Kansas | August 16th, 2024
By Claudia Amaro
Planeta Venus has become a leading platform dedicated to highlighting the stories, achievements, and voices of the Latino community in Wichita and beyond. Through their various initiatives, Planeta Venus aim to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Latino culture and contributions. In the last three years, their focus has been to inform throughout different platforms our bilingual audience in Kansas, filling the gap of information for Spanish speakers. With the belief that accurate information can empower families to achieve a better quality of life, Planeta Venus continues to innovate with community journalism.
For the first time since its start, Planeta Venus is thrilled to announce the 2024 Planeta Venus Latino Award Dinner, a prestigious event celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of Latino leaders within the community.
The Planeta Venus Latino Award Dinner honors individuals and organizations that have made significant impacts in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, arts, and community service. This year's event promises to be an evening of recognition, inspiration, and celebration, bringing together a diverse group of leaders and supporters from across Kansas.
Planeta Venus is proud to announce this year nominees:
Merary Treviño
Merary Treviño has been a steadfast guide for Planeview residents, helping them navigate municipal services and connecting them with a wide range of resources, from pet spay-and-neuter clinics to emergency rent assistance applications. With over 22 years of dedicated service to the city of Wichita, Merary has become a beloved figure in the community. When Planeta Venus featured her story, many Latinos from south Wichita expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude for her on social media. Her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.
Rachel Mendoza Banning
Rachel Banning has been a pivotal force in numerous local nonprofit organizations and the Wichita community, transforming the atmosphere of every space she enters. Her extensive involvement includes key roles at Families Together, Inc., The Junior League of Wichita, The Orpheum Theater, and currently, Rainbows United. Rachel's life is a testament to her dedication to family and her unwavering commitment to serving the community with love and compassion. Her influence and contributions have left a lasting impact, making Wichita a better place for all.
Ángel Martinez
Ángel Martinez has long been a guiding light for numerous community members, dedicating his life to aiding the less fortunate and organizing transformative events in both North and South Wichita. These initiatives aim to keep young people engaged and away from trouble. As one of the founders of Love Your Community, Inc., Ángel has been instrumental in creating impactful programs that nurture and develop the minds and interests of today's youth, aptly named “Future Leaders of Tomorrow.”
Samuel Nava
Samuel Nava, a dedicated Community Resources Navigator at WSU Tech, stands out for his unwavering commitment to supporting the community, particularly the Latino population. In an interview with Planeta Venus, Samuel shared his personal journey of overcoming challenges while navigating his path to college. This experience fuels his passion for aiding other first-generation students in their pursuit of higher education. Nava's bilingual proficiency enables him to effectively assist Spanish-speaking parents who seek to support their children’s educational aspirations.
Sandra Sánchez
Sandra Sánchez is a resolute advocate for students, working tirelessly to remove barriers to their success, from financial obstacles to educational gaps. Employed by the Pando Initiative, a statewide program that provides crucial resources to students in need, Sandra has become a trusted figure among the youth she serves. During an interview with Planeta Venus, the depth of her connection with students was unmistakable. They frequently popped into her welcoming office to grab snacks and share a laugh, a testament to the strong bond and trust she has cultivated.
Emily Cruz
Emily Cruz is the visionary founder of SOMOS FIRST GEN, a dynamic program that unites first-generation students and graduates who volunteer their time, skills, and knowledge to support other first-gen students in Wichita. Through SOMOS FIRST GEN, Emily and her team organize informational events for parents and high school students, guiding them through the college application process and offering invaluable support.
Geovanni Gone
Geovannie Gone serves as the Executive Director of the Immunize Kansas Coalition, a collaborative effort comprising dozens of organizations and hundreds of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including healthcare providers, health departments, researchers, healthcare payers, advocacy groups, nonprofits, school nurses, community members, parents, and more. This coalition is united by a common goal: to improve vaccination rates and protect Kansans from vaccine-preventable diseases. Under Gone's leadership, the Immunize Kansas Coalition has become a statewide beacon for families striving to lead healthier lives. Her experience and unique perspective have been instrumental in advancing the coalition's mission with an inclusivity approach.
Audé Negrete
Audé Negrete is the Executive Director of the Kansas Latino Community Network, an organization dedicated to improving health equity by empowering Latinos through nonpartisan civic engagement, leadership development, and coalition building. With a strong background in community engagement, public administration, voter engagement, and team leadership, Audé is known for her exceptional ability to unite diverse groups to achieve meaningful business and community outcomes. Negrete’s leadership continues to inspire and drive positive change, making a significant impact on the lives of Latinos in Kansas and beyond.
Shaun Rojas
Shaun Rojas is the Senior Director of Civic Engagement at the Kansas Leadership Center, where he oversees the Civic Engagement Initiative. This initiative is dedicated to equipping Kansans in public life with the tools to build civic trust around the state's most pressing issues. Shaun collaborates with the Civic Engagement Team to develop valuable resources for elected and appointed officials and partners with organizations tackling civic challenges.
