The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, under the leadership of Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, hosted a Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month celebration. The program honored individuals of Hispanic and Latine descent in public service and organizations that support the residents of Cook County every day. During the ceremony, Clerk Spyropoulos presented the Office’s Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month Leadership Awards to the Honorable David Cerda, Cook County’s first Latino judge, who retired from the bench in 2002; Honorable Lisette Mojica, president of the Illinois Judges Association and associate judge of the Domestic Violence Division; the Little Village Chamber of Commerce; the National Museum of Mexican Art; and Frank Munoz and Luz Pagan, Clerk’s Office employees recognized for their years of dedicated service. Lauren Scafidi, Fox 32 Achor, served as emcee, and Illinois Latino Judges Association President and Cook County Associate Judge Lisette Mojica delivered keynote remarks. The program also featured a performance by Rosalba Valdez, a Mexican-American singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice, bilingual music and vibrant Latin sound. Refreshments were provided by Mi Tierra, La Bomba, Humita Express, Pan y Pizza Pa’ Ya and the Office’s Hispanic and Latine Heritage Committee.

Photo Credit: Office of Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos