by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)
The Arkansas Latino Hall of Fame (ALHOF) revealed the names of its inaugural class of inductees — four individuals and one organization – that have made significant contributions to the state and their respective fields.
The inductees, who will be honored at the inaugural ceremony on Thursday, October 24th, at Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock, are Andre Guerrero, Ph.D., Roberto Martinez, Fabricio Medina-Bolivar, Ph.D., Lisette Yang, and El Centro Hispano.
Roberto Martinez -UA Cossatot Image
Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez, a resident of Sevier County, Ark., has been realizing his dreams since moving from Chicago in 1980. Inspired by Arkansas’ “Land of Opportunity” slogan, he settled between Horatio and De Queen, embracing a dramatic lifestyle change from city to rural life. Martinez faced challenges, including establishing credit and credibility, but his perseverance led to significant achievements in agriculture. In 1987, his family was honored as the Sevier County Farm Family of the Year, and later that year, they won the district title. Martinez’s success inspired many, and today, Sevier County boasts the highest number of Latino farmers in Arkansas. Martinez brings valuable insights into agriculture and regional industry to the many boards he has served and is currently serving on the Little Rock Federal Reserve Board of Directors, University of Arkansas Cossatot Board of Visitors, and Christus St. Michael Hospital. Martinez also owns Rancho La Esperanza and serves on the Board of Visitors for Cossatot Community College, the Arkansas Farm Bureau, and the Sevier County Farm Service Agency.