Friend of Hispanic Heritage Award

2025

Robert J. Rodriguez
NYSDASNY President & CEO

Scott R. Bieler
West Herr Automotive Group President & CEO

Nora O'Brien-Suric, PhD
Health Foundation for Western & Central New York President & CEO

Laura A. Zaepfel
Uniland VP Corporate Relations

Lilliam Malave Lopez, PhD
University at Buffalo Associate Professor

Andrea Drumm
Western New York USA Dance Chapter #3013, President

A "Friend of Hispanic Heritage" is an organization or individual who, through words and actions, exemplifies and supports the mission of the Hispanic Heritage Council to foster and inspire awareness, understanding, and appreciation of past, present, and future contributions of the Hispanic community in Western New York. The recipient of this award contributes significantly to the rich cultural heritage of Western New York.

2024
Dr. Ellis Gomez
Neighborhood Health Center

Eunice Lewin
Suny Board of Trustees

Joseph P. Lombardo
Lombardo Funeral Home

Miguel Santos
Deacon Diocese of Buffalo

2023
Richard Morrisroe, Esq.
Rosa A. Gonzalez, Ph.D.
Joanne Castellani & Michael Andriaccio

2022
Wilda Ramos
Dinorah Santos
John Starkey
Luis A. Rodríguez Jr.
Dr. Raul Vazquez

2021
Carol Jasen Sampson
Dr. Fatima Morrell
Hispanic American Veterans of Western NY Memorial Committee
Hispanic Women's League
Jamie Warren
Los Artistas Del Barrio Buffalo
Lucy A. Candelario
Tim Clark

2020
Michael J. Billoni, Billoni Associates

Miguel Medina, Principal
Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy #76

2019
Mayor Wilfred Rosas, Dunkirk, NY

Buffalo News

WKBW Ch7

WIVB Ch4

WGRZ Ch2

2018
Agustin "Pucho" Olivencia Community Center
Wilmer Olivencia Jr.
President

El Batey Dance Center
Beatriz Flores
Director

2017
Puerto Rican & Hispanic Day Parade of WNY Inc.
Yolanda Martinez-Rodriguez
President

Raíces Theatre Company
Victoria Pérez-Maggiolo
Artistic Director