KCET Community
As part of KCET's ongoing commitment to diversity, the station created annual Local Hero Awards in celebration of national commemorative heritage months.
This initiative recognizes local heroes -- activists, educators, community leaders and visionaries -- the ones doing the critical work that many times goes unrecognized. Over the past decade, KCET has had the opportunity to showcase the remarkable stories of over one-hundred and thirty local heroes.
Nominate a Hero
KCET and Union Bank honor five local heroes of the African American community for their dedication and commitment to enrich the lives of others. Learn more.
Past Celebrations
View the 2009 Hispanic Heritage Month Honorees.
Featured Show: VOCES
We bring you VOCES, a series devoted to exploring and showcasing the best of Latino culture.
To visit the website go to, http://www.voces.tv/
Local Events
Check here and in KCET Local Events for upcoming events.
Ruebén Martinez
By Web Team
September 14, 2009
"My Message to young people has always been and will continue to be 'Read today, Lead tomorrow."
Ruebén Martinez's contribution to the Latino community is defined by his dedication to his businesses, Librería Martinez Books & Art Gallery and Libros Para Niños, a children's bookstore. Located in Santa Ana, the two enterprises make the writings of Latino authors and the works of Latino artists accessible to the general public, enhances the community by promoting literacy and art, and sets forth a better understanding and appreciation of Latino culture and history to customers. In addition, Librería Martinez Books & Art Gallery and Libros Para Niños are recognized nationwide for showcasing premiere Latino authors and artists, such as Carlos Fuentes, Sandra Cisneros and Jorge Ramos. Plus, Librería Martinez is the largest seller of books in Spanish in the United States.
Permalink DiscussRaul & Maria Salinas
By Web Team
September 14, 2009
"Changing communities to create a better world is not just an individual responsibility, but a personal and satisfying journey."
Maria S. Salinas
Advocating on issues facing women has been a defining role for Maria S. Salinas throughout her work in the community. Along with her husband Raul F. Salinas [ADD LINK], the couple shares her and his passion for working in underserved communities that need a voice. Maria and Raul have worked in partnership advocating on issues affecting women and minorities in public and private sectors.
She is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and a Certified Public Accountant. She managed audit clients at Ernst & Young and held financial roles with global responsibilities at The Walt Disney Company. In 2006, she launched her own consulting firm, Salinas Consulting, LLC, an accounting and finance project management firm. With nearly 20 years of experience, Salinas provides expertise in financial planning and reporting, and in complex regulatory control issues and compliance management.
Permalink Discuss (1 Comments)Judge Rudolph A. Diaz
By Web Team
September 14, 2009
"Gratitude I have for the inspiration that others have provided to me in the past, motivates me to give back to my community."
From his early days as a as a staff attorney of the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice representing the Latino community on matters related to voting rights and districts in the mid-1970s, to his current role presiding in the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles, Judge Rudolph A. Diaz has paved the way for other Latinos to strike the gavel.
Career milestones are plentiful. From 1992 to 1994, Judge Diaz served as Chairman of the Presiding Judges of the twenty-one Los Angeles County Municipal Courts. In 1994, Judge Diaz was named the first Latino judge to be elected as President of the California Judges Association.
Permalink DiscussAntonia Hernández
By Web Team
September 14, 2009
"Committed leadership transcends, impacting not only our local families and communities but the well being of our nation."
Nationally recognized for her commitment to the betterment of underserved communities in Los Angeles and beyond, Antonia Hernández joined the California Community Foundation as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2004.
Established in 1915, the California Community Foundation is one of the largest and most active philanthropic organizations in Southern California. In partnership with its more than 1,200 individual, family and corporate donors, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and public institutions with funds for health and human services, affordable housing, early childhood education, community arts and culture and other areas of need.
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