Latino Leaders that Made a Difference in 2015

Every person makes a difference. Leaders who have the vision and motive work selflessly for the upliftment of the community. There are many great leaders in West Michigan who have strived hard to make a different to the community. It is their vision, dedication, determination and hard work that reflect in the prosperity and growth of West Michigan.

With the help of these leaders, the Hispanic community in the region has been able to grow and develop and thrive in a better way.
While we would like to include everybody who has contributed selflessly to the development of West Michigan, we decided to have a public polling to let the people decide the results.

These top leaders are selected by the public based on the polls that we had. The leaders are selected based on their efforts and commitment towards the development of the Hispanic community in the region. We are equally grateful and thankful to all the other leaders who have contributed immensely for the Hispanic community in the region.

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1. Tom Almonte – Good spirited, hard working and committed, Tom Almonte is the Assistant to the City Manager and has always been working diligently for the Hispanic community. He has an optimistic view about the world and the community. He has made efforts to ease the communication between the city’s Hispanic residents and the City Hall. He has led the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as President for 2 years and has also served as the member of the Grand Rapids Public Schools Facilities Steering Committee. He was also on the search committee at Grand Rapids Community College. He is also on the Operations Committee for the Convention and Arena Authority, a member of the Dominican American National Roundtable.
2.  Roberto Torres – An avid reader, focused and humble, Roberto Torres has served the people for over 20 years and has helped the Hispanic community as well. He has been creating programs that directly benefit the families. He has also opened up a Hispanic Center where people can vote for different elections. He supports Pachuca, a group of young soccer players trying for professional soccer. He came up with the concept of ‘Noche Latina’ at the White Caps stadium. He has also worked hard to establish relationships between the Hispanic Center and ArtPrize to create an award for Latino artists. He has also initiated the concept of ‘Dia de los Veteranos Latinos’ for Latino veterans.
3.  Gricelda Mata – Outgoing, passionate and a great visionary, Gricelda Mata has provided support to the Hispanic community in many different ways. While she has been operating the Lindo Mexico restaurant with her brother she has given away bicycles and other presents to the kids while celebrating Dia del Nino (Children’s Day). She also celebrated Dia del La Madre (Mother’s Day) and Dia del La Padre (Father’s Day) encouraging all the mothers in the community with mariachi music and roses. She hosted ‘Pink Fiesta’ where she supported Susan G Komen’s Foundation encouraging women battling against cancer.
4.  Lupe Ramos – A true leader, champion, volunteer and an activist, Lupe Ramos is certainly among the strongest leaders in West Michigan working relentlessly for the Hispanic community. Daughter of migrant farm workers, she is an elected official and a decorated community member. Former teacher and principal at Grand Rapids Public School, her brilliant spirit and advocacy for all children make her a true leader in every sense. She has continued her service to the community as a member of the Michigan State Board of Education to help educators and the children in the state. She has been a role model of cultural awareness, gender equity and prompt civic action.
5. Chuy Morales –  Chuy Morales always had the urge to help the community. He started the radio La Mejor GR in 2012. He took the initiative to bring professional soccer to Grand Rapids by bringing professional talent hunters to the area. In 2014, local soccer players were selected to play professional soccer in Mexico. He has also helped the community with getting translation services, immigration advices and so on. He came up with ‘Platica con la Ciudad’ (Talk to the City) along with Assistant to the City Manager, Tom Almonte. He started the ‘Michigan Media Coallition’ and opened a space for the Mexican Consulate.