2008 Mayor's International Award Winners

The Mayor’s International Awards were created in 2004 to honor organizations and individuals for outstanding contributions to Louisville’s multicultural community through leadership, education, community relations and workforce diversity.

Mayor’s International Award for Lifetime Achievement

Former Congressman Romano L. Mazzoli has become a nationally-renowned authority on immigration issues through his distinguished career as a public servant. During his tenure in Congress, he exercised strong leadership in the national arenas of immigration reform, promoting immigration as critically important to our national identity and economy and deserving of public policy attention. After leaving Congress, Mazzoli continued to be actively involved in heightening public discourse and awareness of immigration issues.

Business Winner – Award Partnered by Greater Louisville Inc.

Caffe Classico, a European-style coffeehouse, restaurant and performance venue, has established itself as a landmark in the community. It has made a strong commitment to the promotion of diversity and internationalism, from diversity-driven hiring practices to providing diverse international entertainment. Caffe Classico plays a critical role in fostering understanding between cultures and builds bridges in the community through a successful blend of quality international products, service and community-driven vision.

Education Winner – Award Partnered by Bellarmine University

Jefferson Community and Technical College (with special recognition to the ESL Department) is a vital community partner in providing a bridge to higher education for many immigrant students needing a wider range of academic, cultural and financial support to succeed. With strong support from the offices of the president, student affairs and the English as a Second Language, JCTC represents a superior dedication to the advancement of high educational goals for our immigrant and refugee populations.

Individual Winner

Miguel Lagunas has personally exemplified a sincere long-term commitment to community volunteerism and service to Louisville’s international community. As the co-founder of the Latin American Club, the Hispanic Latino Coalition and a member of the Board of Directors for Adelante Hispanic Achievers and Arcoiris Latino, Lagunas has worked tirelessly on many critical issues facing our Hispanic-Latino and immigrant communities. Lagunas has also donated extensive time and talent to the Louisville Metro Police Department, as well as co-hosting a weekly radio program on La Caliente radio.

Non Profit Winner – Award Partnered by The Center for Non Profit Excellence

The University of Louisville Division of General Pediatrics has taken a leading role in providing culturally-competent, superior-quality healthcare to Louisville’s increasingly diverse international population, significantly advancing the overall welfare of our immigrant community. Through the facilitation of communication and access to primary care, a multicultural focus in the education and training of physicians, the recruitment of diverse, multi-lingual staff and a commitment to public education, they have greatly improved the provision of primary care treatment to our immigrant community.

The 2008 Mayor's Awards are sponsored by Middleton Reutlinger

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