Shaping the future: Latino Leadership Institute graduates celebrated

Apr. 29—As Mohawk Industries recruiter Christian Perez walked across the stage inside Dalton State College's Goodroe Auditorium, a quote from entrepreneur Jack Dorsey — Perez's favorite quote — flashed on a large projector screen overhead.

"Success is never accidental," the quote read.

On Thursday, Perez was one of 20 community members who made up the second graduating class of the Dalton-Whitfield Latino Leadership Institute and who were awarded with completion certificates and a plaque commemorating the achievement.

Created through a partnership among Mohawk Industries, the Latin American Association and the University of Georgia's J.W. Fanning Institute of Leadership Development, the Latino Leadership Institute helps "develop and empower" future leaders and advocates for the Latin American community in Northwest Georgia, said Alma Fraire, an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teacher and parent engagement coordinator for Dalton Public Schools.

Fraire hosted the ceremony with Latin American Association outreach manager Rafael Huerta.

Graduating members of the Latino Leadership Institute were chosen to take part based on their "passion for making an impact" and their "commitment to their communities," Fraire said. "They participate in a series of sessions designed to enhance their leadership capabilities, community knowledge, influence and strategic skillsets."

Last year, 23 members graduated as the inaugural class. This year, many Mohawk employees made up the graduating class, including Francisco Alvarez, Alex Contreras, Sandra Flores, Patricia Gonzalez, Christian Perez, Yami Perez, Nancy Rivera, Hernan Saldana, Hugo Soto and Ana Valadez.

Other graduating members :

— Amisadai Amaro, a teacher at Roan School.

— Alejandra Ambriz, the assistant director of the Housing Authority of the City of Dalton.

— Areli Cruz, Dalton Utilities' employee relations and recruitment manager.

— Maricela Cunningham, owner of MC Transactions, a local tax preparation business.

— Miguel Garcia, a Whitfield County Schools social worker.

— Ivonne Hernandez, the director of business operations for Five Star Group.

— Diana Madero, an accountant for Accurate Accounting & Document Services Inc.

— Yugeily Manriquez, a McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth program caseworker for Whitfield County Schools.

— Karen Pimentel, a realtor with Keller Williams CT Capital.

— Victor Rodriguez, the athletic manager for Dalton Parks and Recreation.

Lauren Sneary, Mohawk's senior director of communications, addressed the 2024 class members.

"I am so proud to be in this room with this caliber of leadership," Sneary said. "We hope it has been an experience that has and will continue to benefit not only each of you individually, but also the Latin American experience in Northwest Georgia and the entire community across all cultures and demographics as well."

Eliezer Vélez, the chief operating officer of the Latin American Association, said the partnership among the organization, Mohawk and UGA has been vital to the success of Latino community members across the area.

"I want to thank Mohawk for the commitment to develop leadership in Dalton and the Whitfield County area," Vélez said. "With your support in not only helping to invent the program and fund it, you've also helped to shape the vision."

Vélez said the program was framed with a "couple of things in mind."

"And that is a program that is culturally relevant, that provides a commitment to new leaders, and is for everyone," he said. "Not just for high executives, but for the community."

Sneary said those at Mohawk, the Latin American Association and UGA are "excited and hopeful" while looking toward the future of the local leaders.

"Graduates, as you complete this program today, know that you are the next leader, influencer and motivator in this community," she said. "Please, stay connected with what you've learned here and with each other."

Huerta and Vélez thanked those in attendance, including Dalton Mayor Annalee Harlan Sams and Dalton State College President John Fuchko III, as well as "every volunteer and anyone who helped make this possible."

"I want to thank our sponsors and people who were involved in this process, especially UGA, Mohawk, Dalton State College, the city of Dalton and the (Greater Dalton) Chamber of Commerce," Vélez said.

"We also want to express our gratitude to the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia because they are supporters for this institute for the first time," Huerta said. "This has been a great event and we congratulate all of the graduates."

Vélez said while the graduates should be proud of their achievement, the work is not over.

"We want to continue developing leaders and we want you to be the leaders," Vélez said. "Now that you have the skills, find the person you can provide support to. Find the person you can bring to that next level."