I was a writer and an editor for The Gazette for 32 years and, during my later tenure there, they hired a new reporter named Lou Gonzales.
Though approaching middle age, she was a new hand at the job. She had put off pursuing her dream of getting a degree and becoming a writer until her family was grown.
Lou was an excellent writer and a master storyteller, so they eventually gave her a column of her own. Through her writing, she became a champion for others. Late in life, she finally got to shine at what she did best.
Through her writing, she became a champion for others.
She found her voice.
Tragically, in 2003, my sweet friend died shortly after being diagnosed with ALS – also called Lou Gehrig’s disease.
In her memory, one of her professors, the late Dr. Alex Blackburn, compiled a collection of her best writing and UCCS produced a book, “Gifts from the Heart,” (which is now out of print, unfortunately). UCCS published it.
Fourteen years ago, to showcase that book and to honor her unique voice, I proposed that the Friends of the Library do a program honoring her talent, and that of other Latinas, too. I knew there were many other gifted Latinas out there, because she had told me so!
With a few dedicated volunteers, we have presented Latina Voices every year, except once during the pandemic, ever since. Although the Friends cut it from their annual events last year, the Pikes Peak Library District has elected to keep the event alive.
Over the years, we have featured poets, dancers, authors, artists, singers, musicians and Latinas in successful careers ranging from teaching to museum curators to the military.
In the spirit of Lou Gonzales, I hope it inspires others to find their own voices, too.
Latina Voices celebrates successful women
The 13th annual Latina Voices program will celebrate the talents and achievements of Latinas in the Pikes Peak region.
The free event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 21 at Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Maj. Gen. Linda Urrutia-Varhall, a native of Pueblo who graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and went on to become the first Latina two-star general in the U.S. Air Force.
Among other accomplishments, Urrutia-Varhall served three secretaries of defense and the director of national intelligence, advising cabinet-level officials, intelligence officers, national intelligence agencies, Congress and the White House on aligning objectives, developing and executing strategies and policies, and diplomacy initiatives.
Also presenting will be Rubba Ahram, a dedicated public health advocate with 14 years of experience in healthcare, behavioral health, quality improvement and leadership.
With Colombian and Middle Eastern heritage, Ahram is deeply committed to serving the Latino, immigrant and underserved populations. As a public health planner for El Paso County, Ahram plays a driving role in fostering community partnerships and promoting community health improvement locally.
In addition, there will be a performance by Ritmo y Sabor Hispano, a folklorico dance group comprised of 20 students from Harrison High School.
According to Director Marcia Bates and co-sponsor Sophia Alberico, “through dance, our group can promote empathy, cooperation and the ability to share with others culture, traditions and the affirmation of ethnic identity.”
Coffee and pastries will be served. The event is sponsored by Harrison School District 2 and the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Pikes Peak Library District.