Denver7 and the Latino Leadership Institute are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing stories of Colorado Latinos who have changed lives, built businesses and brought hope to communities across our state.
From building communities and businesses to leading in the public sector, the Latino footprint in Colorado is undeniable. The Colorado Latino Hall of Fame was created in 2016 by the Latino Leadership Institute to ensure that the Latino legacy of leadership is honorably recognized and never forgotten. The program works to amplify and honor leaders who have achieved extraordinary success in contributing to the history of our state.
From a U.S. District Judge to the founder of a leading energy firm; from a pioneer of the Chicano mural movement to a prominent leader during the civil rights era; and so many more, these Colorado Latino Hall of Fame inductees have been transformational in their communities and our state.
Enjoy their stories which exemplify the contributions, culture and traditions of Colorado’s Latino community.
Colorado Latino Leadership Hall of Fame Inductees:
Arts, Entertainment, Media, and Sport
Francisco “Paco” Sanchez (posthumous, 2019)
Emanuel Martinez (2018)
Florence Hernández-Ramos (2017)
Dr. Joe Vigil (2016)
Business, Innovation, Science, and Technology
Mike Shaw (2019)
Timothy Márquez (2018)
Annette Quintana (2017)
Rod Tafoya (2016)
Public Service
Hon. Christine M. Arguello (2019)
Former State Sen. Polly Baca (2018)
Sec. Ken Salazar (2017)
Honorable Federico Peña (2016)
Luminary
Sister Alicia Valladolid-Cuarón (2019)
Dr. Martha M. Urioste (2018)
Debra Bueno (2017)
Susana Cordova (2016)
Community Service and Philanthropy
Emma Gomez Martinez (2019)
Bernard “Bernie” Valdez (posthumous, 2018)
Ronald Montoya (2017)
Salazar Family Foundation(2016)
Legacy
Olibama Lopez Tushar (posthumous, 2019)
Teresita Sandoval (posthumous, 2018)
Dolores and Felipe Baca (posthumous, 2017)
Casimiro Barela (posthumous, 2016)
Watch the stories of the 2019 inductees in their respective categories:
- Arts, Entertainment, Media and Sports: Francisco “Paco” Sanchez
- Business, Innovation, Science, and Technology: Mike Shaw
- Community Service and Philanthropy: Emma G. Martinez
- Legacy: Olibama Lopez Tushar
- Luminary: Sister Alicia Cuaron
- Public Service: Hon. Christine M. Arguello
- The Colorado Latino Hall of Fame ensures that the Latino legacy of leadership is honorably recognized and never forgotten.