Nebraskans Honored By State Commission On Latino-Americans

By Cindy Gonzalez, Nebraska Examiner:

October 14, 2022

The Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, recognized outstanding people and entities in the state as part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.

An event Thursday held at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel honored:

Nonprofit: The City of Norfolk, for advancing the needs of Latinos across Nebraska, especially in education, employment, health, housing, welfare and recreation.

Business: Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh restaurants and Abel and Hilda Gonzalez, for demonstrating a selfless spirit and shining light on the economic impact of Latino businesses.

Inspiration: Guadalupe Millan, entrepreneur and financial coach, for inspiring Nebraska’s next generation of Latinos.

Visionary: Jane Shanahan of her family’s Jesusita & Santos Baros scholarship fund, for embodying the spirit of the commission’s vision of empowering Latinos through programs and education.

Dulce Sherman of Sherman Executive Consulting and Kathleen Grant of Omaha Together One Community were keynote speakers at the event, which also drew Gov. Pete Ricketts and more than 100 people.

The commission serves as a link between state government and the Hispanic community and seeks to strengthen access to educational, social, political and economic opportunities in the state.

Nebraskans want accountability from their elected officials and government. They want to know whether their tax dollars are being well-spent, whether state agencies and local governments are responsive to the people and whether officials, programs and policies are working for the common good. The Nebraska Examiner is a nonprofit, independent news source committed to providing news, scoops and reports important to our state.