Opening Performance Miss Ohio Latinas
Colo lor Guard Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Pledge of Allegiance: National Anthem: Karen Labra Commissioner Tony Simms-Howell
In Invocation Commissioner Greg Guzman, PhD
Opening Remarks Chair Mary Santiago Lilleana Cavanaugh Ohio Latino Affairs Commission Ohio Latino Affairs Commission Executive Director
Nu Nuest estra ra Fam Famili ilia a Awa Award rds
Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union Toledo, OH On behalf of the Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union (NECCU), we wish to thank the Latino Affairs Commission and Commissioner Greg Guzman, PhD for nominating us for this prestigious award. We are greatly humbled by the statewide recognition for work within the Latino Community. There are a great number of people to thank who have made this mission to financially empower our community possible. We would like to thank first our membership and second our board of directors. Thirdly and certainly not least, I would like to thank our CEO & President, Sue Cuevas who epitomizes servant leadership and the spirit in which our credit union was founded upon. It is truly through her dedication, faith, and commitment to our community that NECCU has been a success. Finally, I would like to thank the credit union community, specifically Directions Credit Union, Great Lakes Credit Union, and Champion Credit Union. Through their guidance, kindness, and at times their tough love attitude we have been able to successfully navigate through many of the pitfalls that many small start-up credit unions have succumbed to in the past. Words cannot express how thankful we are to have a group of dedicated individuals with a passion and drive to keep our efforts going. We thank everyone that’s believed in our mission, our abilities, and empowering the Latino community. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Adam J. Martinez, Chairman Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union
Dr. Christopher Babiuch Lorain, OH I would like to sincerely thank the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission for the recognition of the work of myself, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, in bettering the health of the Lorain County Community. Since starting as a physician in Lorain in 2010 I have seen first-hand how it takes a group effort to bring up the health of a community. For me this starts with my fellow caregivers - nurses, physicians and support staff - at The Cleveland Clinic in Lorain and continues with the wonderful Lorain County community organizations we have partnered with. We are making a great impact through collaborating on food pantries, walking clubs, health lectures, a County wide Community Health Improvement Plan, United Way Collaboratives, Cleveland Clinic Health Fairs and many more. In particular I would like to thank Victor Leandry and the amazing team he leads at El Centro. He, and his organization, are the true backbone of service to the Latino community in Lorain, and any recognition I might receive, should be shared with them. Thank you.
General Electric Hispanic Forum Cincinnati Chapter Cincinnati, OH The General Electric Hispanic Forum is truly honored to be a recipient of the 2019 Nuestra Familia award, joining a distinguished list of winners both past and present that have made important and lasting contributions to our wonderful state of Ohio on behalf of all Hispanics. Thank you to the Advisory Committee of the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission for the nomination, to Governor Mike DeWine and his administration for making this event possible and, last but not least, to all GE Hispanic Forum Cincinnati Chapter members for working tirelessly to contribute to the advancement of Hispanics within GE and throughout the community. GE’s Hispanic Forum Cincinnati Chapter was formed in 1998 with the mission to attract, develop and retain Hispanic talent and increase Hispanic community outreach. The Cincinnati Hub has grown from a founding group of 5 Latinos to over 500 members and is more energized than ever to continue fulfilling its purpose for decades to come!
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus, OH We want to thank Commissioner Emanuel Torres for nominating us for Nuestra Familia Award. We’re thrilled to be recognized by the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission in this way and proud of our partnership with the Latino community. The Hospital’s leadership understands the importance of diversity and inclusion and we practice it in patient care as well as with our fellow employees. It makes our care better and makes Nationwide Children’s Hospital a better place to work and it’s rewarding to see these efforts acknowledged. Since Nationwide Children’s founding more than 100 years ago, the hospital has operated with the understanding that each family, patient and employee is essential to its success and each individual deserves equal treatment, opportunity and care. In addition to practicing an inclusive approach to patient service, Nationwide Children’s is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that works inclusively. The hospital supports employee resource groups such as HOLA — Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement. The members of HOLA and other resource groups are ambassadors to the broader communities through referrals, advocacy, education and care and we are all grateful for the recognition.
Rocking Horse Community Health Center Springfield, OH Rocking Horse Community Health Center would like to thank the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission for this prestigious honor. We are proud to be a recipient of the Nuestra Familia award. It is both our mission and our pleasure to serve everyone in our community without regard to ability to pay, nationality or country of origin. We open our doors and our arms to those in need and do our very best to help make a difference in the lives of all of we serve.
Inna Simakovsky Columbus, OH I would like to start by thanking my parents Igor and Elizabeth Simakovsky for having the courage to leave mother Russia to come to the United States. They came with nothing but the desire to provide hope for their daughter. While you did not always understand your adopted country’s obsession with “talking” and “feelings,” you led by example through your work ethic, determination, and the inability to take no for an answer. I have watched, learned, and become who I am because of your combined qualities. I do not know how you did it but I am eternally grateful. I would like to thank my husband David who patiently supported me and pushed me to start Simakovsky Law. His was not a Simakovsky shove but a slow Bernstein nudge through years of my professional highs and lows. Your commitment to raising our three sons is extraordinary. You have provided a solid and loving base that has allowed me to commit to my clients and come home to your continued love and support. I could not do this without you. Simakovsky Law could not run at this pace and in this political environment without the commitment of Lauren Powers who has provided the stability, patience, and leadership to our firm and as a welcoming place for immigrants. Our team has grown with the addition of Elza, Taylor, Cameron, LB, and Sandy whose daily commitment to our clients is inspirational. And to Liliana Vasquez who has been an integral part of our growth and outreach to the Hispanic community. She is a fierce defender of our clients’ rights’ and brings passion and compassion to her role. Our jobs are not easy but as a team we are making a small difference in Columbus, Ohio. And our biggest appreciation goes out to our clients who take many routes to get to the United States with the goal of providing a better life for themselves and their families. Everyday we witness the human spirit and true perseverance. We are rewarded daily in doing this work and we thank our clients for allowing us and trusting us with their lives.
Suzanne Smaltz Copley, OH This award is a culmination of my life’s work, which I began in 1987 during Amnestia. I was fortunate to work for an attorney who took a chance on a recent college graduate looking for an opportunity to use her Spanish degree (I couldn’t envision teaching). That’s when I fell in love with the Hispanic culture. Ever since I have sought opportunities to be a part of, contribute to and be present wherever I can. Since I’ve been in Ohio, I have been welcomed by many of you who are here tonight. Thank you! I would like to thank Lilly Cavanaugh, Commissioner Rivera and Lair Marin-Marcum for this honor. From the Latino Health Summit to our newly formed Latino Networking groups and the new cohort of the Ohio Masters Series Learning Collaborative, I have continuous opportunities to grow and serve. To my familia at Esperanza, Inc, and the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I appreciate the opportunities to grow in volunteer and business opportunities. Thank you to my good friend Nancy Kuzenko from Anthem, who participates in community events with me and supports my efforts in my health insurance practice. And HealthMarkets Insurance Agency continues to provide me with excitement and support as my business grows. To my daughter Jen who inspires and encourages me. Te quiero Mija! I am honored to be in the company of so many accomplished people – congratulations to you all.
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