The Latino Talent Awards recognized the work, service and volunteerism of many Hispanics/Latinos in Michigan and honored the unsung heroes of Michigan’s Hispanic community.
Lincoln Park, Michigan – In celebration of its fifth anniversary during Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latino 2023 Talent Awards was held with great success on October 12 from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM at The Lincoln Manor – Banquet Hall & Event Center in Lincoln Park.
The event was presented by Minority Education Freedom Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and Latinos En Michigan TV, a Hispanic digital news media created in October 2016 by Liliana Ospina, a «mompreneur», to share news and video content for the Hispanic Community in Michigan.
The Talentos Latinos Awards were created by Colombian journalist and immigrant Liliana Ospina, and her husband John Herbstreith in 2019 to honor those who, through volunteerism and hard work, help the Hispanic community, becoming unsung heroes in Michigan.
Originally Talentos Latinos began as a section that highlighted through video content positive stories, and the work of Latinos whose commitment, hard work and volunteerism, helped improve the lives of their fellow Hispanic/Latino compatriots in Michigan.
«The idea has always been to show the world the great stories of unsung Hispanic heroes who give back to our community on a daily basis. That is why from the beginning, we have been dedicated to showcasing those stories on video using social media,» said Liliana Ospina.
The stories have been shared on social media through Latinos En Michigan TV’s Facebook page, Instagram, Youtube and LinkedIN and were the basis for the launch of the awards to recognize these important members of the community.
On the other hand, the ceremony began with the long-awaited presentation of Jesse Gonzales Sr., better known as the «Mayor of Southwest Detroit», who was the Keynote speaker of the event and spoke about his personal life, his experiences facing death and his great spirit of overcoming.
Afterwards, the different folkloric ballet shows began, which highlighted the cultural diversity of Hispanics.
More than 250 people attended the Latino Talent Awards, which highlighted the talent of the Latino community and recognized the work, service and contributions of many Hispanic/Latino unsung heroes who work hard for the betterment of the Latino community in Michigan.
The awards recognized Hispanics/Latinos from different industries such as non-profit organizations, finance, economic development, manufacturing, healthcare, and the arts, among others.
From the beginning, the Latino Talent Awards have been well received by the community and the Hispanic community generally nominates the person they believe deserves an award. This year 14 individuals received a Latino Talent Award.
- Latino Legacy Award: Maria Salinas.
- Latino Business Leader: Jose L. Flores
- Latino Altruism: Jesse Venegas and Yesenia Lara Venegas
- Latino Community Leader: Roberto Nearon
- Latino Business Ambassador: Reverend Patricia Gandarilla
- Artist Activist: Alberto Marin
- Michigan Latino Media Personality: Luis Mendieta
- Latin Music Talent: Adel Ruelas
- Latin Music Promoter: OB Succari
- Líderesa Latina Comunitario: Angela Reyes
- Ballet Folklorico Latino: Nazareth Sandoval – Reflejos Latinos
- Latino Volunteer: Karina Lambaren
- Latino Motivation: Reyna Garcia
- Michigan Latina Entrepreneur of the Year: Paloma Valdez Garcia
The award winners, who are Hispanic/Latino, have not only excelled in their respective areas of work, but have had a significant impact on the Hispanic/Latino community in Michigan.
People from Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Flint, Troy, Oxford, Canton, Lansing, White Lake, Royal Oak, Clarkston, and other Michigan cities came together to celebrate the diversity of the Hispanic community at an event that promoted the arts, volunteerism, and entrepreneurship among Michigan Hispanics/Latinos.
And as usual, the awards showcased the cultural diversity of the Hispanic/Latino community with live performances by local Latino artists showcasing folkloric dances from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.
In addition, there were live performances by Panamanian drum and piano duo OB Succari, Afro-Colombian singer-songwriter TommyPAPI, and a live concert by Mexican singer Adel Ruelas and the band Luna.
This event was made possible thanks to sponsors such as Ideal Group, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Munoz Realty, Comerica Bank, Anna Motors, Classic Storage, Hispanic/ Latino Commission of Michigan; Ortiz Consulting, Lilia Vega Igram Realtor, Prince Valley Market, among others.
At the end of the event, those who participated in the Latino Talent Awards were very happy to have been able to enjoy an evening that brought together individuals from various parts of Michigan and showcased the cultural diversity of Michigan’s Hispanic/Latino community.
