On Tuesday April 6, the Latino OC 100 reached 400 honorees by recognizing Orange County’s business owners, leaders, teachers, mentors and rising stars of 2009. Ruben Alvarez President and Founder of the nearly 7000 member Stay Connected OC email newsletter (Stay Connected sign-up) realized that overlooking the OC’s most productive Latinos is wrong. Even a magazine that represents Hispanic businesses didn’t even notice Orange County over 5 years ago. Ruben seized on that moment and he went about creating the Latino OC 100 lists.

Master of Ceremonies Comedian Ernie G gave a special introduction to the soon to be retiringChancellor Dr. Eddie Hernandez of Rancho Santiago Community College District. Who was in the original list of honorees in 2006. Dr. Hernandez also holds the distinction of having the most nominations over all of the honorees to date. Dr. Hernandez made sure to emphasize that “Education is the big equalizer” to providing the right choices in life.

The Keynote address was delivered by the polished motivational speaker Glenn Llopis’ whose message was uniting Latinos through trust, innovation and social responsibility which can create opportunities for personal success. (www.earningserendipity.com)

Ruben Alvarez noted that making the lists over the years has proven controversial and difficult at times. He was also quick to point out that standing in front the audience and seeing all the people known and unknown “It is all worth it” he said. Ruben even surprised his mother Chavela with a cake and had the audience sing “Happy Birthday” to the woman who made it all possible.

In the end the list was read and Marlene Peña Marin, Isabel Martinez Miranda and Delia Murillo were each recognized. Team OCGente congratulates the 3 members of OCGente’s Season of Giving honoree Relampago Del Cielo Grupo Folkórico.

Special LATINO OC 100 Recognition went to the Faculty and Staff of the TEACH Academy and the E-Business Academy of Century High School for their tremendous work with their students!

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