TAMPA — She changed lives from the courtroom. He rebuilt homes from the soul. Julianne M. Holt and Martín Gramatica have been selected as the 2025 Hispanic Woman and Man of the Year by Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc., an award that celebrates professional achievement and a deep commitment to the community.
Both will be honored during THHI’s 37th Annual Gala on October 25 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, a night that promises to pay tribute to the roots, dreams, and resilience of the Hispanic community in Tampa Bay.
The voice that spoke for those who had none
Julianne M. Holt was the first woman to lead the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office. She also became a pioneer in transforming the criminal justice system from within. For over three decades, she fought for a more equitable system, leading a team that handled tens of thousands of cases each year.
Her strong and compassionate leadership paved the way for new generations of legal professionals, and today, although she no longer holds the position, she continues to promote initiatives focused on youth, equity, and public safety. In every cause she embraces, her conviction remains the same: no one should be left behind.
A champion kicking for a better life
Martín Gramatica won the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but his greatest victory has been restoring hope to those who gave everything for this country. Alongside his family, he founded the Gramatica Family Foundation, a nonprofit that builds mortgage-free homes for wounded veterans, offering much more than a roof — a second chance.
Through ClearView Imaging, he also supports preventive medicine, and as a Spanish-language sports commentator, he keeps his connection to his roots alive. His philanthropic work and closeness to the Hispanic community have made him a role model both on and off the field.
Celebrating the hispanic culture
Since 1979, Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. has been a beacon of hope for Hispanic culture in the region. With 46 years of history, this nonprofit organization has promoted Hispanic pride through cultural events, educational programs, and college scholarships for students of Latino heritage.
The October 25 gala will honor the work of Holt and Gramatica while celebrating the transformative power of service, the pride in our roots, and the promise of a future built in the heart of the local community.
More information and updates on social media: @TampaHispanic on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
