Leaders Recognized For Commitment To Strengthen The Chattanooga Community

Twelve individuals were honored for their ongoing commitment and the impact they’re making daily in the Greater Chattanooga community at the 5th Annual Latino Leadership Luncheon hosted by La Paz Chattanooga, officials said.

The luncheon, which was presented by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust, featured a keynote message from Mike Suco, a Cuban-American who is vice president of the East Region of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc. The luncheon was held on Sept.

19 at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center.
 
In his presentation, Mr. Suco discussed the importance of his Latino heritage and shared his parent’s story of immigrating from Cuba to the United States in early 1960’s, establishing themselves in the community while overcoming cultural barriers. His main takeaway point for those in attendance was to continue to “lead by example,” as he witnessed through the hard work and dedication of his immigrant parents.
 
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke also was on hand to welcome those in attendance. “Innovation happens when people who are different come together and collaborate when they create something new with their unique and different backgrounds,” said Mayor Berke. “This program today is one big example of how cultural inclusion has proven to be innovative and helpful in broadening the prosperity of our community.”
 
La Paz Chattanooga recognized the following local Latino leaders for their achievements in both their professional and in their volunteer service in the community:
 
Andrea Cribben-Acosta,
Hamilton County Juvenile Court and Founder of Olivencia & Cribben Law Office, LLC
 
Juan Antonio,
Chattanooga State Community College
 
Xavier Cotto,
Tennessee Valley Authority
 
Vivianne Fernandez,
First Tennessee Bank
 
Carmen Quezada Hutson
Partnership for Families, Children Adults
 
Miriam Lemon,
St Joseph’s Clinic
 
Alex Loza,
The Loza Studio and Atelier of Figurative Arts
 
Andres Miranda,
Pastor of Light for the Nations Church
 
Juan Alonso Santillana
Chattanooga State Community College
 
In addition to the recognition of these nine individuals, five special awards were also handed out in the following categories:
 
2016 Latino Of The Year Award recipient:
Carmen Quezada Hutson, Partnership for Families, Children and Adults
Award: The Latino Leader of the Year Award was given to Ms. Hutson for the incredible commitment and service over the course of many years she has given in her assistance to and advocacy for families through her work at the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults.  She is known to lead with a humble heart, caring deeply about the community. 
 
2016 Chattanooga's Choice Award recipient:
Erwin Ovalle, MCS, Nerdwebs and Ovalle’s
Award: The Chattanooga’s Choice Award, given to the Latino leader honoree who received the most number of public votes from the local community, was given to Mr. Ovalle. Several people commented on the unselfish level of service that he provides to so many people around him without seeking any recognition in return. He uses his business ventures, including Management Customer Services and Ovalle’s Catering, to help fund various projects in the community to help those in need. 
 
2016 Community Champion Award recipient:
Chief Fred Fletcher, Chattanooga Police Department 
Award: The Latino Community Champion Award was given to Chattanooga Police Chief, Fred Fletcher, for his continued efforts in reaching out to better serve and protect the local Latino community. From the moment he first took office, Chief Fletcher has made it a point to reach out to La Paz Chattanooga and other organizations to consider ways the department can improve their service to the community. And through the implementation of several significant outreach projects, including the Hispanic Citizens Police Academy and R.I.S.E. (Refugee and Immigrant Safety Education), he has shown to follow through on his determination to make the Chattanooga Police Department more inclusive and culturally sensitive.
 
2016 Emerging Latino Leader Of The Year Award recipient:
Alondra Gomez, Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Chattanooga State
Award: Ms. Gomez was honored with the Emerging Latino Leader of the Year Award, and was given a $1,000 Anne Shelton Memorial Scholarship for the pursuit of her educational aspirations. Beyond having a desire to achieve academically, Ms. Gomez’s impact has also extended to her immediate social circle. She has been a student leader in the newly formed Tennessee Educational Equity Coalition, honored as a Champion State Gold and National Bronze medalist for her efforts in SkillsUSA, and has served as a Cultural Ambassador and International Achiever at Chattanooga State Community College. 
 
2016 Anne Shelton Memorial Volunteer Of The Year Award recipient:
Olga de Klein, community advocate and artist
Award: The Anne Shelton Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award, which is named in honor of the memory of a former, long-time La Paz volunteer, was given to Olga de Klein, who has spent countless hours of service to La Paz Chattanooga. Ms. de Klein spent over 120 hours using her artistic skills to teach art theory and design to the women involved in La Paz’s Entre Nosotras (Amongst Us Women) women’s peer-to-peer fellowship and leadership development program. In addition, she has used her positions on several community boards to advocate for and include the voice of the local Latino community, and she has gone above and beyond to assist the La Paz staff with their special event and fundraising initiatives throughout 2015 and 2016. 
 
“Our 2016 Latino Leadership Award winners have been an inspiration to Chattanooga’s growing Latino community and have been valued partners to La Paz,” said Stacy Johnson, executive director of La Paz Chattanooga. “We are honored to give much deserved recognition to our award winners and thank them for their leadership and dedication. They are truly making Chattanooga a better place.”
 
For more information about La Paz Chattanooga or their annual Latino Leadership Awards Luncheon, contact Christian Patino, director of operations at La Paz Chattanooga, at 423-624-8414.