LANSING — Four Lenawee County residents were among 50 Latino Legacy Leaders who were honored on Oct. 16 when the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The purpose of the commission is to advise the governor and legislature about topics affecting Hispanic and Latino residents of Michigan, with the goal of achieving an environment of social justice and economic equality. Adrian resident Rudy Flores is one of the members of the commission.
Maria Jaimez was honored for her decades of service with the migrant ministry of Holy Family Parish in Adrian. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, she participated in the United Farmworkers of California protests and boycotts led by Cesar Chavez. Over the past five decades, she has provided many social services to migrant seasonal farmworkers in southeast Michigan.
Luis A. Ramos is a pastor, retired social worker, and founder of the fatherhood organization Latinos/Hispanos Hombres de Honor y Valor Inc. (Latino/Hispanic Men of Honor and Valor). He founded the group in 2014 because although there were organizations providing services to Spanish-speaking fathers on the West Coast, there were none in the Midwest. The group offers workshops for fathers on topics like positive discipline, effective family communication, budgeting, career planning, and setting life goals.
Pete Vargas is the organizing director for MiPoder, a group that works to amplify the power and leadership of Latino communities in Michigan. He is a longtime community advocate, political strategist, and mentor to young people. He has also worked as a union organizer for United Steel Workers and campaigned to improve wages for restaurant workers.
Rocio Vazquez has served as the office and outreach coordinator for Holy Family Parish since 2007. She volunteers with the Hispanic ministry at Holy Family Parish, offering translation and interpretation services to help families feel understood and supported. Her work involves assisting migrant families and immigrants, connecting them with resources and easing their transition into the community.
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