The award honors those who help empower the Mexican community abroad
College of Southern Nevada President Dr. Federico Zaragoza will receive the prestigious Ohtli Award from the Mexican Government at the annual United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Conference next week in Las Vegas.
The Ohtli Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Government of Mexico to individuals or organizations that have worked to empower the Mexican community abroad and helped to “open the path” for new Mexican American and Hispanic generations.
“There is nobody more deserving of this incredible Ohtli Award than Dr. Zaragoza,” said Peter Guzman, President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas. “He has promoted our culture with grace and pride. The Latin Chamber of Commerce congratulates Dr. Zaragoza for being the example of class and dignity.”
Zaragoza, who was born in Mexico and raised in Laredo, Texas, is a champion of diversity and inclusion at CSN, the largest and most diverse higher education institution in Nevada. He joined CSN in 2018 as the college’s first Hispanic president. Previously, he served as Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development at the Alamo Colleges in San Antonio, Texas.
“Dr. Zaragoza is a role model for future generations,” said Luis Gutierrez, head of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad. “He has been a key Mexican-American and Hispanic leader in Texas and now in Nevada. He has also been very close to Mexico and its Consulates in the United States. The Ohtli is a well-deserved recognition for his many contributions to the education and empowerment of our communities.”
Dr. Zaragoza was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges and serves as co-chair of the Board’s Commission on Economic and Workforce Development. He is a national expert on workforce development issues who has worked closely with NSHE and the Southern Nevada economic and workforce development system to help ensure that the college is responsive to the needs of students and business and industry.
“When I arrived in Las Vegas, everybody advised me to meet with Dr. Zaragoza right away for his leadership and commitment to the Mexican and Hispanic communities,” said Julian Escutia, Consul of Mexico in Las Vegas. “I have witnessed his remarkable devotion to service and we have forged a sound partnership to better serve CSN students and their families. We are honored to recognize him and to have him in Las Vegas, leading the way to the great progress of all Southern Nevada residents through education.”
Zaragoza will receive the award at the 2021 United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Conference Closing Awards Gala on Tuesday.
What: 2021 USHCC National Conference Closing Awards Gala
When: 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, September 28
Where: Mandalay Bay, Islander Ballroom