TAMPA — As it approaches its 50th anniversary, Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc. has announced its 2025 Leadership Class and opened nominations for the Hispanic Woman and Hispanic Man of the Year awards, to be presented at an October gala.
Founded in 1979, THHI is the oldest nonprofit Hispanic cultural organization in the Tampa Bay area. The organization raises scholarship funds for Hispanic students at the University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College through programs including art and writing contests, the Leadership Class and its annual gala.
Leaders who inspire
The THHI Board of Directors this week unveiled eight members of the 2025 Leadership Class, selected for outstanding contributions in their fields. The honorees are:
• Irene Rodríguez (Arts)
• Christian Nieves (Business)
• Gregorio “DJ Moyo” Burgos (Media)
• Dr. Mónica Lee Miranda (Education)
• Linda E. Pérez Luna (Civic Engagement)
• Janet M. Stringfellow, CRC (Health)
• Elizabeth “Eli” Rodríguez (Public Service)
• Karla Hartley (Pride)
The “Pride” category recognizes non-Hispanic individuals or organizations that have shown exceptional commitment to the local Hispanic community.
All honorees will be celebrated at THHI’s Leadership Luncheon on Monday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the Julian B. Lane River Center. The community event will raise funds for university scholarships.
A tribute to a lifelong career
Nominations are open for the 37th Hispanic Woman and Hispanic Man of the Year Awards, recognizing lifetime service and leadership. The awards gala will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel.
“Our honorees are individuals whose dedication has left a lasting mark on our culture and community,” said Carolina L. Ruiz Mederos, president of THHI. “We celebrate those who have devoted their lives to strengthening our heritage.”
Nominations must be submitted electronically by Friday, June 27, at www.tampahispanic.org/gala-nomination-form. Winners will be announced during the second week of July.
Selection criteria
To be eligible, nominees must:
• Be of Hispanic descent and have a track record of leadership and service.
• Have achieved professional or volunteer distinction in their field.
• Have resided in the Tampa Bay area for at least five years.
• Actively contribute to the cultural, educational, economic, or social advancement of the Hispanic community.
Current elected officials, sponsors, and THHI board members from 2022-24 are not eligible.
A legacy for the community
With 46 years of history, THHI continues recognizing leaders who represent Hispanic perseverance and community spirit. For more information, sponsorships, or table reservations for the July 29 luncheon, contact Rosabelys Rodríguez at 813-841-1847 or email roserodthhi@gmail.com / mbtorres.thhi@gmail.com.
