Many outstanding Latinos/as helped shape Iowa and many strong Latino leaders continue to contribute their talents and skills to improve the quality of life in this state. To recognize and honor these achievers and to provide visible examples for tomorrow’s Latino leaders, the Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs established the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame in 2017 with the goal of ensuring that the efforts of Latino leaders are honorably recognized and celebrated.
Among the many strong Latino leaders are political and social activists, scientists, educators, writers and spiritual and community leaders. They represent the Latinos who have helped shape Iowa, the United States, and the world. Their induction into the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame will enhance the visibility of their contributions to their work, communities, and the status of Latinos in Iowa. Each year, the inductees are recognized during the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame ceremony.
The Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs and the Iowa Department of Human Rights are pleased to announce that six remarkable Iowans, including a Latino youth, a recipient of the Governor D. Ray Award for Equity and Justice, and a recipient of the inaugural Iowa LGBTQIA Leadership Award, will be inducted into the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame.
The 2020 honorees are:
Elizabeth Balcarcel from Zacatecas, Mexico – Des Moines, Iowa
Gabriela Rivera from Mexico City, Mexico – Coralville, Iowa
Michael R. Reyes of Mexican heritage – Davenport, Iowa
Iowa Latinx Youth Leadership Award: Crystal Ambriz from Tijuana, Mexico -Columbus Junction, Iowa
Iowa LGBTQIA Leadership Award: Buffy Jamison from Des Moines, Iowa
Robert D. Ray Award for Equity and Justice: Henny Orr from Seoul, Korea – Johnston, Iowa
