At an event attended by more than 400 people and dignitaries from throughout Chicago, Elisa Perez was chosen as Cinco de Mayo Queen in the 38th annual election hosted by the Mexican Civic Society. Perez represents the state of Nayarit. The new Queen is a 23-year-old student at Lewis University, where she studies Economics and Finance. The Cinco de Mayo Queen Election attracted leaders from throughout the area, including Congressmen Luis Gutierrez and Mike Quigley as well as local, county and state elected officials and leaders. The Mexican Civic Society’s mission is to honor and celebrate Mexican patriotic events and to promote and perpetuate the customs and traditions of Mexican heritage throughout Illinois. The Civic Society recently elected a new board and adopted a new governing structure. In the coming year, the Society will focus on the betterment of the Mexican community through civic and educational programs and will emphasize consistent outreach to the community to highlight its ongoing work and programs.