Anthony B. Ramirez Premio Esperanza

The Anthony B. Ramirez Premio Esperanza (Hope Award) was established by The Hispanic Leaders Group of Greater St. Louis in 2003 under the initiative of Anthony B. Ramirez. Initially named Premio Esperanza, its name was change in 2010 in posthumous honor of Anthony B. Ramirez, founder of HLG and creator of the award.

2025 Esperanza Awards

“Hope Unites Us” - “La Esperanza Nos Une”

September 12, 2025
The Franklin of Soulard

Purpose

The purpose of the award is to acknowledge those that have contributed significantly to the Hispanic community in such fields as business, community service (health, social welfare, and housing), culture and the arts, education, human rights, and public office.

The award is presented once a year recognizing the service provided by the awardees for a few years and it is given during a special event.

Award Inscription

The award’s inscriptions read as follows:

"To you, for giving hope...

To those, seeking change..."

"A Usted por impartir Esperanza...

A esos que buscan Cambio..."

Nominations

Nominations may be made by individuals, organizations, institutions, and agencies within the greater St. Louis region.

Consideration is given to an individual/organization’s accomplishments during the previous years. Nominations must address the criteria set forth by HLG’s Board of Directors. Nominations are normally open in June of every year.

Learn more about the nomination process HERE.

Download the nomination form HERE.

Selection

A committee consisting of three to five members of the HLG administers the program and considers the nominations.

By secret vote, the committee determines the winner(s) and presents its decision to the HLG Board of Directors for its ratification.

Celebration

The award is presented during a special ceremony which happens in September of every year.

Past Winners

  • Esperanza Award
    Karlos Ramirez
    International Institute

    Champion Award
    German Gonzales Herrera
    Gonzales Herrera Law Firm

  • Esperanza Award
    Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano
    Cortex

    Jose Gomez
    LiUNA 110

    Champion Award
    Joe Bommarito

  • Esperanza Award
    Jomo Castro
    AT&T

    Champion Award
    Joe Palm
    HHS Regional Director, Region 7

  • Esperanza Award
    Sal Valadez
    LiUNA 110

    Champion Award
    Susan & Mauricio Gobbo

  • Esperanza Award
    Carmen Dence
    Grupo Atlantico

    Champion Award
    Don Willey
    LiUNA

  • Esperanza Award
    Jorge Riopedre
    Casa de Salud

    Champion Award
    Rush Robinson
    St. Louis Community College of Health Careers

  • Esperanza Award
    Richard (Ricardo) Vogt, S.J.
    Our Lady of Guadalupe

  • Esperanza Award
    Antonio (Tony) Maldonado
    Civic Leader

  • Esperanza Award
    Hon. Charlie S. Dooley
    St. Louis County

  • Esperanza Award
    Eileen Wolfington
    Casa De Salud

  • Esperanza Award
    Anna Crosslin
    International Institute of St. Louis

  • Esperanza Award
    Bob Fox
    Civic Leader

  • Esperanza Award
    Guillermo A. Rodríguez
    Webster University

  • Esperanza Award
    Jaime Torres
    ERIBEC & Associates

  • Esperanza Award
    Hon. Maria Chappelle-Nadal
    State of Missouri Representative

    Hon. Timothy (Tim) Flook
    State of Missouri Representative

  • Esperanza Award
    Anthony B. Ramirez
    Anthony B. Ramirez, P.C.

  • Esperanza Award
    Rafael Nun Marín, President
    HCCMSL

  • Esperanza Award
    Domingo Martínez
    Cambio Center, University of Missouri- Columbia

    María Virginia Braxs
    Washington University in St. Louis

  • Esperanza Award
    Susana Hamilton
    Arts & Treasures from Latin America

  • Esperanza Award
    Marvin G. Kanne
    St. Louis Post-Dispatch

    C. William Chignoli
    Acción Social Comunitaria – La Clínica