2026 Leadership Class Awards

TAMPA HISPANIC HERITAGE, INC. ANNOUNCES THE 2026 HISPANIC LEADERSHIP CLASS

CELEBRATING LEADERS "ROOTED IN TAMPA BAY"

The Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. (THHI) Board of Directors is proud to announce the distinguished members of the Tampa Hispanic Heritage Leadership Class of 2026. This year's honorees embody the essence of being "Rooted in Tampa Bay" -individuals whose leadership, dedication, and service have grown deep into the fabric of our community, helping our region thrive.

For nearly five decades, THHI has made it a tradition to honor the excellence, culture, and positive impact of Hispanic trailblazers. This year, exceptional leaders are being recognized across seven distinct categories, including the prestigious Orgullo award, which honors a non-Hispanic individual or organization for their outstanding service to the Hispanic community.

The 2026 Hispanic Leadership Class honorees are:

Janet García

ART

Melissa Ramos

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Vladimir Kislinger

MEDIA

Odette Figueruelo

EDUCATION

Manuel "Manny" Medina

BUSINESS

Adriana Colina

PUBLIC SERVICE

HC Ybor City Campus

ORGULLO

Join the Celebration

The Tampa Bay community is warmly invited to celebrate these remarkable leaders at the annual THHI Leadership Luncheon. The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. on July 28th at the Bob Buckhorn River Center in Tampa.

More than just a celebration, this annual gathering waters the seeds for the next generation of leaders. All proceeds from the luncheon directly support higher education scholarships for deserving students of Hispanic descent attending the University of South Florida (USF) and Hillsborough College (HC).

Established in 1979, Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. is the oldest non-profit Hispanic cultural organization in the region. For 47 years, THHI has remained dedicated to its core mission: to promote, preserve, and celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of Hispanic heritage in Tampa Bay while fostering higher education opportunities for local students.