zayas

2019 Keynote Speaker

Dis istinguished tinguished Hi Hispanic spanic Oh Ohio ioan an Aw Awar ards ds

Amy Garcia

Bedford Heights, OH

I would like to thank my husband Nathaniel Wright Jr., and my children Eli S. Ramos Jr., and Pharon Wright for their patience. When you work in the community at times it becomes a juggle and they have always supported me working late nights and

• weekends. I would also like to take the
• pportunity to thank Third Federal Savings &

Loan for supporting the work I do within the Northeast Ohio Area and to the various

• rganizations within the communities which

I serve in the capacity of either board participation or community work. Most of all I thank God for each day he allows me to be

• n this earth completing his mission.

Angel Colón

I am grateful to God for the gift of life, the ability to serve others, and the honor of celebrating this moment with all of the amazing advocates of the Latin American community here today. Thank you to the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission for considering me for this special award. I am truly humbled and honored. To The Kroger Company, thank you for helping me achieve my dream job, and thank you to my team for your dedication, passion, and commitment to our customers and associates. You are the best! To my teachers, coaches, pastors, mentors, and managers over the years, I thank you for encouraging me, teaching me, guiding me, and pouring out your wisdom on me. I would like to thank my parents, who taught me to lay a foundation of faith, hard work, love of country, integrity, and servanthood in all things. Thank you to my children and family for inspiring me to give my best each day. My deepest thanks to my wife, Naomi, for her unconditional love and wisdom, and for making our 30 years of marriage the best years of my life. Lastly, thank you to the Latin American community for your inspiring strength, pride, and perseverance. İJuntos Podemos!

Cincinnati, OH

Hector Medina

I would like to thank first my family for their support and commitment to give back the Hispanic community I would like to thank Prospanica, HITEC, LULAC, SPHE, UC and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund for give me the

• pportunity to give back to the community and

participate in different ways in their organizations, been a member of their board of directors, be a mentor for students, professionals and as speaker in their conferences. I would like to thank the students and professionals that give me the opportunity to be their mentor, know them and learn together. I would like to thank Macy’s, Procter & Gamble, Luxottica & Topco America for their support and commitment to make their companies more diverse and for give me the opportunity to participate in their diversity council committees and ERG groups.

Mason, OH

Jorge Pérez

I want to thank those whose support has made my journey possible.

• Esperanza who fought through difficulties, teaching her

children to be brave and hopeful.

• Glen whose mentorship allowed me to wrestle through

problems so I could gain wisdom.

• Supervisors who gave me goals and directed my learning.
• Joe, whose friendship and brotherly advice helped me
• vercome many challenges.
• Colleagues and friends, who place their trust in me and allow

me to do the same in them; as we practiced our leadership.

• Youth and members, whose stories of resilience inspire me to

keep going.

• My daughters who bring a profound sense of purpose to my

life.

• Amy, my best friend and love of my life, who is my constant

and supportive companion.

• God whose unconditional love taught me to love and serve
• thers.

On my journey of grace, justice, and cariño; I managed to receive everything I needed. I truly have lived out the dicho, “dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres”! Muchisimas gracias!

Cincinnati, OH

José Oscar Luna

I'm very humbled to be selected as one of the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioans for 2019. First and fore most I give thanks to my Lord for the chance to make this world a little better through my efforts. Next on the list of gratitude is my wife, Maria, who has given me endless support through the light and dark times I have faced. This job, Hispanic Outreach Coordinator, is a big job. It's a job that could never be done by just one person. I've done it with the support of the entire Toledo Public School system from the building operators to the superintendent. They have understood my vision and joined in my efforts. I must also include the Toledo Hispanic community that have accepted me, believed in me, and understood that it takes all of us to raise our

• youths. Finally, I'd like to thank Governor

DeWine and the Hispanic Affairs Commission for this recognition. Thank You All!

Holland, OH

Julio Mateo

First, I want to thank Manuel López for nominating me – I appreciate the vote of confidence and hope that I can live up to the expectations – and I also want to thank my family for always supporting me unconditionally – I wouldn’t be here without them. There are too many other people and organizations to thank, so this is by no means a comprehensive thank-you note. I thank Tony Ortiz for his mentorship and friendship, and for trusting me to support capacity-building for the Hispanic community in Dayton. I thank the Puerto Rican, American, and Caribbean Organization – PACO – board members for their continuous support and the great work they do to advance the local Hispanic community. And I also thank the many other organizations working to, or willing to partner to, advance the Hispanic community, including the Dayton Hispanic Chamber, Wright State’s Latino Affairs, Welcome Dayton, El Puente, Hall Hunger Initiative, St Mary’s Catholic Church, CO-OP Dayton, Hispanos Dayton, Launch Dayton, Levitt Pavilion, and many more. Collaboration and cooperation are the key to building collective strength and advancing the Hispanic community in the region. I hope we continue to support and build on each other’s efforts moving forward. Thank you!

