Baltimore, MD – U.S. Hispanic Youth Entrepreneur Education (USHYEE) is proud to announce the winners of the 2012 Hispanic Hero Awards. The Awardees will be recognized on June 21^st at the 6^th Annual Hispanic Hero Awards Gala. The Gala will be held at the BWI Airport Marriot from 6:00pm-10:00pm. Please visit www.hispanicherogala.com for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

Hispanic Hero Award: Student Leadership Award

Samantha Garvey, 12th Grade Student Brentwood, NY

Since her early childhood years, Samantha has faced the challenges of obtaining stable housing. In spite of these challenges, Samantha is an aspiring Marine Biologist and a prestigious Simons Research Fellow. Samantha was named a Siemens semi-finalist and most recently named a 2012 INTEL Science Talent Search semi-finalist. Her research focused on the ribbed mussel. Samantha has presented her research to scientists nationally at the National Shellfisheries Association conference in Baltimore. View her interview on the Ellen Show here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E69WASfk2dU

Hispanic Hero Corporation of the Year Award: Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman employees have been key USHYEE volunteers. Northrop Grumman’s financial support has been consistent and generous.

Hispanic Hero Award : Corporate Advocate

Misty Allen, Vice President Asset Management at GenOn Corporation

In 2008 under Misty’s guidance the GenOn (formally Mirant) the GenOn/USHYEE Educational Grant Program was implemented. To date 25 Latino high school students, pursuing STEM related studies,   have been awarded $125,000 in grant funding.

Hispanic Hero Award: USHYEE Patron

Jovita Carranza, Former Deputy Administrator Small Business Administration

Jovita Carranza's distinguished career and portfolio of achievements includes a Presidential appointment as Deputy Administrator of the U. S. Small Business Administration and a successful corporate career with United Parcel Service (UPS), the world’s largest logistics corporation. Since 2009 Jovita has been engaged with U.S. Hispanic Youth Entrepreneur Education and has provided substantial personal funding to USHYEE and serves as a model for philanthropic giving.

Hispanic Hero Award: Rising National Leader

Veronica Cool, Principal Relationship Manager MD Business Banking at Wells Fargo

Veronica was recently inducted into the Circle of Excellence by the Daily Record. Additionally, in 2010, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce awarded Veronica the Ultimate Latina Award in the Corporate Sector. Mrs. Cool has been a volunteer at USHYEE serving in various capacities since 2005. She attributes her success to her education, the support of her parents and husband and innate Latina drive to succeed.

Hispanic Hero Award: Service to Our Nation

Captain John Frank Gamboa, U.S. Navy (Retired)

Captain Gamboa is the first Mexican-American naval surface warfare officer in the history of the United States Navy to command a major warship in the rank of Commander, the first to command a major warship in the rank of Captain, and the first to command a squadron of major warships. He is also the first to command a U.S. Naval Communications Station as a Commander.

Hispanic Hero Award: Excellence in Media

Nicole Quiroga, General Manager of Telemundo WZDC-25 and Telemundo WZTD-45

Nicole is a strong supporter of education and been a key USHYEE advocate since 2010. Nicole has provided many opportunities for USHYEE to be highlighted on Telemundo programming and has provided technical and video expertise to USHYEE.

Hispanic Hero Award: Lifetime Achievement in Business

Joe Reyes, President Orion Corporation

Joe Reyes is Chairman Emeritus, and a founder of, Reyes Holdings, L.L.C., one of the world’s foremost distributors of beverage and foodservice products. He served in WWII and was a Naval fighter pilot during the Korean War. Joe is being recognized by USHYEE for his lifetime of business acumen and assistance in supporting Hispanic business organizations.

Sponsorships

Please contact Luis Borunda luis@ushyee.org  immediately, to request Sponsorship Packages.

Thank You 2012 Sponsors: Northrop Grumman, Coppin University, Morgan State University, Telemundo, Verizon, GenOn, PNC Bank, Visualante Media, NMR, Jovita Carranza, Kronsberg Family, William and Mildred Kaplan Foundation, Wells Fargo Bank, IWIF, Photography by Beverlee

Media Sponsors; CapitalWirePR, Latin Opinion, Mundo Latino, Somos Baltimore Latino, El Coloquio

About USHYEE

USHYEE is a 501(c)(3) non profit corporation. We are focused on the high school to college continuum for Hispanic youth and developing tomorrow’s Hispanic leaders. U.S. Hispanic Youth Entrepreneur Education (USHYEE) was founded in 2004 in order to serve Hispanic high school students pursuing the American Dream through education, exposure to STEM related fields and entrepreneurship.