Shaun's dedication to fostering better civic dialogue extends far beyond his role at KLC. He is the founder of the Young Latino Professionals of Wichita, an organization that elevates the profile of young professionals and equips them with essential leadership skills. Shaun's commitment to leadership development is further evidenced by his previous board membership of the Association of Leadership Programs.
Alejo Cabral
Alejo Cabral is a first-generation American, born to immigrant parents and the youngest of three siblings. A devoted husband, Cabral was raised in Chula Vista, California, but has called Wichita home for the past ten years.
Cabral is actively engaged on several community boards, including the City of Wichita Board of Park Commissioners, Arts Partners Wichita, the Wichita Art Museum, and the Wichita Parks Foundation.
In his free time, Alejo is committed to supporting the Latino community by advising on business development, leveraging his experience to foster growth and opportunity. His efforts have earned him respect as a leading business developer within Wichita's Latino community, where he continues to make a significant impact by empowering others to succeed.
Alex Ibarra
Alex Ibarra has been an enthusiastic advocate for the immigrant community in Wichita from an early age. As a first-generation student, he graduated magna cum laude from Wichita State University in December 2020, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate Finance and Entrepreneurship, along with minors in Marketing and Personal Selling. His academic journey is a tribute to his family’s hard work and perseverance as first-generation immigrants.
Alex began his career as a Commercial Intern at J.P. Weigand & Sons, Inc. in January 2019. Throughout his time at WSU, he received numerous accolades for his community involvement and academic excellence, including KHEDF’s 2020 Outstanding Scholar, the Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Rising Star of the Year, and recognition as a WSU Student of the Year Finalist.
He is also the founder and president of Hispanics in Real Estate (HIRE), a group dedicated to fostering the growth of Latino businesses by organizing educational events that provide access to opportunities for entrepreneurship in the Wichita area.
Maira Castañeda
Maira Castañeda is a professional folkloric dance teacher who has redefined how Latinos in Wichita perceive folkloric dance, elevating it from a cultural expression to a respected art form. Her passion for ballet and commitment to youth inspired her to take over Raices de mi Tierra, a nonprofit organization composed of volunteers and dance students aged 5 to 25.
According to Maira, folkloric dance not only promotes physical well-being but also fosters a deep appreciation for cultural heritage, traditions, and roots. She proudly represents not only Mexico but also Wichita and the state of Kansas through her work. Under her guidance, Raices de mi Tierra has performed at various venues, from cultural celebrations to esteemed art events at universities and institutions, showcasing the beauty and richness of folkloric dance.
Julian Montes
Julian Montes is the Creative Service Manager at the Kansas Leadership Center, where he emphasizes the power of storytelling and cultural understanding in fostering innovative leadership and community engagement. He believes that effective leadership begins with individuals and thrives through collaboration.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Julian is actively involved at the intersection of cultural advocacy and civic participation. He volunteers with the Kansas Hispanic Education and Development Foundation and has served as the Communications Team Lead for the Young Latino Professionals of Wichita. Currently, he acts as a technical advisor to the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission.
In addition to these roles, Julian supports the development of artists and creative communities as a Field Representative for southwest and south-central Kansas with the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. His multifaceted contributions continue to enrich the cultural landscape of the state.
Fernando Salazar
Fernando Salazar is a well-known figure in Wichita, having spent over three decades as a photojournalist for the Wichita Eagle. Now, he channels his experience into personal expression, as noted by KMUW in a recent article. A true lover of his community, Fernando’s photography vividly reflects his passion.
Organizations frequently hire him for his talent, and his deep-rooted connections throughout the community allow him to capture the essence of every individual he photographs. Fernando tirelessly documents community events, sharing his unique and artistic images selflessly. His contributions to the visual landscape of Wichita are invaluable, and he undoubtedly deserves recognition for his enduring commitment to the community he has served and cherished for many years.
Jose Salcido
Salcido is a seasoned professional with experience in law enforcement, security management, and employee relations. He holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish, a master's in business administration, and a master's in military arts and sciences.
With a distinguished 27-year career as a police officer, culminating in the role of colonel in charge of criminal investigations, Jose recently served as a Security Director at a university.
Salcido now offers expert consulting on criminal cases, leveraging his comprehensive civil servant background. His has shown his respect and loyalty to his Latino roots in his entire career offering a perspective that is often limited in leadership positions.
Pepe Tovar
Pepe Tovar is a globally known musician and the leader of the famous group “Los Chacales de Pepe Tovar.”
Pepe Tovar is originally from Zacatecas, Mexico, although he emigrated to Wichita in Kansas USA, where he began his professional career. Today they have more than 2 decades of artistic career and twenty-three record productions.
It should be noted that Pepe has also developed as a composer, since the beginning of his musical path. To date, he has recorded eighty songs as a composer.
Tovar and his family have founded several successful businesses in Wichita and our community is proud to have him in Wichita.
Planeta Venus is proud to organize and create this space to recognize Latino talent in Kansas. This would not have been achieved without this year's sponsors who continue to innovate in their goal of serving the Latino community. Planeta Venus extends their gratitude to WSU Tech, Evergy, Kansas Health Foundation, Meritrust, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas for their support in hosting this event.
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