On April 7, Carmen Rivera, director of St. Augustine College’s campus in the West Town and Little Village areas of Chicago, was honored with the Imagen Foundation’s Latina Leader Award. Congressman Luis Gutiérrez nominated Rivera for this award, which was created to recognize Latinas who are committed to the betterment of the Latino community.

Rivera came to the Chicago area as a single mother and continued her education at SAC where she earned a degree in Psychology and later became Director of SAC’s West Town and Little Village campuses, where she motivated, inspired and helped thousands of Latinos to reach success through education. “I want to thank Congressman Gutiérrez and his staff for this recognition that I dedicate to all the women who work and sacrifice themselves to reach de American dream for them and their families,” said Rivera.

Congressman Gutierrez highlighted the qualities of Rivera and stated that she is “a woman who always sees the success of others never with jealousy or envy, but with joy.” This award was given in the Capitol building in Washington D.C., with the participation of U.S. Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis.