Honoring Palm Beach County's First Hispanic Leaders
Chief Antonio "Tony" Araujo began as West Palm Beach Chief of Police on Mar 03, 2025 after confirmation by the City Commission. Chief Araujo is not only the first Hispanic person to serve in this capacity, but is a nearly 43-year veteran with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Caridad G. Asensio (1931– Oct 31, 2011) was a Cuban-American migrant worker advocate. Ms. Asensio’s tireless efforts and decades of service culminated in the opening of the Caridad Health Clinic, the first clinic in South Florida to provide free health care for the needy farm workers and their children through volunteer services.
The Honorable Lourdes Casanova is the first Latina to be elected a Palm Beach County Judge, presiding over County Criminal Division KK1/KD in the 15th Circuit. Born in Cuba, Casanova was her class's valedictorian at Royal Palm Beach High School.
Joel G. Flores: the first Hispanic person elected to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners. He was also a two-time mayor of Greenacres, the first Hispanic person to hold this office as well. Flores is a decorated Army Combat Veteran and devoted family man.
Dr. Joaquín García: Cuban-born physician, activist, and founding member of the Hispanic Education Coalition, Dr. Joaquín García was known for his dedication to education and LGBTQ+ advocacy. In 2023, Palm Beach County honored his legacy by establishing Dr. Joaquín García High School, the first high school in the county named after a Hispanic community leader. Dr. García, who co-founded the Hispanic Education Coalition, passed away in December 2021.
Evelyn Hopkins serves as Corporate Counsel for Florida Crystals Corporation and was the first Hispanic person to serve as the Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. She is a first generation Cuban-American and was raised in Miami.
Geraldine Jaramillo of Colombian descent is a 25-year veteran of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Jaramillo has also been recognized as a community leader during Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting her role in public safety and as a role model for Hispanic women in leadership positions.
The Honorable Nancy Perez: the first Latina appointed to the bench in Palm Beach County in 1991. Retired Judge Nancy Perez is of Puerto Rican descent and one of 11 children, spending much of her early childhood on the "migrant train" with her family.
Julián Zaldivar: Born and raised in Mexico City, Julián Zaldivar won an academic scholarship at Florida State University, where he obtained his MBA in 2013. After graduating from FSU, Zaldivar moved to West Palm Beach to work for ESPN West Palm. He launched ESPN Deportes 760AM, the only Spanish-sports talk radio station in Palm Beach County.
