LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Latino leaders were honored this week at Las Vegas City Hall for their work in the community during the fourth annual Honor Latino Awards ceremony.
The awards recognized leaders across education, health, business, arts and faith. The city received over 100 nominations and seven winners were selected by a committee.
“All of the honorees today are exemplary folks who, in their fields, do help to lead, empower, and uplift all those that need that from whatever industry they’re touching,” said Las Vegas Councilwoman Olivia Diaz, who represents Ward 3.
Education leadership recognized
In education, Hellen Quan Lopez, Executive Director of Academic Services for Clark County Collegiate Academy, was honored for helping students transition from high school to college.
“I certainly didn’t have any dreams of going to college and along the way, college found me and people helped me and so, to be able to do that for other students who maybe don’t have the guidance, it means a whole lot,” Quan Lopez said.
Quan Lopez said the award hits personally. She came to the U.S. as a child not speaking English, and education changed her life.
“I knew that that was my gateway at least into a different life and I wanted to be able to help other students find their dreams and just find their trajectory,” she said.
Mental health advocacy highlighted
In health equity, mental health therapist Margarita Romano was honored for addressing mental health in the Latino community.
“We want to break stigmas and break taboos just as we can become ill with any medical condition, we can also become ill in our minds, our mental health, it is very important to practice, heal, and work on it preventively,” Romano said.
The city said the awards were not just about celebrating Latino culture, but recognizing leaders whose work impacts all of Las Vegas.
“Si se puede, we can do things, that our families came to this country in search of a better life and prosperity for us and we just need to continue to believe in our dreams and reach for the stars and we’re going to get there,” Diaz said.
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