The Los Angeles Post

Solis Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month

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The annual First District Hispanic Heritage Month reception marks Solis’ twelve years as Supervisor while honoreering Latino leaders.

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Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis stands alongside 12 Latino trailblazers in the First District (Photo by Diandra Jay).

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis honored 12 Latino leaders on Friday at her annual Hispanic Heritage Month Reception, recognizing their work in government, education, health care, civic engagement and community service.

Earlier this week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Solis proclaiming Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2026, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Los Angeles County. The motion recognizes the history, culture and contributions of Latino communities, particularly at a time when the Trump administration is working to erase their history and diminish their contributions.

Board Chair Solis has hosted the reception throughout her nearly 12 years on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, bringing together leaders from across the First District to mark Hispanic Heritage Month and highlight the contributions of Latino leaders in the region.

“Every year, this reception gives me the opportunity to recognize people who are making a difference in the First District, and this year’s honorees represent the many ways our residents are serving and strengthening their communities,” said Board Chair Solis. “As I celebrate my final Hispanic Heritage Month as First District Supervisor, I am proud to honor their work and the example they set for the next generation.”

This year’s honorees were:

  • Martha Santana-Chin, Chief Executive Officer, L.A. Care Health Plan
  • Emilio Salas, Executive Director, Los Angeles County Development Authority
  • Alma Martinez, City Manager, City of El Monte
  • Mia Lehrer, Founder and President, Studio-MLA
  • Alejandro Flores, Superintendent of Schools, Rowland Unified School District
  • Dr. Jennifer Sandoval, Principal, Sparks Elementary School; President, Whittier City School District Board
  • Eliana Ibarra, Program Manager, Civic Impact, Student Life and Civic Engagement, Rio Hondo College
  • Citlaly Cerezo, CaliforniansForAll College Corps Program Coordinator, East Los Angeles College
  • David Martinez, Chairman, Buckboard Days Parade Committee
  • Diana Limon, Immediate Past President, Diamond Bar Women’s Club
  • Dr. Daniel Rojas, Policy Manager, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Executive Office
  • Jose R. Perez, Administrative Services Division Manager, Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services

The reception marked Board Chair Solis’ final Hispanic Heritage Month celebration as First District Supervisor and included the presentation of scrolls to the honorees and a live performance by Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles.