Conexión Américas’ Orgullo Hispano, or Hispanic Pride, Award recognizes unsung heroes in our community: Latino adults or young people who have been persistently working to better their immediate community –neighborhood, school, work place, nonprofit or civic organization. 

Every year we also recognize a non-Latino individual whose work, efforts or voice have promoted, in meaningful ways, the vision of a welcoming Nashville as an Amiga We Love.

This year we are proud to honor:

Jacqueline Herrera, Advising and Retention Specialist at Christian Brothers University. A young DACA recipient herself, Jackie has dedicated her professional career to advocating for undocumented youth in Tennessee. 

Ana Ludi, Care Coordinator at the Sumner County Health Department. Ana is a tireless supporter of the Latino community in Sumner County by providing a range of services including support of pregnant women, developmental assessments for children, and access to resources for housing, food, and care for Children & Youth with Special Healthcare.

Sandra Sepúlveda, Council Member for District 30. Nashville’s youngest and first Latina council member, Sandra has worked hard to ensure her constituents, and the immigrant community in Nashville receive the resources they need during the pandemic.

Molly Hegwood, Executive Director of English Learners at Metro Nashville Public Schools, has worked with more than 15,000 active English learners from over 135 countries of origin speaking 145 languages. For her work promoting the vision of a welcoming Nashville and Tennessee where Latinos, and all immigrants, are embraced as integral members of our communities, we recognize Molly as this year’s Amiga We Love.