
September 19, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Diane G. Papadakos, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
dpapadakos@wpb.org
(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)
‘Highlighting Heritage’ Initiative Continues
Mayor and City Commissioners honored Recipients for Hispanic Heritage Month
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Mayor Keith A. James’s Highlighting Heritage initiative continues for Hispanic Heritage Month. To recognize impactful individuals in our community, Mayor Keith A. James, and the City Commissioners each recognized and honored a resident who played a vital role in serving and improving West Palm Beach. The Hispanic Heritage Month honorees of this initiative were Dina Rubio, Rolando Chang Barrero, Maricela Torres, Mirta Luaces, Sergio Piedra, and Valerie Neilson.

Dina Rubio, president of the Latin Quarter and Don Ramon Restaurant, accepts the Proclamation from Mayor Keith A. James

Rolando Chang Barrero, artist, was honored by Commissioner Shalonda Warren

Maricela Torres, The Esperanza Community Center, and Commissioner Cathleen Ward

Mirta Luaces, journalist, was honored by Commissioner Christina Lambert

Sergio Piedra, Discover the Palm Beaches, and City Commissioner Joseph Peduzzi

Valerie Nielson, Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency executive director, was honored by City Commissioner Christy Fox
The Highlighting Heritage initiative will continue in Feb. 2024 for Black History Month with new honorees.
Should you have questions or would like to learn more about this special ‘highlighting heritage’ proclamation program, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 561-822-1400.
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About the City of West Palm Beach:
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that offers the business advantages available in the region, combined with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.