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Stratford's Robert Isquierdo and others honored by Rep. Cox in first-ever Latino Inspire Awards
Of the 10 individuals to receive Inspire awards, three are from Kings County. In addition to Isquierdo, Cox on Saturday (Oct. 19) honored two other Kings County residents, including Alvaro Preciado, from Avenal and Alicia Jacobo, of Kettleman City.
Cox made his announcement on the final day of Hispanic Heritage Month. Included in the honors were three organizations: The United Farm Workers Foundation, the California Farmworker Foundation, and the Central Valley Scholars.
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Cox recognized the award winners at the Latino Inspire Award Reception held on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11:30 a.m. at Selma City Hall, 1710 Tucker Street.
“Latino communities have long shaped American traditions and culture,” said Cox. “From serving in our armed forces to starting small businesses, leading labor movements, and shaping our arts and culture, the Latino community plays a pivotal role in molding our nation. It’s my honor to recognize just a few of the exceptional people from the Latino community in the 21st Congressional District of California.”
Isquierdo is well known in Kings County, primarily as one of the founders of Reestablishing Stratford and for his ongoing work to bring positive events, resources, and services to the town’s many residents.
"I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent the community of Stratford and Kings County at the Inspire awards as a representative for everyone who has sacrificed their time, energy, and resources to make Stratford and Kings County a better place,” said Isquierdo of the Oct. 16 announcement.
“This has been in no way a one-person accomplishment,” he continued. “Thank you to T.J. Cox for making Stratford and Kings County a priority. I am very grateful for the members of Reestablishing Stratford, the Central School district, the residents of Stratford, and all the community-based city and county organizations and leaders that have supported our endeavors throughout the years."
Reestablishing Stratford is the brainchild of Stratford residents Isquierdo and Ramon Chavez, both of whom saw a bright future ahead for their tiny community.
The two, and several others from Stratford, including a local pastor, Treasurer Ray Avina, and board Secretary Mayra Martinez, make up the governing board of the 501 c 3 non-profit organization, and they hope to bring change to their small town and to change its image.
The overriding goal of this group of committed citizens is to bring respectability to their town through its newfound mission: To break the cycle of negative activities associated with rural, small-town living by offering positive alternative activities and services that inspire hope.
Isquierdo, a Hanford teacher, was inspired by Chavez, whom he saw building a basketball court in an abandoned building for local youth to use. He thought more could be done to improve the lives of Stratford residents. He approached Chavez and told him how much he respected what he was doing. “Let’s start an organization together,” he told Chavez.
Recipients of the 2019 Latino Inspire Award
Flor Medina – Mendota, CA
Magdalena Gomez- Parlier, CA
Dino Perez – Mendota, CA
Aidee Cardenas – Bakersfield, CA
Valerie Gorospe- Earlimart, CA
Reyna Olganuez – Bakersfield, CA
Robert Isquierdo – Stratford, CA
Abigail Solis- Earlimart, CA
Alicia Jacobo – Kettleman City, CA
Alvaro Preciado- Avenal, CA
The U.F.W. Foundation
The California Farmworker Foundation
The Central Valley Scholars
