Community leader, students and local ‘Rosie the Riveters’ honored at Third Annual César E. Chávez Community Recognition Celebration

 

FLAGSTAFF — Elected officials and members of the the public attended in record numbers to honor a community leader, students and local “Rosie the Riveters” during the Third Annual César E. Chávez Community Recognition Breakfast presented by the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) on March 31.

Nearly 100 guests gathered at the American Legion Post 3 in Flagstaff to celebrate the annual event, which honored Hispanic community leader Steve Peru, president & CEO of the United Way of Northern Arizona; Northern Arizona University students Rebekah “Bekka” Alvarado and Mayling Ayala; Coconino Community College student Neil Gallegos; high school awardee Juan Carlos Ortiz and local “Rosie the Riveters,” women to who took positions in local industry to support the U.S. war effort during World War II.

Guest speaker Sara Aleman, PhD., professor emeritus for sociology and social work at Northern Arizona University about the life César E. Chávez and the ongoing relevance of his efforts in job security and civil rights in today’s society.

About CHAC: The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council was established in 2001 with the purpose of advising the County Board of Supervisors on issues and concerns that affect the Hispanic community in Coconino County. In addition to serving as an advisory group to the county supervisors, the council has identified the following five major areas of focus:

  • To conduct forums on issues and concerns of the Hispanic community
  • To promote awareness of the need for diversity in employment, training and economic development
  • To assist Coconino County in recruiting and retaining Hispanic employees
  • To promote Hispanic culture, arts, historic activities and events
  • To examine and make policy recommendations in the areas of education, housing, land use, health, social services, recreation and criminal justice