Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan Celebrates 50 Years Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future

LANSING, Mich. — The Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan (HLCOM) commemorated a historic milestone—its 50th anniversary—with a vibrant and heartfelt celebration in Lansing. The event welcomed over 300 guests, including past and present commissioners, community leaders, elected officials, union representatives and members of the public, all gathered to honor the Commission’s half-century of advocacy, empowerment and service to Michigan’s Latinx communities. 

A major highlight of the evening was the recognition of 51 Latino Legacy Leaders, whose contributions have helped shape and uplift the Latinx community in Michigan. Each honoree received a commemorative plaque during the evening ceremony. These leaders were also honored for their enduring impact and were celebrated throughout the year on HLCOM’s website and Facebook page.  

The 2025 Latino Legacy Leaders included: 

Hon. Belda Garza, Hon. Lupe Ramos-Montigny, Dr. Ruth Behar, Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, Diana Huizar Rivera, Angela Reyes, Guillermo Cisneros, Mary Carmen Muñoz, Maria Luisa Zavala, Maria Jaimez, Debra Ehrmann, Susana Quintanilla, Victoria Arteaga, Celia Perez Booth, Luis A. Garcia, Alberto Flores, Maria Anita Salinas, Gladys Muñoz, Rev. Luis A. Ramos, Ines de Jesus, Theresa Rosado, Eva Torres, Gloria Lara, Dr. Diana Marinez, Hon. Laura Polizzi, Lupita Reyes, Dr. Jorge Chinea, Alfredo Gonzales, Rosa E. Morales, Dcn. Jose Alfaro, Sandra Calderon-Huezo, Pete Vargas, Felix Sharpe-Caballero, Vito Valdez, Dr. Ethriam Cash Brammer, Estrella Crawford, Luly del Real, Oscar Moreno, Reyna Garcia, Tania Morris Diaz, Martha Gonzalez Cortes, Linda Delgado-Kipp, Diana Marin, Rocio Vazquez, Juan Marinez, Oscar Castañeda, Gonzalo Peralta, Christiana Malacara, Jesse Costilla, Juan Ortiz, and Maria Enriquez. 

The Commission also proudly recognized 20 Nuestro Futuro Scholarship recipients, each honored with a certificate celebrating their academic excellence and leadership.

The celebration also included the presentation of the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Awards, given to individuals nominated by their communities and selected by a committee of Commissioners for excellence and dedication in various fields: 

• Community Service: Lorenzo Lopez (Lansing)
• Educator of the Year: Stephany Yach Saavedra (Muskegon)
• Arts in the Community: Cynthia Martinez (Holland)
• Young Changemaker: Karinna Martinez (Holland)
• Unsung Hero: Liam (Mon) Lopez-Wagner (Lowell)
• Lifetime Achievement: Mary Vazquez (Muskegon) 

Poppy Hernandez, Director of the Office of Global Michigan which houses the commission, highlighted the broader impact of HLCOM's legacy, “These scholarships and awards are a true testament to our commitment to expand economic opportunity and prosperity for all. Global Michigan is proud of HLCOM’s investment into the future of Latinx students and the communities we serve. Together, we are fostering a new generation of innovators and leaders who will help shape the future of our state."

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed cultural performances, including a traditional dance presentation by the Greater Lansing Ballet Folklorico, and a moving tribute to the commission’s origins in 1975. Commissioners shared stories of the commission's early days and highlighted key accomplishments from the past year.

“This was more than a celebration of 50 years,” said HLCOM Executive Director Dr. Isabel Montemayor-Vazquez. “It was a testament to the resilience, vision and contributions of generations of Latinx leaders in Michigan. From those who paved the way to the emerging leaders of tomorrow, we are proud to continue uplifting our community.” 

Commissioners Florensio Hernandez (Chair), Consuela Barber Lopez, Abril Valdes Siewert (Secretary), Kaylee Moreno Burke, Jose Sanchez, David Sanchez, Johnny Rodriguez (Treasurer), Yadira Garza, Aurora Sauceda (Vice Chair), Rudy Flores, Monteze Morales and Monica Peach were all on hand to present awards, welcome guests and MC the event.