Maryland
Hispanic Hall of HEROES

Honoring the outstanding contributions of Hispanic individuals who have made a lasting impact on the state’s communities, economy, and culture. Through leadership, service, and innovation, these trailblazers have enriched Maryland’s diverse landscape, inspiring future generations. This page celebrates their dedication and achievements, highlighting the vital role of Hispanic heritage in shaping a stronger, more inclusive Maryland. Share their story with us, and let’s honor their contributions by adding them to the Maryland Hispanic Hall of Fame. Submit your nomination today below or at [email protected]

Ana Sol Gutierrez

Ana Sol Gutierrez

Delegate (D), District 18, Montgomery County

Born in El Salvador, is the first Latina elected to public office in Maryland – in 1990 to the Montgomery County Board of Education and in 2002 when she was elected to the House of Delegates in the Maryland General Assembly.

Angela M. Eaves

Angela M. Eaves

Justice, Supreme Court of Maryland, 2nd Appellate Judicial Circuit (Baltimore County & Harford County)

Born in Canal Zone, Panama, is the first Hispanic to serve on the Maryland’s highest court.

Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk

Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk

Delegate (D), District 21, Anne Arundel & Prince George's Counties

Born in Dominican Republic, served as the East Region Chair of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators between 2021 and 2023.

Rocio Treminio-Lopez

Rocio Treminio-Lopez

Mayor, Brentwood

Born in El Salvador, was sworn in as the Mayor for the Town of Brentwood on May 5, 2015. Becoming the First Latina Mayor in the State of Maryland.

Ashanti F. Martinez

Ashanti F. Martinez

Delegate (D), District 22, Prince George's County

Of Puerto Rican descent, is the first Latino to represent District 22 and the first openly gay representative from Prince George’s County in the Maryland General Assembly. Raised in a working-class family, he attended Parkdale High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Howard University in 2018. His political journey began at age 14 when he joined the Prince George’s County Young Democrats and since then he has worked in various political roles, including as a director of constituent services, research and policy analyst, and campaign manager.

Deni Taveras

Deni Taveras

Delegate (D), District 47B, Prince George's County

A Dominican American politician who is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for District 47B in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She was previously a member of the Prince George’s County Council, representing District 2 from 2014 to 2022.

Monica Casañas

Monica Casañas

First Latina Mayor of Colmar

Born in Bogota, Colombia, and raised in Queens, NY, is Colmar Manor’s first Hispanic mayor. Monica is dedicated to social justice and equity, with a passion for building inclusive communities that inspired her mayoral run. She holds degrees from Montgomery College, the University of Maryland, and American University and serves on the executive board of Maryland Black Mayors. As mayor, she prioritizes community progress, beautification, and resident-focused programs. Her vision includes strong, safe neighborhoods, a sustainable environment, and accessible parks and recreation for all families.

Dr. Gabriela Lemus

Dr. Gabriela Lemus

Executive Director of Maryland Latinos Unidos and the CEO of Revolution Strategy

Born in Mexico, she is the Executive Director of Maryland Latinos Unidos and the CEO of Revolution Strategy, Her career spans more than 15 years in senior strategic leadership roles in congressional and government affairs, non-profit management, policy advocacy, and community/civic engagement. 

Samantha Howard

Samantha Howard

Latino Affairs Liaison, Prince George's County

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has been a resident of Prince George’s County since 1989, and served as the coordinator of recruitment and community relations at PGCC for more than 15 years.

Gabriela Argoti-Fernandez

Gabriela Argoti-Fernandez

DC Green Bank · Founder, Director, CEO at Flancake by Gaby

Born in Ecuador, she is a first-generation professional with over 12 years of banking experience. She is creating Innovative Financing for Clean Energy in Underserved Markets. 

Dinorah Olmos

Dinorah Olmos

Founding president and CEO of the Latino Education Advancement Fund (LEAF)

Born in Mexico, she is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. She is also the recipient of the 2019 Open Society Institute Community Fellowship- Baltimore.

Catalina Rodriguez-Lima

Catalina Rodriguez-Lima

Director of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA) in Baltimore City

Born in Ecuador, she is responsible for promoting community well-being, economic development and the inclusion of immigrant and refugee communities in the City of Baltimore. In 2013, she was named as one of 50 Women to Watch by The Baltimore Sun. In 2014, she was recognized by the Baltimore Business Journal’s 40 under 40 list. In the same year, she was named “Professional of the Year” by The Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Edwin Pérez

Edwin Pérez

2024 Latinx Educator of the Year

Educator-activist who attended MSEA’s Minority Leadership Training and is now chair of TABCO’s Minority Affairs Committee. His leadership journey includes taking roles leading, with others, MSEA’s and TABCO’s upcoming social, racial, and economic justice work.

Sandra Herradora

Sandra Herradora

CEO of SHE & SHEInvest, Founder of Brasier Con Propósito and Vida con Propósito; Psychologist and MA Life Coach. Organizational Specialist.

Born in Colombia, has more than 17 years of experience and in the last 5 years has stood out for her community social work, conducting workshops, conferences, self-care campaigns for the Latino community in the DMV area, as a volunteer in non-profit organizations (women), Consulates and private entities, as well as social events for her Colombian community. 

