Hispanic Heritage Month: Recognizing Role Models and Commemorative Celebrations 

By:

  • Carmel Jones
October 10, 2023 - (6 min read)

As we conclude the month-long observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, we wrapped up our blog series by inviting members of NLC’s Hispanic Elected Local Officials (HELO) constituency group to call out their role models and highlight any exciting events occurring in their community to commemorate this significant month. 

  • Councilwoman Heidi Garrido, Hopkins, MN  
  • Councilman Jaime Patiño, Union City, CA  
  • Councilwoman Linda Becquer Pritchett, South Fulton, GA  
  • Councilmember Adam Bazaldua, Dallas, TX  
  • Commissioner Ann Marie Torres, Kingsville, TX  
  • Councilwoman Paula Blackmon, Dallas, TX  
  • Councilwoman Jennifer Torres-O’Callaghan, Lathrop, CA  
  • Mayor Celina R. Benitez, Mount Rainier, MD  

As you explore their responses below, we invite you to read the first two blog posts within our Hispanic Heritage Month series in case you missed it: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Inspiration to Lead and Hispanic Heritage Month: How Culture Shapes Experiences in Local Office. These articles provide a deeper understanding of the accomplishments and stories behind these remarkable leaders.

Who would you consider to be your role model? 

Councilwoman Heidi Garrido:

Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to serve on the Supreme Court; Luisa Moreno, because she was a tireless advocate for women and immigrant laborer rights; Michelle Bachelet, first female president of Chile (my country of origin). 

Councilman Jaime Patiño:

Of course, Cesar Chavez was an early hero of mine, but also former California State Supreme Court Justice Cruz Reynoso, former Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez, Ritchie Valens, and many others who paved the way for others like me to be successful in the path we have chosen. Ritchie Valens and many others paved the way for others like me to be successful in the path we have chosen. 

Councilwoman Linda Becquer Pritchett:

My aunt, Celia Cruz, and my father Orlando Becquer who was a veteran.

Councilmember Adam Bazaldua:

I don’t have one role model in particular, but I believe I am most inspired by the lives and even deaths of both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy. I believe their contributions to our society put us on a much more equitable trajectory, and they gave every piece of their being to make it happen. They prioritized a mission that was much larger than either one of them and made sacrifices, including standing firm against pressures and hate, in order to accomplish that mission.   

Commissioner Ann Marie Torres:

First and foremost, I have to say my mother is my first role model. God rest her soul, my other, Sylvia Sanchez Sandoval, who grew up in a time of so much adversity, encountered extremely difficult obstacles from the young age of 10. And through all this, she was married for 53 years, raised four children who have served in the United States military and have obtained their bachelor’s degrees, continue with their graduate studies, and continue to serve their community and nation. Through her guidance and love, my mother established a legacy of college graduates when she and her descendants barely received a public school education. She now has children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who are obtaining and have obtained college degrees and serve this great country in the military. 

Councilwoman Paula Blackmon:

My Aunt Nena Ariaz Monserrat.

Councilwoman Jennifer Torres-O’Callaghan:

I consider Chief Justice Sonia Sotomayor to be my role model. She is the first Latina to serve on the Supreme Court. She serves with a true understanding of the fabric of the Constitution and an eye to true democracy and supports the rights of all. 

Mayor Celina R. Benitez:

My mother is my role model. She is a fighter and a visionary. She always believed in us, making sure she worked really hard to make sure we had access and opportunities to education, sports, and knew the importance of giving back and standing up for justice. I wouldn’t be the person I am today and care as much as I care for the community if it wasn’t for her. My mom would share with others the little that she had and taught us where there is food for one, there is food for more. I work hard to be a role model to my daughter, give her love, and show her the importance of education, the environment, building community, and for her to have a strong relationship with my mom so the magic can be carried on with twice as much love and dedication.   

Are there any exciting events occurring in your community for Hispanic Heritage Month? 

Councilwoman Heidi Garrido:

Our city is doing a Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month resolution at tonight’s council meeting.  

Councilman Jaime Patiño:

We will be having a Latino Art Exhibit here in our city on Mexican Independence Day (September 16)! 

Councilwoman Linda Becquer Pritchett:

We will be hosting the city’s first Azucar Music Fest in honor of Celia Cruz and Tito Puente.  

Councilmember Adam Bazaldua:

We will have many different events in Dallas to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, but the one I am most excited about is a screening of Santos Vive, which is a documentary about Santos Rodriguez, who was murdered by an on-duty Dallas Police Officer playing Russian roulette with him, 50 years ago. Santos’ unjust murder sparked national unrest regarding police brutality and ignited Latino activists around the state of Texas which resulted in the first hiring of Latino police officers in our city.  

Commissioner Ann Marie Torres:

My awesome Alma mater, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, held its 2nd annual Tamalada Festival. The Javelinas celebrated the home game football season opener as a Weekend for Familia.  

Councilwoman Jennifer Torres-O’Callaghan:

Many community events are happening… our schools celebrate with cultural nights, our local children’s museum does a special display for the month celebrating Latinx/Hispanic Heritage, and many community organizations hold festivals to celebrate. 

Get Involved

HELO is a space for members to connect with fellow Hispanic and Latino local officials, share best practices and advocate for policies that benefit their community. New members are welcome at any time throughout the year, and membership is complimentary to local elected officials from NLC member cities. 

Learn more about HELO and how you can become a member.  

About the Author

Carmel Jones

About the Author

Carmel Jones is the Marketing and Communications Manager for Member and Partner Engagement at the National League of Cities.