The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Wednesday that Randy Lopez, Program Officer for the Wyandotte Health Foundation in Kansas City, Kansas, has been named the recipient of the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award for 2018. The Chiefs, along with Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, will honor him during a pregame ceremony on the field at the team's home opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
The NFL and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation have partnered for the eighth annual NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards during the 2018 celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The awards recognize the contributions of Hispanic leaders in each NFL market.
In his position with the Wyandotte Health Foundation, Lopez works to improve the lives of Wyandotte County residents by focusing on health, education, equity and justice. He also serves on the Board of the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund, whose mission includes advancing the quality of life of Latino families in Kansas City through philanthropy, grantmaking and scholarship support. Born to immigrant parents, Lopez's dedication to family and the Hispanic community reflect his upbringing and values. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Lopez holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from Rockhurst University and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College through the National Urban Fellows Program in New York City.
As part of the award, each recipient selects an organization of their choice that serves the local Hispanic community to receive a $2,000 donation. This year, Lopez has chosen the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund to receive the donation.
Established by the White House in 1987, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is an award-winning nonprofit organization that identifies, inspires, prepares and positions Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America's priorities. Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) focused on assisting "a Latino to help hundreds more" through a unique cycle of leadership built on a high-profile, year-round continuum of sustainable programs including the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards, Latinos On Fast Track, Hispanic Heritage Awards and Public Awareness Campaigns. The Hispanic Heritage Foundation promotes cultural pride, accomplishment and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions.
Previously, Pedro Zamora (2017), Mayra Aguirre (2016), Irene Caudillo (2015), David Chavez (2014), Juan Sepúlveda (2013), Ramón Murguía (2012) and CiCi Rojas (2011) have been recognized as the Chiefs local NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award winners.
