Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Awards
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board are honoring five exemplary Houstonians in the Houston Hispanic community.
The individuals were nominated by community members and selected by the Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Awards (MHHA) Committee for their outstanding contributions toward improving the quality of life within the Houston Hispanic community.
“Every year, the City of Houston celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by paying tribute to five exceptional Houstonians who are committed to uplifting and strengthening the Houston Hispanic community,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “These individuals’ unwavering commitment to the community truly captures the selfless spirit that all Houstonians should seek to emulate. Congratulations to the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Award winners!”
This year, Hispanic Heritage Month is being observed from Wednesday, September 15 to Friday, October 15. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mayor’s annual Hispanic Heritage Awards Reception will once again be a virtual celebration this year. The Houston Municipal Channel (HTV) will broadcast the virtual Hispanic Heritage Awards Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 14. The event will also be available on the City of Houston’s social media platforms.
Arts in the Community: Ana Maria Martinez
Ana María Martínez is the recipient of the 2021 Mayor’s Hispanic Arts in the Community Award. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she is a Grammy Award-winning soprano with 24 albums and an international career that spans the world’s most prestigious opera houses and concert halls. Ana María received her bachelor’s and a master’s from the Julliard School and has performed at The White House and HSBC Arena in Rio De Janeiro for the World Cup Celebration. She made her debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl and participated in the inaugural performance at the Dubai Opera House. Ana María became the first ever Artistic Advisor for the Houston Grand Opera and was recently designated Artist in Residence at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music where she will offer guidance to students and young singers through master classes, individualized coaching and career counseling and assist students with their role preparations in the opera department.