La Paz Chattanooga Celebrates Local Latino Individuals At 8th Annual Latino Leadership Awards

  • Wednesday, September 18, 2019

La Paz held their annual Latino Leadership Awards at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Sept. 16.

The Latino Leadership Awards is an awards ceremony and fundraiser highlighting local individuals of Latino/Hispanic descent who have positively impacted their communities. 

“Each year we are honored to get to know community members who are making an impact in our city,” said Stacy Johnson, Executive Director of La Paz Chattanooga.  “We are always moved by their stories and how they share our vision of a thriving Latino community in Chattanooga.”

The ten honorees recognized this year were:
José Alfaro of CO.STARTERS
Maria Alvarez of Chattanooga Airport and Hamilton County Health Department
Dominique Brandt of Habitat for Humanity
Carol Guerra of Chattanooga Library
Ricardo Guerrero of Volkswagen
Dr. Carmen Jimenez of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Ricky Leveron of Keller Williams
Jocelyn Loza of Signal Centers/Latina Professionals of Chattanooga
Dr. Obadias Marquez of Tennova Healthcare
Antonia Morgan of the City of Chattanooga

“It’s an honor to be recognized by La Paz. This recognition has opened numerous doors for me to share about my background and about Latinos in general. This increases awareness in our community and fosters unity within our diversity,” said honoree Dominique Brandt of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. 

In addition to honoring the ten individuals, La Paz awarded the Chattanooga Public Library with the Community Champion Award, given to an individual or organization who has championed services for and/or made a significant impact on Chattanooga's Latino population over a series of years. This recipient does not have to be Latino in heritage.

La Paz awarded Marco Perez with the Volunteer of the Year award for his numerous years as a board member and advocate for the organization’s work. 

Compañía, La Paz’s business development arm, recognized two members of their initiative who were chosen by the public to be outstanding in their field of work. Yadi Rosales of Coldwell Banker Pryor Realty was awarded with the Latino Entrepreneur of the Year award, and Top This Construction won the Latino Business of the Year award. 

Lastly, La Paz awarded two final awards: Chattanooga’s Choice, an award whose recipient is chosen by the public, and Latino Leader of the Year, whose recipient is chosen by La Paz staff, board, and award selection committee.

“I was surprised to be the recipient of the Chattanooga's Choice Award, I still can't believe it. It’s a true honor to be able to represent Chattanooga, the Hamilton County Health Department and TSA at the Chattanooga Airport,” said Maria Alvarez, Chattanooga’s Choice winner for 2019  “I want to thank everybody that voted for me, I truly had no idea that every step you take there is always someone looking at you and if you take the right steps that someone will eventually learn something good from you. Thank you Chattanooga and thank you La Paz for recognizing the hard work of so many good leaders in this area.”

Dr. Carmen Jiménez of UTC was awarded with the 2019 Latino Leader of the Year award.

“I am very proud of this award. I am very grateful, too. I think every single one of the honorees deserves it because for all of us service is our way of life.  We all want to make Chattanooga a better place for everyone,” said Dr. Jiménez.

La Paz thanks this year’s event sponsors for their continued support: BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Unum, Caring Choice Women’s Center, Tennessee American Water and First Tennessee Bank.

Business/Government
Spring CLEAN Initiative To Focus On Neighborhood Surrounding Mack Gaston Center In Dalton
  • 3/28/2024

Spring cleaning is just as much a part of April as blooming plants and seasonal allergies. This year, the City of Dalton is organizing an effort for a "Spring CLEAN" in one of our founding neighborhoods. ... more

Grand Jury No Bills And True Bills
  • 3/28/2024

Here are the grand jury no bills and true bills: No Bills: 1 BELCHER, ALBERT LEBRON THEFT OF PROPERTY 03/27/2024 True Bills: 317120 1 MOSLEY, SHANE L POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE ... more

Chattanooga Chamber Calendar Of Events April 1-5
  • 3/28/2024

April 1, Ribbon Cutting for Tazikis- Hixson 10-10:30 a.m. Tazikis- Hixson: 5215 Hwy. 153 Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting event for Tazikis-Hixson. No cost. ... more