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 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 July 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 October of every year.
At least 50% of any profit from this vent will be allocated for HLG Scholarships.
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
2023
Esperanza Award -
Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano (Community Services) Cortex
Jose Gomez (Community Services) LiUNA
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 COVID-19 crisis
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