Honoring Palm Beach County's First Hispanic Leaders
Ronald V. Álvarez is a Circuit Court Judge. Appointed in 1993 and listed among the judicial “firsts,” he was the first Hispanic male appointed to the Circuit Court bench in the 15th Judicial Circuit.
Maria S. Antuña was born in Matanzas, Cuba. She was elected to Seat 4 in 2024, becoming the first-ever Hispanic member of the Village of Wellington Council.
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.
Susy Díaz, a Palm Beach County native and first-generation American, was elected to the Greenacres City Council in March 2022. With a strong background in political and social sciences, she has dedicated nearly three decades to serving her community.
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.
Claudia Ruíz Levy has been recognized as “Latina Entrepreneur of the Year” in Palm Beach County. The Colombian-born advertising professional founded CRL Media, which specializes in marketing solutions for multicultural audiences.
Jaene Miranda is the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and a recognized Latina leader. Honored as a Hispanic Woman of Distinction for community leadership, she heads a major youth nonprofit in the county.
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.
Orlando Puyol is a civic leader who was elected to local municipal office in 2024. He is active in Hispanic civic engagement efforts in the county.
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.