Below is a refined list of the events at which I have had the privilege of speaking, encompassing diverse platforms celebrating Hispanic culture and addressing legislative and community issues: Hispanic Legislative Day, where I engaged with policymakers on pertinent issues; Distinguished Hispanic Ohioans, honoring outstanding individuals in our community; Ohio Latino Summit, fostering dialogue and collaboration for Latino advancement; as well as opening ceremonies and festivals, marking significant cultural celebrations and communal gatherings.

BEING LATINX IN OHIO

A discussion on identity and the experience of being Latinx in Ohio. Miami University.

BEING
LATINX IN
OHIO
A discussion on identity
and the experience of being
Latinx in Ohio.

2024_Hispanic_Legislative_Visit_Day

 Welcome and closing remarks as the chair of the Ohio Commission on Hispanic Affairs. Introduction to the expert panels as well as different workshops related to business, health and civic engagement.

Distinguished Alumnus Award (2023 Presidential Awards)

Clark State  Distinguished AwardThis award is presented annually to an individual who has attained a high level of professional achievement and provided outstanding service to their community. Individuals recognized with this prestigious award display the highest standards of personal integrity and character and also demonstrate pride in their alma mater.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized with the Distinguish Alumnus Award. Clark State was essential to beginning my professional career and also with my life in the United States,” said Lopez Ramirez, Commissioner/Chairperson at Ohio Commission Latino Affairs at the State of Ohio and Global Operations Analyst at LexisNexis. “After living in the Springfield community for over 20 years, I have met great people and organizations which the sole purpose is to help those in need. It is my hope that this award serves others as a testimony that if you put the effort, focus and determination you will be able to accomplish your goals.”

42nd Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awards Gala 2023 

Opening remarks / Master of Ceremonies, Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs.

      • Each year, three awards (Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan, Military Service of Distinction and Nuestra Familia [Our Family]) are awarded to outstanding members of the community and organizations that strive to improve the lives of the Latino community, as well as, the general public. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0E68Zdeoa8

 

2023 Latino Ohio Affairs Summit

Welcome remarks, Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs. Kent State University  – September 15, 2023

  • The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs and Kent State will host the 2023 Ohio Latino Affairs Summit, which marks the first year that the education, healthcare and business/workforce development summits are hosted in person in a single summit. It will bring together educators, legislators, state and local communities, students and stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the Latino community and how best to improve them together. This year’s theme “¡Juntos! Latino Growth Is Ohio Growth.”

Guest Lecturer at Wittenberg University 

Psychology of Cultural Diversity / Latin American Cultural Context – February, 2023.  Dr. Crane, Professor of Psychology and East Asian Studies.

Psychology of Cultural Diversity / Latin American Cultural Context – September, 2021. Dr. Crane, Professor of Psychology and East Asian Studies

Fiesta Rojos – Cincinnati Red’s 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024

  • Cincinnati Reds celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Fiesta Rojos.  Representing the Ohio Commission on  Hispanic/Latino Affairs recognized Reds players of Hispanic/Latino heritage.
  • The Reds celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with their annual Hispanic Community Night entitled “Fiesta Rojos” presented by Toyota on Friday, Sept. 23 featuring activities in the community and ceremonies at Great American Ball Park.

    Students from local schools were invited to visit the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy for a baseball clinic, Q&A session with our Hispanic players, plus salsa dancing earlier in the day. Later that evening at the ballpark, many of the pregame and in-game ceremonies featured members of Cincinnati’s Hispanic community including a live band and DJ, Honor Guard with flags from Latin countries, National Anthem, Hometown Hero, First Responder of the Game and the Hispanic Community Night Community Advocate Award presented by PNC. Also, Joey Votto was honored as the Reds’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which is presented annually by Major League Baseball to a player who best exemplifies the spirit of the legendary Pirates outfielder with his play on the field and his service in the community. Roberto Clemente Day is celebrated each year across the league as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Miami Valley Catholic Charities – Guest speaker at All Staff yearly gathering.

UniDiversity Festival

Miami University, Ohio – September 2021 – 8th annual Latin American and Caribbean UniDiversity Festival

  • Opening of the Festival in honor of the National Hispanic Latino American Heritage Month – Oxford OH.

Dayton Ohio Hispanic Heritage Festival & Parade 

Opening remarks as behalf of the Ohio Hispanic/Latino Affairs for the years of 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023

Springfield, Ohio Hispanic Festival

Founder and member of the organizing committee. Festival opening remarks and member of the committee for the Victor Garcia’s Memorial Scholarship which is provided to the receivers during the festival ceremony.

HOLA Hispanic Community Center Grand Opening

Opening remarks as a chairman of the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, May, 2022 – Cleveland, Ohio.

40th year of the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awards Gala 

Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs.

39th year of the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awards Gala 

Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs.

World A’ Fair – Dayton International Festival

Member and leader/organizer for one of the 30 different countries booth since 2008.