The Rochester Hispanic Business Association has named Luisa Baars its 2024 Hispanic Business Person of the Year.
Baars began her professional life as a physical and occupational therapist working with Hispanics in various settings, helping individuals regain function, return to work and alleviate pain and suffering. She also worked in drug and alcohol addiction treatment with The Health Association, finding new ways to provide culturally appropriate treatment to clients.
Baars founded MAS Translation Services in 1988 in response to needs she observed for appropriate translation and interpretation services for Rochester’s Hispanic population.
In 2014, she founded the Rochester Latino Rotary Club, which is “a volunteer community service organization seeking to embrace the talents of…Latinos and others who are interested in enriching the lives of local and World Latino Communities.”
“[Luisa] is a role model for the Hispanic community by working hard, showing compassion and understanding for the needs of the community, and living with faith in the Creator and fellow human beings,” said Julio Vasquez, who nominated Baars for the award. “She tends to see the many positive aspects of individuals, believing that there is more good in the world than bad.”
The RHBA will honor Baars as the 33rd annual Hispanic Business Person of the Year at a gala luncheon on September 17, 2024, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Miguel Velazquez, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority’s CEO, will be the keynote speaker.
Visit the RHBA Business Person of the Year page to learn more about the award and purchase tickets. Sponsorships are available.
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