ILLINOIS (WCIA) — State Comptroller Susana Mendoza honored three Illinois community leaders at a ceremony for Hispanic Heritage Month on Monday.

The leaders recognized are a Vice President from Richland Community College, the Peoria Police Chief, and a village worker near St. Louis. These honorees highlighted the stress stemming from discrimination faced by many Hispanic individuals and the crucial role of supporting the success of other Hispanic leaders.

“To me, Hispanic heritage is a time for both celebration and reflection on our history, our strengths, and our collective responsibility to honor past generations and the values that have shaped our community,” stated Isaac Zúñiga, Executive Vice President of Academics and Student Success at Richland Community College.

Mendoza is the first Hispanic woman elected to statewide office in Illinois history.