Hispanic Chamber To Honor Outstanding Latinas

 DALLAS  -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) has announced the recipient of the 2010 Ultimate Latina award. Linda Alvarado, founder and CEO of Alvarado Construction, Inc. will be honored alongside nine National Latina Leaders at a luncheon on Thursday, September 23rd at the USHCC National Convention & Business Expo.

"The USHCC recognizes and celebrates the successes and achievements of Latinas who have made and continue to make great strides as entrepreneurs, corporate, community and civic leaders," said Javier Palomarez, USHCC President and CEO. "The National Latina Leaders being honored by the USHCC embody the values of the Hispanic community and of our organization, and more significantly, the power of the 20 million Latinas across the United States."

Alvarado, who was selected as the Ultimate Latina out of the group of 10 finalists from across the nation, is the founder and CEO of Denver-based Alvarado Construction, which has 35 years of experience in large multi-million dollar commercial development, government and institutional general contracting, construction management, design/build, and program management contracts. Alvarado made history as the first Hispanic owner of a major league baseball franchise, the Colorado Rockies. Additionally, Alvarado serves on the board of directors for 3M; Lennox International, Qwest Communications, Pepsi Bottling Group Inc., and Pitney Bowes, Inc. In 2003 Alvarado was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and was honored as the recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, as the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year in 1996, the Revlon Business Woman of the Year, recipient of the National Minority Supplier Development Council Leadership Award, and The Brillante Award by The National Society of Hispanic MBA's.

Nine National Latina Leader recipients were reviewed and selected by an independent selection committee in the following categories:

Armed Forces Recipient: Colonel Lisa C. Firmin

Colonel Lisa C. Firmin is a retired Commander of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 842, and an associate provost professor for faculty and student diversity and recruitment at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is being honored for her 30 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Colonel Firmin is a role model and inspiration to Latinas who seek a career in the Armed Forces and aspire to make a difference for their community and country.

Community Services Recipient: Dora I. Brown, International Bank of Commerce – Sr. VP

Dora I. Brown is the Senior Vice President of the International Bank of Commerce. She is awarded the Community Services award because of her work in organizations and companies that provide services to the community that have made a profound difference in the well-being and advancement of Hispanics.

Corporate Services Recipient: Veronica Cool, Wachovia Bank – VP, Small Business

Veronica Cool is the Vice President of Small Business at Wachovia Bank. She is the recipient of the Corporate Service Award for her contributions and efforts in the field of corporate services that have resulted in new opportunities for Hispanics and access to corporate services.

Education Recipient: Michele Bobadilla, The University of Texas at Arlington – Senior Associate VP for Outreach Services and Community Engagement/Assistant Provost for Hispanic Student Success

Michele Bobadilla is the Senior Associate Vice President for Outreach Services and Community Engagement and is the Assistant Provost for Hispanic Student Success at The University of Texas at Arlington. Bobadilla is being awarded for her contributions and efforts in the field of education which have resulted in the advancement of the Hispanic community. 

Entrepreneur Recipient: Ida Duran Anzuini, Anzuini Architecture and Development - Co-Owner

Ida Duran Anzuini is the co-owner of Anzuini Architecture and Development. She is honored for her dedication to breaking barriers and setting higher standards for doing business not only among Hispanics, but also in her entire community. Anzuini is a role model and inspiration to Latinas in business for generations to come.

Financial Services Recipient: Terri Garcia, Bank of America - Client Manager in the Global Commercial Banking Division

Terri Garcia is the Client Manager in the Global Commercial Banking Division at Bank of America. She is the recipient of the Financial Services Award because of her contributions and efforts in the field of financial services that have resulted in new opportunities for Hispanics to participate more fully in the financial life of our country and their communities.

Health Recipient: Yamile C. Jackson, PhD, PE, PMP, Zakeez, Inc. - President and Founder

Dr. Yamile C. Jackson is the President and Founder of Zakeez, Inc. Jackson is honored for her tremendous contributions and efforts in the health field that have resulted in the increased access to health services for Hispanics, increased awareness of health issues and prevention of diseases that affect the community.

Legislative Recipient: Texas State Representative Veronica Gonzales

Texas State Representative Veronica Gonzales is honored as the Legislative Recipient for her contributions and efforts in the legislative field that have resulted in political initiatives that have benefited Hispanics and the communities in which they live. Through her work, Hispanics have gained a better understanding of the legislative process and how their voices can make a difference.

Non-Profit/Philanthropy Recipient: Cynthia DeHaro, ReadyOne Industries, Inc. – VP of Products

Cynthia DeHaro is the Vice President of Products for ReadyOne Industries, Inc. and is being awarded for her work in the field of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy, which has made a profound difference in the well-being and advancement of Hispanics.

As the keynote speaker for the Latina Luncheon, Isabel Valdes, published author and Hispanic marketing expert, will set the stage to introduce the recipients of the National Latina Leader Awards and will celebrate the role Latina leaders and entrepreneurs are playing today.  Adding a touch of humor to the program, Valdes will incorporate a "Top Ten Things About Latinas" into her keynote address.

The USHCC National Convention & Business Expo, scheduled Wednesday, September 22nd through Saturday, September 25th, will be the largest gathering of Hispanic business leaders in America. The convention will bring together thousands of Hispanic entrepreneurs, corporate executives, procurement and supplier-diversity professionals from the private and public sectors, as well as Latina leaders and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce leaders from throughout the nation.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate nearly $400 billionannually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States andPuerto Rico.