|
25 Latinos to watch
Our
community is blessed with countless individuals who make a
difference in people's lives each and every day. They have
different backgrounds and cultures. They have varying
philosophical foundations, diverse spheres of influence, and
numerous ways they contribute to our community.
Yet,
through all these differences, the tie that binds these
leaders is their unique abilities to communicate their visions
vis-à-vis their actions in a manner that inspires hope for the
greater good. Put another way, they view their positions
of exceptional influence and importance in our community, as
exceptional responsibility to our
community.
Admittedly, we know that there are scores of
Latinos across Arizona demonstrating countless acts of
leadership and this list of 25 Latinos to watch is surely not
exhaustive. Nonetheless, the following leaders are going the
extra mile, doing their part, and truly making a difference in
our communities across Arizona. Keep your eye on these
individuals and their activities in 2007:
Larry Abril,
business agent, UA Local 469, Plumbers, Pipefitters and
Steamfitters Union, Phoenix. Look for increased collaboration
with organized labor to chart new strategies for more
partnerships in politics, construction, and
organizing.
Amanda Aguirre, state senator, District 24,
Yuma. After winning her race by a razor-thin margin, look for
her to make her mark on important committees, including
Appropriations, Health and Natural Resources and Rural
Affairs.
Annette Alvarez, president, Alvarez, Inc.,
Phoenix. Look for new business to bridge tribal governments
and non-tribal entities.
Ruben Alvarez, managing
partner, Molera Alvarez Group, Phoenix. Proven campaign
strategist and respected political insider. Watch for expanded
client base and community involvement.
Catherine Anaya,
news anchor, KPHO Channel 5, Phoenix. Serves as role model
every day as television news anchor. Look for expanded
leadership from business community to children's
issues.
Ignacio Barraza, mayor, City of Nogales. Watch
for the newly elected mayor to lead with vision, intelligence,
and passion for his community.
Ernie Calderon,
attorney and Arizona Board of Regents member, Phoenix. Will
continue his advocacy for quality initiatives in Arizona's
higher education institutions.
Mario E. Diaz,
president, MED and Associates, Phoenix. Strategic political
insider, connected consultant with local, national, and
international clients. Look for important work on presidential
campaigns.
Dan Eckstrom, business and community leader,
Tucson. Strategic and effective leader. Watch for broader
influence with expansive network.
Richard Elias,
chairman, Pima County Board of Supervisors, Tucson. Respected,
strong and steady role model who puts principles before
politics. Developing innovative community partnerships to
address chronic public health concerns.
Fidelis Garcia,
director, Arizona Registrar of Contractors and Governor's
cabinet member, Phoenix. Construction industry regulator is a
fervent advocate and mentor for Latino college
students.
Laura Garcia, agent, State Farm Insurance,
Phoenix. This entrepreneur's volunteer activities list should
grow even more as she sets the bar high for community
service.
Vanessa Gonzales, deputy director, Legislative
Affairs, Governor's office, Phoenix. Look for this political
insider to make a difference at the State
Legislature.
Marco Lopez, senior adviser to the
Governor on international issues, Phoenix. Experienced and
dependable adviser on Arizona's trade agenda and political
outreach with other countries. His no-nonsense approach to
business and politics continues to shine bright.
Paul
Luna, president, Helios Foundation, Phoenix. Proven and steady
leader. Watch for expanded influence in education
arena.
Art Macias, director, Arizona Lottery and
Governor's cabinet member, Phoenix. Committed and steady
leader. Watch for new initiatives to bridge the Lottery and
Latino community.
Honorable Barbara Rodriguez Mundell,
presiding judge, Maricopa County Superior Court, Phoenix.
Highly respected and grounded leader. Look for continued role
with court enhancements and initiatives.
Michael
Nowakowski, general manager, nonprofit radio station and
Phoenix City Council District 7 candidate.
Jessica
Pacheco, senior vice president, Public Affairs, Arizona
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Phoenix. Pacheco will
continue her leadership as senior executive for the chamber on
new initiatives, policy, and lobbying.
Laura Pastor,
ACE director, South Mountain Community College and Phoenix
City Council District 7 candidate.
Monica Perez,
Arizona Outreach Director, Center for Progressive Leadership,
Phoenix. Look for mentoring and training of high school
Latinas to become more engaged in the political
process.
Sal Rivera, partner at Fennemore Craig,
Phoenix. Political insider. Co-founder
Arizona Latino
Research Enterprise (ALRE). There'll be continued ALRE
presence to further develop today's and tomorrow's
leaders.
Dr. Kent Paredes Scribner, superintendent,
Isaac School District,
Phoenix. Watch for educational
leader with expanded role to influence statewide educational
policies while simultaneously making his district one of
Arizona's best.
Ricardo Lopez Valencia, senior vice
president, ING financial services, Phoenix. Look for increased
statewide presence and critical fundraising for children and
community causes.
Dan Villa, president, Villa, Inc.,
Phoenix. Outgoing Chair, Associated Minority Contractors of
America, Phoenix Chapter. Watch for new business and expanded
leadership in business/construction
community.
Leadership is a journey - not a place that
is reached and settled into. When we get involved in our
neighborhoods, our community-based organizations and our
government, we help to grow other leaders. Whether it is
mentoring a young person or a colleague, serving on a board of
directors, or volunteering time at a school, club, or church,
giving back develops us as leaders and inspires others to do
the same.
It's a tall order in a hectic world where
fulfilling our basic and daily responsibilities are critically
important and time consuming. Nonetheless, keep an eye on
these leaders. They're involved, making a difference and
blazing trails to inspire us all. |