Annapolis, MD (October 15, 2024) – On October 10, 2024, the Office of Hispanic/Latino and Multicultural Resources (OHLMR) hosted the first annual Hispanic Heritage Awards to celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic community in Anne Arundel County. The event, held at the Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland, honored 23 Hispanic and Latino residents in categories including leadership, education, public service, arts, and business.
The following individuals were recognized during the event:
- A Leader in Faith Award: Reverend Hector Calixto
- Administrative Excellence in Public Service: Dr. Elena Del Campillo
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Maria Casasco
- Above the Call Award: Waleska Casiano-Matos
- Pioneer of the Year: Fermin Centeno
- Latino Mentor of the Year: Corporal Jose Cruz-Miranda
- Educator of the Year: Frances Cruz-Serrano
- Leadership Award: Pastor David Jimenes
- Student Advocate of the Year: Brenda Sofia Galvez Sierra
- Parent Leader of the Year: Tomasa Gomez Corza
- Volunteer of the Year: Tatiana Klein
- Business Leader of the Year: Jorge Landaverde
- Community Builder of the Year: Ethel Leon Wirth
- Activist of the Year: Pastora Liliana Llerena
- Health Leader of the Year: Elizabeth Matienzo-Bray
- Visionary of the Leader of the Year: Lilly Mejia
- Artist of the Year: Glory Paredes
- Rising Star of the Year: Ada Portillo
- Rising Star of the Year: Carlos Quiroz
- Latina Mentor of the Year: Roxana Rodriguez
- Rising Star of the Year: Harry Salmoran
- Mental Health Champion of the Year: Maria Winters
- Public Safety Leader of the Year: Captain Bud Zapata
"This event is not just about honoring individual achievements; it’s about recognizing the collective contributions that have shaped our county," said County Executive Steuart Pittman. "The sacrifices made by community members like Miguel Angel Luna remind us of the incredible spirit of service and resilience that runs through Anne Arundel County."’
County Executive Steuart Pittman, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, and Alison Flores Director of the Office of Hispanic/Latino and Multicultural Resources led a tribute to honor the life and legacy of Miguel Angel Luna, the Anne Arundel County highway maintenance worker who tragically lost his life during the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse earlier this year. The audience heard remarks from Lunas' wife, Maria Del Carmen Castellon, who runs Pupuseria Y Antojitos Carmencita Luna in Glen Burnie. Mrs. Del Carmen Castellon reflected on her husband’s life and commitment to his family and community.
Latino community members, their families, community leaders, and elected officials filled the event space to recognize the 23 outstanding awardees and celebrate the rich Hispanic cultural heritage. Alejandro Negrón, director and host of La Agenda Radio news program, and multimedia journalist, emceed the event which included a dance performance from local dance groups Larimar Folklore Dominicano, and Grupo Venezolano, a Live Peruvian band Grupo Etnia, and musical performances by Marshall Hope's Children's Choir and Jovenes Artistas. The Latin American Art Collective of Anne Arundel also displayed artwork by five local artists. Maryland Secretary of Human Services Rafael J. Lopez delivered the keynote address and Laura Gutierrez, Chair of the Immigrant Affairs Commission and Organization of Latin Americans in Anne Arundel County (OHLA) Board Member delivered remarks on behalf of OHLA.
“The Office of Hispanic/Latino and Multicultural Resources is honored to have partnered with County agencies, local non-profits, business owners, and community leaders to host the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Awards Ceremony,” said Alison Flores, Director of the Office of Hispanic/Latino and Multicultural Resources. “The event captured the dedication and decades of leadership from our Latino residents. The awardees laid the groundwork, and we know we stand on the shoulders of giants. We’re grateful to highlight the work of phenomenal leaders, and look forward to our continued partnership to make Anne Arundel County The Best Place - For All.”
The OHLMR partnered with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, Organization of Latin Americans in Anne Arundel County (OHLA), Immigrant Affairs Commission, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Center of Help, Heritage Community Church, Anne Arundel Community College, and local business owners to host the inaugural event. This year’s award ceremony marked the beginning of what will become an annual tradition in Anne Arundel County, recognizing the achievements and heritage of our Hispanic residents.
For more information about the event or future initiatives by the Office of Hispanic/ Latino and Multicultural Resources visit here.
