CPS CEO, White Sox executive, TV news anchor
Recognized for their achievements
CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the work of community leaders.
The event was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Hispanics and present awards to eight Latino leaders, including a retired White Sox executive, a TV news anchor, the CEO of Chicago Public Schools and the director of a Puerto Rican arts organization.
“Today, let us take a moment to recognize the contributions of our Hispanic and Latino neighbors,” Frerichs said at the event held at the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St. in Chicago. “Let’s celebrate their dedication to making our communities a better place to live, work, and raise a family.” Hispanic Heritage Month is a national observance. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson established a Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a month.
This year’s theme is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.” The theme encourages us to celebrate Hispanic economic gains, influence in politics and society, and educational advancement.
Treasurer Frerichs honored the following individuals for their outstanding commitment to their Illinois communities:
Outstanding Service in Business Priscilla Cordero Executive Director | Joliet City Center Partnership Outstanding Service in Leadership Esther Sciammarella Executive Director | Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition
Outstanding Commitment in Education Pedro Martinez CEO | Chicago Public Schools Outstanding Commitment to Community Service Enrique Rodriguez News Anchor | Univision Chicago Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez House Deputy Majority Leader | 2nd District Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor Jacqueline Gomez Fuentes Executive Director | Hispanic American Construction Industry Association Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship Grace Guerrero Zwit Senior Director of Minor League Operations | Chicago White Sox (retired) Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanity Carlos Hernandez Falcon Founder & Executive Director | Puerto Rican Arts Alliance About the Illinois Treasurer The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is a powerful economic engine that invests in people to drive prosperity, development and growth throughout the state. As State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR'- iks) is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $55 billion.
The investments help families pay for college and trade school; workers save for a dignified retirement;
and local governments process bill payments more efficiently so they can pass along the savings to taxpayers. The office provides financial institutions money to loan to farmers, small business owners, and qualified individuals at below-market rates because better jobs create stronger communities. The office operates the state’s largest consumer-protection initiative, the unclaimed property I-Cash program, which has returned a record-breaking $1.8 billion since Frerichs was elected.
For more news about the State Treasurer’s Office, please follow Treasurer Frerichs on X (formerly Twitter) at @ILTreasurer, Threads @iltreasurer@threads.net, Instagram at ILTreasurer, LinkedIn and on Facebook at Invested in You – Treasurer Michael Frerichs.
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