OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (September 12, 2023) –
Oklahoma City Community College will host the first celebration of Oklahoma’s Top 40 Hispanic Leaders on Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. at the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center.
OCCC is partnering with the Oklahoma Hispanic Institute to produce this inaugural event for more than 250 Hispanic leaders, community advocates, elected officials, and business and education leaders.
“Oklahoma City Community College is honored to support this celebration of Hispanic leaders in Oklahoma,” said Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, president of OCCC.
“OCCC is community-focused, and as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), serving the multifaceted educational needs of the Hispanic population in Oklahoma is a high priority at our institution.”
The luncheon event begins at 11 a.m. and features entertainment by Mariachi Orgullo and a keynote speech by Francisco Ibarra, CEO of Supermercados Morelos.
Ibarra came to the U.S. more than 20 years ago and established his first Supermercado on NW 23rd St. in OKC. Since then, his business operation has expanded to ten locations – five in Tulsa and five in Oklahoma City. In Spring 2023, Ibarra opened his most recent Supermercados Morelos in Warr Acres at 37th and N. MacArthur. The $6 million investment includes a state-of-the-art store, six storefront retail sites, and two adjoining event centers that can accommodate community events ranging from 400 to over 800 attendees.
“Hispanic leaders are successful and present at all levels of society – in education, public service, business/corporate, governmental affairs, elected officials, and virtually all levels and roles in the private sector. For the first time in the history of the state of Oklahoma, Hispanic leaders will come together to celebrate and acknowledge the success, history and future ambitions of the Hispanic communities of Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma Hispanic Institute Founder and Chairman Fred Mendoza. “The Hispanic population of Oklahoma has grown to over 400,000 with over 20,000 Hispanic-owned businesses across the state. The Hispanic public school population is nearly 60% in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Putnam City, Western Heights, and numerous other areas of the state. This historic event is long overdue and is critical to the advancement of the Hispanic population of Oklahoma.”
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About Oklahoma City Community College:
Since its inception in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has been the heartbeat of the Metro, dedicated to empowering learners and strengthening communities. Serving nearly 18,000 students, we are committed to producing leaders. “Student Success, Community Enrichment” is our mission as we offer more than 60 degree and certificate programs that provide a steppingstone to further education or immediate career readiness. We remain dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that equips students to achieve personal and professional goals. OCCC is more than an institution; we are a community catalyst, fostering growth and success in our city, our workforce, and the lives of our students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is our purpose.
Media Contact:
Sarah Barrow
Executive Director of Communication
sarah.barrow@occc.edu
405-834-5406