For Immediate Release – September 25, 2025
Treasurer Michael Frerichs Honors Hispanic Leaders In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Nonprofit Leaders, Entrepreneur, Aurora University President, South Suburban College Soccer Coach, Labor Leader, and Theater Educator Recognized for Their Achievements
Video of the event will be posted here: https://cms.illinois.gov/agency/media/video/videos.html
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the work of community leaders from throughout the state.
The event was an opportunity to reflect on great achievements and present awards to eight Latino leaders: the president of Aurora University; the head soccer coach at South Suburban College; an entrepreneur who launched importing and candy businesses; the president and CEO of a community foundation; a business manager with a union local; the executive director of a family resource center; a state lawmaker; and a theater educator, director and researcher.
“Today, we shine a spotlight on some of our Hispanic and Latino neighbors to formally recognize their contributions,” Frerichs said at the event held at the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St in Chicago. “We’re expressing appreciation for their longtime dedication, and we’re celebrating their work in making our communities better places to live, work, and raise families.”
Hispanic Heritage Month is a national observance. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson established a Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a month.
Treasurer Frerichs honored the following individuals for their outstanding commitment to their Illinois communities:
Outstanding Service in Business
Eduardo Rodriguez
Founder and CEO | San Jose Imports, Ltd. and Dulcelandia Candy Stores
Outstanding Service in Leadership
Andrea Sáenz
President and CEO | The Chicago Community Trust
Outstanding Commitment to Community Service
Dulce Ortiz
Executive Director | Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
Outstanding Commitment in Education
Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills
President | Aurora University
Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official
Honorable Eva-Dina Delgado
Illinois State Representative, House Assistant Majority Leader | 3rd District
Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor
Christopher Hernandez
Business Manager | Chicago Pipefitters Local 597
Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship
José Antonio González
Head Coach, South Suburban College Men’s and Women’s Soccer | Director, South Suburban Soccer Academy
Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities
Rosario Vargas
Co-Founder & Co-Artistic Director | Aguijón Theater
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