HLG Esperanza Awards

The Anthony B. Ramirez Premio Esperanza (Hope Award) was established by The Hispanic Leaders Group of Greater St. Louis (HLG) 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.

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.

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.

Premio Esperanza Committee

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.

Presentation of Award

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

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..."

List of past Awardees

2024

Karlos Ramirez- International Institute of St. Louis

Champion Award - German A Gonzales Herrera - Gonzales Herrera Law Firm

2023

Esperanza Award - 

Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano (Community Services) Cortex

Jose Gomez (Community Services) LiUNA

Champion Award - Joe Bommarito

2022

Esperanza Award - Jomo Castro (Community Services) AT&T

Champion Award - Joe Palm  - HHS Regional Director, Region 7 

2021

Esperanza Award - Sal Valadez (Community Services) Liuna 110

Champion Award - Susan and Mauricio Gobbo 

2020

Cancelled due to pandemic

2019

Esperanza Award - Carmen Dence (Community Service) Grupo Atlantico

Champion Award - Don Willey - LiUNA

2018

Esperanza Award - Jorge Riopedre (Community Service) Casa de Salud

Champion Award - Rush Robinson - St Louis College of Health Careers 

2017

Not awarded. Latinas of Distinction event held.

2016

Esperanza Award - Richard (Ricardo) Vogt, S.J. (Community Service) Our Lady of Guadalupe

2015

Esperanza Award - Antonio (Tony) Maldonado (Community Service) Civic Leader

2014

Esperanza Award - Hon. Charlie S. Dooley (Public Service) St. Louis County

2013

Eileen Wolfington (Community Service) Casa de Salud

2012

Esperanza Award - Anna Crosslin (Community Service) International Institute St. Louis

2011

Esperanza Award - Robert (Bob) Fox (Community Service) Civic Leader

2010

Esperanza Award - Guillermo A. Rodríguez (Community Service) Webster University

2009

Esperanza Award - Jaime Torres (Community Service) ERIBEC & Associates

2008

Esperanza Award - Hon. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (Public Office) State of Missouri Representative

Esperanza Award - Hon. Timothy (Tim) Flook (Public Office) State of Missouri Representative

2007

Esperanza Award - Anthony B. Ramirez (Community Service) Anthony B. Ramirez, P.C.

2006

Esperanza Award - Rafael Nun Marín (Business) President, HCCMSL (US Bank Manager)

2005

Esperanza Award - Domingo Martínez (Education) Cambio Center, UM - Columbia

Esperanza Award - María Virginia Braxs (Community Service) Washington University in St. Louis

2004

Esperanza Award - Susana Hamilton (Culture and the Arts) Arts & Treasures from Latin America

2003

Esperanza Award - Marvin G. Kanne (Community Service) St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Esperanza Award - C. William Chignoli (Community Service) Acción Social Comunitaria – La Clínica