Caroline Villanueva, the South Florida External Affairs Director for Florida Crystals, has spent the past fifteen years leading impactful initiatives in policy, economic development, and community engagement.

One of her most meaningful efforts includes creating a retiree appreciation program that honors the dedication and contributions of longtime employees. With degrees from the University of Miami and Carnegie Mellon University, Caroline brings a strong background in public policy, land development, and civic leadership, actively serving on several nonprofit and community boards.

Recognized as a Hispanic Woman of Distinction and a Young Professional ATHENA Award recipient, she is also a dedicated mentor, proud wife, and mother who cherishes her Peruvian heritage.

2025 Heritage Honoree recognized by Mayor Keith A. James. 

We are proud to recognize Claudia Mendoza — a trailblazing architect, entrepreneur, and advocate for the Hispanic community. As the owner and qualifier of I.Q. Constructions, Inc., founded in 2002, and a proud alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and ICIC programs, Claudia has created a lasting impact through both business and community leadership.

She also co-founded Latinos Leadership Alliance and Unidas/United PBC, and she serves on several boards, including the Palm Beach County Zoning Commission and Mounts Botanical Garden. As the host of her own radio show Tiempo Real con Claudia Mendoza, she continues to amplify Hispanic voices and champion unity, progress, and representation in Palm Beach County.

2025 Heritage Honoree recognized by Commission President Christina Lambert.

Rick Gonzalez, AIA, is a nationally recognized architect with over four decades of experience shaping landmark projects across Florida. Holding dual architecture degrees from the Catholic University of America and completing additional studies in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Miami-Dade College, Rick blends global perspective with deep local expertise.

A recognized authority in historic preservation, Rick provides expert testimony, consulting, and policy guidance that influence key decisions across sectors. His award-winning designs have shaped Palm Beach County’s architectural standards and are featured in the Florida CNU Guidebook and ULI Land Development Handbook. He serves as a Member Trustee Emeritus of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and has held appointments to the Florida Historical Commission, the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. In 2020, he received the Palm Beach AIA Gold Medal, the region’s highest honor for design excellence.

2025 Heritage Honoree recognized by Commissioner Joseph Peduzzi.

Michelle Oyola McGovern serves as Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Comcast, leading the Government Affairs team for the Florida Region. She builds strong partnerships with local officials and community leaders across Florida, as well as parts of southeastern Georgia and Alabama, helping shape the future through strategic collaboration.

Before joining Comcast, Michelle served as Government Affairs Director at Baptist Health South Florida and as State Director to U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, making a lasting impact on healthcare and public policy.

A proud Florida native and FAU graduate, she is a dynamic leader with deep ties to Palm Beach County, serving on numerous boards including the Palm Beach County Commission on Women, Pace Center for Girls, and the Business Development Board. Michelle's dedication to both business and nonprofit work has earned her widespread recognition. She and her husband, Wellington Councilman John McGovern, are raising two daughters while continuing to serve their community with purpose and passion.

2025 Heritage Honoree recognized by Commissioner Christy Fox.

Estrella Parada, born in Santa Eugenia de Ribeira, La Coruna, Spain, earned a master’s degree in English and foreign languages before moving to California with her husband Jeff Harrington, where she worked as a teacher and later became a teacher's coach and a Reading Recovery expert.

In 2006, she and her husband relocated to Florida, where she helped open and manage Harrington Legal Alliance, developing a deep understanding of the challenges small business owners face. Alongside this, she pursued real estate with EPG Homes, LLC and launched several ventures, including Space Connect — a work-lounge dedicated to supporting small businesses with education and resources. Through her work, Estrella is committed to helping others grow and succeed.

2025 Heritage Honoree recognized by Commissioner Cathleen Ward.

Fifty-seven years ago, a 23-year-old priest from Ireland, Father Frank O’Loughlin, arrived in South Florida and began a lifelong commitment to human rights advocacy —especially for immigrants fleeing persecution, violence, and poverty in Central America.

Early in his ministry, Father Frank worked alongside civil rights leader César Chávez in Miami, organizing farmworkers for fair wages and better conditions. He later founded a congregation at Holy Cross Church in Indiantown and, in 1980, co-founded Hope Rural School to serve children of migrant families, championing education as a pathway to opportunity. In 1992, he established the Guatemalan-Maya Center in Lake Worth Beach, which now provides food, housing, and legal support to immigrant families from around the world.

Father Frank also leads the Migration and Refugee Service of the Archdiocese of Palm Beach and helped develop the CORN-Maya Project, an initiative rooted in the culture and values of the Maya people. For nearly six decades, he has been a steadfast advocate for justice, dignity, and opportunity for some of the most vulnerable populations.

2025 Heritage Honoree recognized by Commissioner Shalonda Warren.

A Northwood Village dance studio is developing the talents of local students, many from underserved communities, giving them the confidence that will last a lifetime. Called Soul Movement, instructors encourage young people to be creative and focused, not only in their dancing, but in all aspects of life.

Northwood Village dance studio video.

Thank you to all those who participated and came out to support our 7th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & 5K Walk/Run. Hosted by the West Palm Beach Fire and Police Departments, participants climbed the equivalent of 110 stories, symbolizing the heroic ascent of first responders at the World Trade Center.

Proceeds from this event support the Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) and Operation 300, supporting children battling cancer and children of fallen military heroes.

Among the hundreds of people who attended this year were New York City Firefighter Miguel Caceres and his brother, West Palm Beach Police Officer Nelson Caceres.

As children living in Queens, just miles from the ground zero epicenter, they witnessed the world change that day.

"Once we realized what happened, it's a horrible feeling, especially in your home city." — WPB Police Officer Nelson Caceres

Watch the full WPB-TV video here. 

From the ground up, we’ve grown into something truly special! The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is BACK starting Saturday, October 4 — with 150 vendors and an extended season through May 30!

8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Mark your calendars for our Hispanic Heritage Community Celebration on October 10. This event will be filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Hispanic culture!

Admission is free — everyone is welcome! This event is produced in collaboration with the Mandel Public Library and the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority.

Date: October 10, 2025

Time: 7 – 10 p.m.

Location: City Hall Courtyard | 401 Clematis Street

Clematis by Night: 9/18 @ 6 p.m.
Clematis by Night Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month!

Sunday on the Waterfront: 9/21 @ 4 p.m. 
Mischief

West Palm Beach GreenMarket: 10/4 @ 8:30 a.m.

Learn more about City Events! 

Explore expansive wetlands featuring native wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and more. Hiking, paddling, and programming available with a reservation! Please call the Nature Center at (561) 804-4985 (TTY: 800-955-8771) to RSVP. View the calendar. Purchase Grassy Waters' NEW Children's book "Sam the Snail Kite and the Secret of the Everglades"! 

Enjoy four floors of books, programs, exciting tech, and more! There's something for everyone. Sign up for the library's newsletter! | View the calendar. 

Explore Hispanic Heritage Month programs at the Mandel Public Library! There are programs available for all ages. 

Join the Collection Connection art program! 

Participate in initiatives and events that reflect the City's mission to provide a healthy, equitable, environmentally progressive, resilient, and ecologically sustainable community for all!  

Home Improvement Program 9/20 @ 10 a.m. | Pleasant City Community Center | Registration required! 

Native Tree Giveaway 9/27 @ 9 a.m. | Howard Park Softball Parking Lot (parking lot pick-up!) | Registration is encouraged!