On Thursday, May 4, 2023, D2 Center Youth Academic Navigator (YAN) Evelia Gutiérrez was honored during a special presentation at the Metro Community College (MCC) Cinco de Mayo celebration.
After music from Los Nobles, lunch from La Mesa Restaurant, and keynote address from Hector Balderas, J.D., President, Northern New Mexico College, it was award time. Other D2 Center staff were in on the surprise, but Evelia was unsuspecting.
MCC Associate Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Cynthia Gooch-Grayson, Ph.D., began describing the as-yet-unnamed awardee’s personal, educational, and career history, as well as her community accomplishments. Evelia’s expression of puzzlement (“that sounds like me…”) very slowly turned into recognition, and finally her name was officially announced.
Evelia’s award reads:
“Metropolitan Community College salutes Evelia Gutiérrez, honoring your courageous, enthusiastic commitment, heartfelt engagement, and belief in others that effects meaningful change throughout the community.”
As a huge bonus, we also got to see YAN Abraham Gómez Meza perform traditional Mexican dances with the Hispanic Arts Center of Omaha.
Congratulations, Evelia! You deserve it and we are proud to know you.
Special thanks to Barbara J. Velázquez, Coordinator of International/Intercultural Education at MCC, for including the D2 Center in this wonderful celebration.
Evelia Gutiérrez and her award
Evelia with presenters Randy Schmailzl, President of MCC, and Dr. Cynthia Gooch-Grayson, MCC Associate Vice President for Equity and Inclusion
Evelia with D2 Center staff, including Abraham Gómez Meza in traditional Mexican dance costume
Hispanic Arts Center of Omaha traditional Mexican dancers, including Abraham
Thanks to YAN Olga Yaneth Mares for the great photos!