Hispanic Heritage Awards Honor Outstanding Leaders
Ceremony and Luncheon is Highlight of Hispanic Business Conference
(ANNAPOLIS - Oct. 5, 2009) - The Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs has announced the recipients of the 2009 Hispanic Heritage Awards. The awards were presented today during a noon luncheon ceremony, at the BWI Marriott, 1743 West Nursery Road, Baltimore, MD. Lt. Governor Anthony Brown delivered greetings at the awards presentation, which is the highlight of the 8th annual Maryland Hispanic Business Conference. The ceremony recognizes outstanding leaders of the Hispanic community whose service and humanitarian spirit helps to improve the quality of life for Hispanics living in Maryland.
"Governor O’Malley and I share a belief that our state's greatest strength is our diversity and as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we applaud the many contributions of Maryland's strong and growing Hispanic business community," Lt. Gov. Brown said.
Nominations for Hispanic Heritage Awards were submitted to the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs along with a written description of no more than 500 words, explaining why a nominee should receive an award. The categories of recognition include Civil Rights, Volunteer Service, Lifetime Achievement, Nonprofit Organization, Unsung Hero, Hispanic Legacy, Leaders on the Rise, Educator the Year, Public Safety, Faith-based, Health Care and the Chair’s Award. For information on the Hispanic Heritage Awards contact the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs at 410.767.7857 or online at Hispanic@goci.state.md.us.
2009 Hispanic Heritage Award Winners
Hispanic Legacy Award
Gilberto de Jesus-Baltimore City
Nominator-William Mendoza
Public Safety Hero
Officer José Juan Márquez – Baltimore County
Nominator: Y. Maria Welch
Leader on the Rise
Evelyn Hernandez – Prince George’s County
Nominator: Tatiana Santiago
Civil Rights Champion
Rosalba Bonilla Acosta – Montgomery County
Nominator: Kisha C. Kantasingh
Non-Profit of the Year
Conexiones, Inc. – Howard County
Nominator: Danilsa Marciniak
Educator of the Year
Gigi Guzman – Baltimore City
Nominator: Carmen Ortiz Larsen
Volunteer Service Award
Bettina Guevara – Montgomery County
Nominator: Leslie Wieczieck
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sonia Stockton – Baltimore County
Nominator: Anthony Ruiz
Health Care Champion
Dr. Cesar Palacios, MD, MPH – Montgomery County
Nominators: C. Garvey, M. Granthon-Gerdine, S. Galen, C. Stone
Faith-Based Champion
Seton Center Catholic Charities – Somerset County
Nominators: Bridgette Devaney and Elizabeth Bellavance
Chair’s Award - Community Champion
Erick Gutierrez – Montgomery County
Nominator: Walkiria Pool and Christina Diaz-Malone
Chair’s Award – Community Champion
Pedro Baggio – Prince George’s County
Nominator: Jessy Mejia
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