Through Hispanic Heritage Month, Virginia.gov's spotlight celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of individuals who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. Meet some of these noteworthy Virginians!
The Chairman
Lyons Sanchezconcha serves as the graduation coach at Huguenot High School in Richmond Public Schools. Having previously served in roles in college access, student-athlete advising, restorative practices, and as a classroom teacher, Lyons is passionate about expanding opportunities to students and families in Richmond, and across Virginia.
The Ambassador of Dance and Culture
The joy and beauty of South American dance and culture has become a part of Richmond and Virginia's culture thanks to the work of Ana Ines Barragan King.
One of the Library of Virginia's Women in History honorees, King is a native of Columbia, South America who learned dance from her mother at a young age. She moved to Richmond and VCU after marriage, and in 1997 established the Latin Ballet of Virginia.
The Activist
Born in Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico, Providencia "Provi" Velazquez Gonzalez moved to New York in 1934 in order to continue nursing studies. On a visit to her former island home, she became dismayed at the lack of resources doctors had to treat cancer patients. After returning to New York, she organized a Latino marathon that raised $20,000 for Corazones Contra El Cancer (Hearts against Cancer), which donated the funds to a hospital in Puerto Rico for oncology research and treatment.
Civil Rights and Reform
Brought to the United States as a child, she earned a master's degree in conflict transformation from Eastern Mennonite University and received an honorary doctorate from the University of San Francisco for her advocacy work on behalf of immigrants' rights.
Community Leadership and Philanthropy
After coming to the United States to join her husband, she is now raising their children as a single parent on the Eastern Shore. In addition to working as a cleaner in a poultry processing plant, she serves on the board of Dos Santos, which provides a range of community services, primarily to Latino families.
Science and Medicine
Raised on his family's farm in El Salvador, he came to the United States to study agriculture. He is currently a graduate student in plant pathology at Virginia Tech's Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Painter, Virginia.