Sagrario Ortiz

Sagrario Ortiz

Founding president and CEO of El Poder de Ser Mujer

Born in the Dominican Republic, has a Bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration, and upon arriving in the United States she founded El Poder de Ser Mujer (The Power of Being a Woman), an organization dedicated to helping Latina immigrants in the DC area reach their full potential.

Jesse Raudales

Jesse Raudales

First Latino to represent the U.S. as an Olympic artist in 2006

Internationally acclaimed artist known for his powerful, spiritual artwork. Born in North Carolina, he overcame a stillbirth and was later nicknamed Jesse. He gained recognition as the first Latino artist from the U.S. chosen for the Olympic Games, creating Peace for the Children of the World for the 2006 U.S. Olympic Team. His work has been featured in museums, galleries, and celebrity collections. Beyond art, he supports nonprofits using his talent to inspire and advocate for social causes.

Luz V. López-Ortíz

Luz V. López-Ortíz

Harford County Judicial Nominating Commissioner

Born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 at age 10 due to threats during the Salvadoran Civil War. She earned a B.A. from Kenyon College in 1992 and a J.D. from The Ohio State University in 1995. She began her career as an Assistant State Public Defender in Ohio, then spent nearly 20 years as a Senior Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. Since 2019, she has worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center. In 2024, she was appointed to the Harford County Judicial Nominating Commission. She lives in Maryland with her family.

Javier N. Solis

Javier N. Solis

Founder of Los Taxes, the first Latino tax franchise, and co-founded Toro Taxes, the largest Latino-owned franchise in any industry

Originally from Ecuador, founded Los Taxes, the first Latino tax franchise, and co-founded Toro Taxes, the largest Latino-owned franchise in any industry. He has led NAHREP chapters, the Maryland Hispanic Business Conference, and the IFA’s Hispanic Leadership Council. A financial expert and former Telemundo advisor, he is also an award-winning entrepreneur and bestselling author. Javier expanded into tourism and solar energy in El Salvador. He lives in Rockville, MD, with his wife, Maria Jose, and their children.

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Omar Lazo

Omar Lazo

President of the Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce, 2nd Vice Chair of the Montgomery College Board of Trustees

Of Salvadoran origin and owner of Los Chorros restaurant, he has spent over two decades uplifting the Latino community through both his business and social efforts. His deep commitment to the well-being of Hispanics inspired him to run for city council, aiming to amplify their voices and advocate for their needs. Though not elected, his dedication and leadership continue to make a lasting impact. With a clear vision and extensive experience, he remains a driving force for progress, tirelessly working to empower and strengthen his community.

Celina Benitez

Celina Benitez

First Latina Mayor of the City of Mount Rainier

Born in El Salvador,  is the 23rd Mayor serving the City of Mount Rainier. Elected in 2021, she holds the distinction of being the first Latina Mayor of the City and is one of just four Latina Mayors currently serving in the State of Maryland.  Her commitment to education is reflected in her authorship of the Youth Scholarship Program, a program that annually awards scholarships to the most deserving students in the City, and which was overwhelmingly approved by the City Council in 2018.

Francis Scott Key Bridge Heroes

Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes

Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes

Mexico

Alejandro was a 35-year-old from Veracruz, Mexico, living in Baltimore. A devoted husband and father of four, his warmth and dedication touched everyone around him.

Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez

Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez

El Salvador

Miguel was a 49-year-old from El Salvador, living in Glen Burnie for 19 years. A devoted husband and father of three, he spent many years in the construction industry, impacting his community profoundly.

Carlos Daniel Hernández Estrella

Carlos Daniel Hernández Estrella

Mexico

Carlos was a 23-year-old from Mexico, remembered for his vibrant spirit. His presence left a lasting impression on those around him. He was the nephew of Alejandro Hernández and Julio Adrián Cervantes Suárez, the sole survivor of the incident.

Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera

Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera

Guatemala

Dorlian was a 26-year-old Guatemalan. He lived in Dundalk, Maryland, and worked at Brawner Builders. He came to the United States to support his mother and pursue his dream.

Maynor Yassir Suazo-Sandoval

Maynor Yassir Suazo-Sandoval

Honduras

Maynor was a dedicated father to a teenage boy and a 6-year-old girl, and a cherished member of CASA. At 38, his love and resilience as a Honduran left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

José Mynor López

José Mynor López

Guatemala

José was a 37-year-old Guatemalan in Dundalk, who reunited with his mother, Nora Orellana López, after 18 years apart. He longed to return to Guatemala to be with family and friends and will be laid to rest there.

More Resources

12 Latinx/e Changemakers from Maryland

This Latinx/e Heritage Month Hear About these Past and Present Changemakers (2023)

These Maryland Latinas are empowering others to follow their lead

As the Latino community grows in Maryland, women leaders from the community are rising to positions of power, organizing change and making a path for the next generation of leaders.

Maryland Hispanic Heroes

Celebrating Our Community’s Unsung Champions

Latinos in Maryland talk about concerns, culture and pride

With a population of 62.1 million, Latinos have undeniably made their mark on the United States — from its economy and workforce to its style and culture. That is especially true in Baltimore and Maryland.

Nominate a Hero!

Help us celebrate the Hispanic leaders, changemakers, and trailblazers who have made a lasting impact on Maryland! We invite you to nominate individuals who have enriched our communities through their dedication, service, and achievements. Share their story with us, and let’s honor their contributions by adding them to the Maryland Hispanic Hall of Fame.

Submit your nomination today!

[email protected] 

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