Ramona Rayes

During the last century when there were open borders and we needed many strong backs to farm our lands, build our railroads, and work our mills, our ancestors came to fill the need and contribute to this country’s growth. Even today there are examples of immigrants who are making a major contribution to our society.

Millions of our immigrant ancestors, who have been here for several years, raised families, and contributed to their communities, have shaped the United States and have imagined their children’s success. Their dreams for their children start with their observations: a child’s interest in cars provides us with a vision of a future engineer; viewing a girl’s drawings in a notebook or a dance performance leads to the proclamation, “my daughter the artist!” and with witnessing a son nurture a bird that has fallen out it’s nest back to health, we see a future veterinarian.

This edition is a continuation of the great story about the men and women who came before us, worked hard and made sacrifices so that we would be able to pass on greater opportunities for success to the next generation. There continues to be an increased number of thriving Latinos, from entrepreneurs to politicians, doctors to lawyers, educators to civic leaders, and clergy to athletes.

This fourth edition of Who’s Who In Latino Columbus® – “Keeping Traditions” highlights the pride and joy our ancestors have instilled in us from foods such as, arroz con pollo, tortillas and lechón to dances like cumbias and salsa. The people featured in this edition have prevailed despite tremendous obstacles.

You will also note how our community is giving back as stated by our foreword writer, Henry Guzman, by providing life-saving blood to all Americans during Hispanic Heritage Month. We add value to the history of Columbus with these encouraging stories that we can share with future generations. Those of us who have lived as I’ve always lived: “do a job so well that when you’re not present there is no question as to who did it,” will give future generations the opportunity and ability to stand out in their fields, earn our support, and become productive citizens.

This book is dedicated to the next generation of Rodriguez’s, Alcaldes, Guzmans, Arriagas, Williams, and Reyes. Our nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, children, and especially my nieces Mayte and Esperanza, will be proud of their Latino heritage. Please share this book and these stories to help them and realize there are so many opportunities that exist. So when my Godsons, Antonio and Trevon, along with their brothers, Eric and Justin, believe that with hard work, a good education, determination, God, and family that all is achievable, we’ve done our job. If you ever need to remember or learn who you are there is no need to look too far. Look for it in your parents, grandparents, and in books like this.

Let’s continue to make Columbus one of the best places to live, work and raise a family.

Con todo mi cariño,

Ramona R. Reyes