Mexican American Latina Education Exec Making an Impact
Patricia Trejo, 2022 Hispanic Woman of Distinction, Administrative Program Planner for Hispanic/Latino Studies, School District of Palm Beach County
“Hispanic women are change agents that lead with pasión (passion) y (and) corazón (heart). They are resilient guerreras (warriors) who know how to persevere through unprecedented times.”
If experience is indeed the best teacher, then Patricia Trejo is uniquely qualified for her position as the Administrative Program Planner for Hispanic/Latino Studies for the Palm Beach County School District.
A daughter of Mexican migrant farm workers who traveled seasonally, Patricia was constantly transferring from school to school wherever her parents relocated. Unable to speak English and going to schools where teachers were unable to effectively communicate with her, made it difficult for her to gain the academic support that she needed. However, through her remarkable strength and ability to adapt to her environment, Patricia was able to excel and graduate twelfth in her senior class with high honors.
Patricia has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida with a minor in mass communications. Her master’s degree is in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, where she is also working on her Ed.D. degree in educational leadership. With 24-years in public education, Patricia has served as a teacher, learning team facilitator, assistant principal, and principal. She is currently a Program Planner for Hispanic/Latino Studies where she helps to infuse Hispanic/Latino history and culture into the curriculum and instruction per the FL mandate 1003.42 (p).
As the President for the Florida Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (FL-ALAS), Patricia is working throughout the state and nationally to ensure that all students, with a particular emphasis on Hispanic/Latino youth, are having equal and equitable educational learning experiences. She also works to build pathways to leadership and provides professional development. Patricia serves as a co-facilitator for the National Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), Linking Latina Leaders Network. She is a graduate of the ALAS Superintendent’s Leadership Academy
Among her many tributes, Patricia’s work was honored with the 2021 ALAS $10,000 scholarship, the FL-ALAS “Wings of Inspiration” award, and the Triunfo Education Award by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce-Palm Beach County.
Her community involvement includes being a member of the Hispanic Education Coalition of Palm Beach County, committee member for the LatinQuarter of West Palm Beach and member of the Horace Mann League of the USA.
Married to her husband Jose Andres Rodriguez, an attorney, for more than 20 years, they are the proud parents of three children. The family loves spending time together in when not serving their community.
21st Anniversary of Hispanic Women of Distinction set for August 26, 2022
The annual celebration of Community, Culture and Charity honors Latinas in South Florida, past and present.
The 21st annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity luncheon to be held on Friday, August 26th, 2022, at Signature Grand in Davie, Florida is anticipating another sell-out of up to 1000 guests paying tribute to Latina professionals who are strengthening the social fabric of this country and making inroads in the leadership pipeline for a growingly diverse America.
Founded in 2001 by the late Erwin M.Vasquez, M.D., a Venezuelan-born cardiologist, philanthropist and publisher of the pioneer Spanish newspaper, El Heraldo de Broward, the goal was to help to empower Latinas and to recognize the influence they have in the South Florida community. These Latinas, both past and present, are not afraid to dream big, to carve their own paths, to be grateful for the opportunities they have received, and to pay it forward to those who will follow.
The 2022 Honorees are:
- ODALYS AREVALO – co-founder, Las Madrinas de Los Seguros, managing partner Sunshine Life & Health Advisors.
- ALEXANDRIA AYALA – School Board Member, Palm Beach County
- DUNIA CUNEO – Owner, Doral Human Resources Consulting
- SYLVIA DAUNERT, PhD, PharmD, MS – Lucille P. Markey Chair and Professor, Dept. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine
- JESSICA JOSEPH – Manager. Philanthropy/Public Relations, Catholic Hospice, Inc.
- NAELYS LUNA- Ph.D., MSW – Founding Dean & Professor, College of Social Work & Criminal Justice – Florida Atlantic University Work & Criminal Justice – Florida Atlantic University
- AYENZA A. MATTHEWS – Wellness Director, Heal the Planet
- MONICA PAYARES-LIZANO, M.D. – Pediatric, Orthopedic Surgeon, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
- SUSY DIAZ PIESCO – Exec.Director Middle School of the Arts Foundation, City Councilwoman Greenacres City
- KARINA de OLIVEIRA RODRIGUES – Assistant County Attorney, Broward County Attorneys Office
- VANESSA SELTZER – Director of Philanthropy, Arc Broward
- PATRICIA TREJO – Adm. Program Planner Hispanic/Latino Studies, Palm Beach County School District, FL-ALAS President
2022 LATINA PIONEER of the YEAR
ANA VEIGAMILTON – President, José Milton Foundation, Chair of Jackson Health Foundation, UM Trustee and President of the Citizens Board, lawyer and engineer, committed to impactful philanthropy and community engagement throughout South Florida. Family Values • Community-Wide
UP & COMER HONOREE
ARLETTE GOMEZ – Third year law student at NSU, Shepard Broad College of Law, Dean’s list with awards for outstanding service. Cuban born, this young woman is active on numerous community boards, and NSU’s President’s 64 Member, whose purpose is to strengthen the relationship with the community.
JOIN US on August 26th to honor these fantastic women! Tickets $95 per person, table sponsorship $1500. For more information email: hispanicwomenlunch@aol.com. www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.com
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