HispanicBusiness

The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals recognized Henry Cisneros, former HUD secretary, entrepreneur and Latino leader; Retired Lieutenant Colonel Consuelo Kickbusch, a motivational speaker and the one-time highest-ranking Latina in the U.S. Army; and Luis Valdez, an acclaimed and award-winning playwright, with the NAHREP Latino Vanguard award. The NAHREP distinction is reserved for public figures whose contributions have improved the image and quality of life for Latinos in the United States. The award will be presented during a ceremony at the association's national conference in Los Angeles next week.

"The efforts of prominent Latino leaders to advance positive perceptions of Latinos in Hispanic America through their work and leadership benefits everyone in the Hispanic community," said NAHREP President Gerardo "Jerry" Ascencio. "It is our privilege to recognize them with this lifetime achievement award."

Cisneros, who was the tenth secretary of HUD in the Clinton Administration and now a prominent entrepreneur, is a recognized advocate for the Latino community. He serves on many corporate and nonprofit boards to promote Latinos and immigrants and to further fair housing policy. Right after public office, he was president and COO for the Spanish-language network Univision, before forming American City Vista and then CityView of which he is executive chairman.

Kickbusch is a success story that emerged from the barrio in Laredo, Texas. She broke barriers in the U.S. military after graduating from Hardin Simmons University when she became the highest-ranking Latina in the Combat Support Field of the U.S. Army. After her retirement from the military, she became a community leader through her company Educational Achievement Services where she advocates education. She is also a diversity and inspirational speaker who often appears at industry conferences and corporate events.

Valdez is the son of migrant farm workers and an acclaimed playwright and film director and a prominent figure in the Chicano movement. He created the farmer worker's theater group El Teatro Campesino and penned the play Zoot Suit, a story about young Chicanos charged with a murder they did not commit. He is best known for the film La Bamba, about Chicano rock and roll star Richie Valens, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of its release this year.