‘ What: La Paz Chattanooga hosted its annual Latino Leadership Awards at the Marriott to recognize the accomplishments of Chattanoogans in their respective careers and in community service. More than 300 guests attended the luncheon to benefit the work of La Paz. Renata Soto, executive director of Conexin Américas in Nashville, was the featured speaker.
2015 Honorees:
* Brenda Amaral de Cabrera, Say What Consulting
* Juan Garcia, Chick-Fil-A
* Veronica Herrera, McCallie School
* David LaFontaine, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
* Gema Ormaza, Terra Nostra Tapas
* Jorge Parra, Taqueria Jalisco
* Ricardo Pérez, Tennessee Valley Authority
* Elvia Piccolo, Retired
* Ral Ruiz Sr., El Mesn Mexican Restaurant
* Bilda Acuna Small, Girls Preparatory School
* Celia Sanchez, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Award Winners:
* Bilda Acuna Small, Latino Leader of the Year.
* Veronica Herrera, Chattanooga’s Choice Award
* Layra Navarro-Flores, Emerging Latino Leader Award for her leadership with the Latino student organization at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
* Anne Shelton, Latino Community Champion for her volunteerism
Stacy Johnson, Layra Navarra-Flores and Rick Matthis, La Paz board chairman, from left.