Page 13 - LRCC October 2020 Focus

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Sparrow Clinton Hospital Nurse is Recognized as Sparrow’s

Outstanding Latino Caregiver of the Year

A SPARROW CLINTON HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT System President and CEO James F. Dover and Sparrow
NURSE described as the embodiment of Florence Clinton President Beth Daugherty. She also received a
Nightingale’s principles of nursing was honored recently congressional resolution through Congresswoman Elissa
as Sparrow’s Outstanding Latino Caregiver of the Year. Slotkin.

Amarily (Lily) Mendez Laporte said she’s “happy to be a Daugherty called Mendez Laporte “inspiring, amazing,
role model. I love what I do.” setting the bar higher and higher.”

“I am truly honored. Winning this award makes me feel The Outstanding Latino Caregiver Award was established
I’m doing what I need to do as a nurse.” in 2016 by the Lansing Latino Health Alliance to
recognize talented caregivers and encourage Latino
Mendez Laporte, who lives near Montrose in the community members to consider careers in healthcare.
Chesaning area, has been a Sparrow caregiver since 2017. The Lansing Latino Health Alliance is a nonprofit
She received numerous nominations for the award from organization with the mission of improving Latinos’
colleagues, physicians, and hospital leaders who lauded health status in the Greater Lansing area.
her professionalism, ability to swiftly identify a patient’s
condition, spirit of teamwork, and calming approach. She Nominations were collected from the public and
is an example of always putting the needs of the patient first. Sparrow Health System Outstanding Latino Caregiver of the Year Sparrow caregivers and reviewed by a Sparrow
Amarily Mendez poses with her award.
committee. Nominees were assessed based on
Mendez Laporte was recognized in a ceremony that included representatives of making a significant difference in patients’ lives, exceeding expectations, and
the Lansing Latino Health Alliance and Sparrow leaders, such as Sparrow Health demonstrating professionalism. n

Lansing Regional Chamber and Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber

Partner to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

BY: CASSADEE JACKSON, KOLT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

THE LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (LRCC) is joining with the GLHCC was founded to increase the visibility, support, and networking
Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GLHCC) to recognize opportunities of Michigan Hispanic Latino leaders and entrepreneurs. The
and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is recognized GLHCC works to provide community reinvestment initiatives, diversity
from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 in the United States. During this time, awareness, and seminars to promote opportunities or information-access
the Hispanic Latino community is recognized for its contributions and workshops pertinent to all vested businesses’ success and viability in the
influence to our community and country’s history, culture, and Michigan area. Hispanic entrepreneurs are the fastest-growing
achievements. segment of business owners in the U.S. as they have ownership
of one out of every seven small businesses in the country.
“We should recognize the enormous contributions the There are over 200 Hispanic Latino owned businesses in
Hispanic population has made in our region,” said Tim the mid-Michigan area.
Daman, president and CEO, LRCC. “It is particularly
noteworthy to see the increasing number of Hispanic “We want to honor our rich history of Hispanic leadership
owned businesses that are creating jobs and providing that built a great foundation in the Lansing area. Our
opportunities in the Greater Lansing region.” growing Hispanic business community has unique needs
that are rapidly evolving. As we relaunch the Hispanic
This year, to highlight National Hispanic Heritage Month, Chamber in 2021, our focus is to provide support through
the LRCC and GLHCC will be partnering for the first annual Business Education and Workforce Development,” said a joint
Sabor Latino celebration. This new tradition will showcase Latino statement by GLHC co-chairs, Elizabeth Hernandez and Chaz
owned businesses; specifically, that of an estimated 40 Mexican and Cuban Carrillo.
restaurants and food trucks.
For information on local celebrations of National Hispanic Heritage
“We are seeing more and more cases of hard-working men and women who Month, visit the GLHCC Facebook page www.facebook.com/
are realizing their dream of operating a successful business,” said Sein Paul glhcclansing. For a list of participants in the Sabor Latino celebration, visit:
Benavides, Hispanic community leader. www.cafecitocaliente.com.

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