The honorees for the 2017 Latino Leadership Awards will be recognized during a Sept. 18 ceremony at the Chattanooga Convention Center. They include:
- Chuy Esquivel, owner of Mexiville
- Martha Flores, branch banker at BB&T
- Carlos Garcia, president and CEO of LicorUSA
- Neysa Gorgas-Ríos, officer with the Chattanooga Police Department
- Daniel Ledo, director of advertising at Lynch Sales Company and Board Chair of Chattanooga Cares
- Pablo Mazariegos, director of the Family Resource Center at the Hamilton County Department of Education
- Dr. Enrique Ordoñez, obstetrics & gynecology physician at Cherokee Health System
- Sheila Ortiz, legal administrative assistant at Grant, Konvalinka and Harrison
- Daniela Peterson, community engagement specialist at Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise
- Kristina Sanchez-Mills, owner of Artistic Kreations
In addition to recognizing the Latino Leaders listed above, La Paz will also honor five individuals with the following special awards:
Latino Leader of the Year & Chattanooga’s Choice
Of the Latino leaders listed above, two will be given an additional recognition as either Latino of the Year or Chattanooga’s Choice for their individual career achievement and community impact over a significant period of time.
A selection committee will determine who will receive the Latino Leader of the Year Award and the general public will vote for the leader to be honored as Chattanooga’s Choice. The Chattanooga’s Choice voting process began Aug. 1. To vote, visit www.latinoleadershipawards.org.
Community Champion
This award recognizes an individual who has championed services for and made a significant impact on Chattanooga’s Latino population over the course of several years. The recipient of this award may or may not be of Latino heritage.
Emerging Latino Leader
Recognizing the emerging influence and accomplishments of a Latino young adult who’s 25 years of age or younger.
Anne Shelton Memorial Volunteer of the Year
The individual selected for this award will be recognized for their outstanding dedication and volunteer service to support the work of La Paz Chattanooga.
The awards ceremony will take place Monday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m-1 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Tickets and table purchases, as well as table sponsorships, are available at www.latinoleadershipawards.org.