Dayton, OH

Mary Lou Reyes

Respected Ohio Latino Affairs Commission, to the Executive Director, Lilleana Cavanaugh, Commissioner Juan Rivera, and colleagues. I am honored to stand here today before you as a recipient of the Governors 39th Annual Distinguish Hispanic Ohioans Award. Looking back over my career and carrying on the Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana (OCCHA) tradition to serve Hispanics and the multicultural community in the Youngstown and surrounding areas, has been both fulfilling and

• rewarding. I am extremely overwhelmed to be a

part of this years distinguish group of inductees. Again, thank you for this award and let us all enjoy this beautiful evening and let us have fun!

Youngstown, OH

Yahaira Rose

“Do what you love and you will shine!” I have been blessed to be part of a family that continuously supported my ideas, my dreams and my work. I am thankful to my parents (Luis and Carmen) who encouraged me to take risks and live courageously. The taught me to get up and try again. I developed my passion for service from my first role model, my sister Carilu. My husband and my partner, Louis who makes me laugh everyday and makes everything

• better. He energizes me. We cannot do our work

without a team of board members, advisory council, volunteers, partners and friends who dedicate their talents, time and treasures to our organization. The Dominican Sisters of Peace’s mission to social justice has become part of our mission. The sisters have provided us with a space where girls and women feel safe and at peace. I am inspired by the participants of our program. Each one has a story, a journey and we are honored to be part of their lives. I am thankful to everyone that has work along the way and look forward to our future paths together because when we do what we love, we shine together.

Westerville, OH

Victor Ruiz

I would like to thank you my wife and family for the tremendous amount of support that they provide me. This work requires a lot and I cannot do it without them. I would also like thank Esperanza’s Board for having the confidence in me to lead an institution with a tremendous legacy and history of changing lives. Next, this work is not possible without staff that dedicates their lives to their community. They make this happen and deserve all the recognition. I want to also thank our community for supporting and entrusting us in this work. It truly takes a village to raise our children. Lastly, thank you to the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission for this recognition, I truly appreciate it.

Cleveland, OH

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Dist stinction inction Awar ward

Colonel Walter Bustelo

I want to thank first of all God for giving me the opportunity to serve my country and serve my community. I want to also thank my family especially my wife, Mariluz, for always being there for me and supporting me in all my endeavors. My two kids, Adriana and Manolo for enduring many days without Dad due to my job. And many thanks to all my friends for always trusting me in all we do, specifically Pedro “Pijuan” Muñoz and his lovely wife Dr. María Jimenez.

Dayton, OH

Ezequiel Villa

I am very humbled and honored to be receiving the 2019 Latino Military Service of Distinction Award. With pride I share this award with all Men and Woman who have served and loved our Great Country in all branches of The Military Forces. I am most grateful to God for his protection and for the opportunities he has blessed me with to serve my Country and my local

• communities. To my beautiful wife, Consuelo

who shared my journey and gave me support. To my Family for their love. Thank you to all involved in this special recognition from The Ohio Latino Affairs

• Commission. And a special Gracias to

Commissioner Gregory Guzman and our old friend Roberto Torres. May God bless each of you & our Nation.

Toledo, OH

Clo losing Remarks

Chair Mary Santiago Ohio Latino Affairs Commission Lilleana Cavanaugh Ohio Latino Affairs Commission Executive Director

OCHLA TEAM

Li Lille leana Ca Cavanaugh, MB MBA, A, CPM CPM Executive Director Car Carly ly Mc McCain in Public Policy Officer La Lair Ma Marin in-Marcum Community Liaison Ann Annette Reyes Administrative Professional Cae Caeli li Bar Barnes Outreach & Social Media AmeriCorps Vista Mary ry Grace San Sanchez Organizations Development Coordinator AmeriCorps Vista Al Alana Ja Jarrell ll Intern Emi Emily ly Thongs Thongsavanh Intern

The Nord Family Foundation