Mayor's Press Release
Mayor Whitmire Honors Outstanding Individuals During Hispanic Heritage Month
October 2, 2024 -- Mayor John Whitmire and the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Board have officially kicked off a month-long celebration of Hispanic culture and accomplishments by recognizing several exemplary individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life within the Houston Hispanic community.
On Tuesday, October 1, Mayor Whitmire presented three outstanding Houstonians with awards honoring their contributions to the city.
Last month, the mayor presented Dr. Andrea Tania Cruz with the 2024 Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Award in Healthcare. The award recognizes an outstanding person who has increased awareness of healthcare issues affecting Hispanics and Houstonians and has enacted improvements. Dr. Cruz is a highly respected physician who has significantly impacted the lives of families in Houston, the US, and globally due to her clinical care and research in pediatric medical specialties of traumatic brain injury, mental health, tuberculosis (TB), and severe bacterial infections.
Over the next two weeks, during Tuesday City Council Public session, Mayor Whitmire will present proclamations to recognize other recipients.
"Houston is a great city with great people. Hispanic Heritage Month allows me to highlight the achievements of dedicated men and women making significant daily contributions that impact Houstonians' lives. They are the unsung heroes of our community, and I ask everyone to join me in celebrating these individuals who deserve recognition," said Mayor Whitmire.
      
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Elva Trevino is the recipient of the Mayor's Arts in the Community award recognizing the contribution of an individual whose outstanding efforts have enriched and nurtured the creativity in the Hispanic community through art programs. She is a founder of the Houston Celebrity Entertainment and Arts Soiree.
Claudia Ortega-Hogue is the recipient of the Mayor's Community Activist Award. The award recognizes an individual's outstanding volunteer efforts dedicated to improving and educating the Hispanic community through public and community service. Ortega-Hogue is President of the League of Women Voters of Houston.
Elvia Martinez is the recipient of the Mayor's Education in the Community Award. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to increasing educational opportunities in academics, healthy living, and sportsmanship in the Hispanic community. Martinez is a founder and leader at the Texas Technical Trade School.
Danna Munguia is the recipient of the Mayor's Youth Activist Award. It recognizes a young Hispanic between the ages of 15—25 for outstanding work in the community through volunteerism. She is a Rice University student and leader.
Irma Diaz-Gonzalez is the recipient of the Mayor's Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes community leaders who have led a lifetime of community service in the Hispanic community. She is the President/CEO of Employment & Training Centers, Inc
Juan Hernandez is the recipient of the Mayor's Public Service Award. The award honors an exceptional individual who has made significant contributions to enhance the quality of life for the Hispanic community through a lifelong commitment to public service. He is a retired Houston firefighter and owner of Dona Maria Mexican Café.
“We are pleased to advise the mayor and to recognize these unsung heroes, and thank Mayor Whitmire for his long-standing and unwavering support of the Hispanic community and all Houstonians.” Lenora Sorola-Pohlman, Co-Chair, Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board.
Mayor Whitmire will join the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Board to celebrate all the honorees at a special reception on Monday, October 14.