Back row (L to R) Honorees Stan Rodriguez, Azim Khamisa, Daniel Hoang, KPBS General Manager Tom Karlo; honorees Enrique Morones, Andre Jones, Aaron Wooten; middle row (L to R) honorees Christine Kehoe, Karemi Alvarez, Robin Rady, Starla Lewis, Union Bank Managing Director and Regional President Robbin Narike Preciado, honorees Virginia Gordon, Dr. Gail R. Knight; front row seated (L to R) honorees Cynthia Jones, William Stothers, Vickie Gambala, and Shara Fisler. Photo: Melissa Jacobs
SAN DIEGO–As part of its ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and responsible banking, Union Bank, joined KPBS to honor 18 inspirational individuals at the 18th annual Local Heroes celebration.
The honorees were recognized as part of the 2015 Local Heroes program, which pays tribute to exemplary leaders who are making a difference and enriching the lives of others by improving their community, region and the world at large. The year-long celebration of diversity culminated with a ceremony and reception held at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla on December 2.
During the ceremony, the following 2015 Local Heroes were recognized: Gail Knight, MD, Andre Jones and Aaron Wooten (Black History Month); Starla Lewis and Shara Fisler (Women’s History Month); Robin Rady and Virginia Gordon (Jewish American Heritage Month); Azim Khamisa and Daniel Hoang (Asian Pacific American Heritage Month); Terry Cunningham and Christine Kehoe (LGBT Pride Month); Karemi Alvarez and Enrique Morones (Hispanic Heritage Month); Cynthia Jones, William Stothers and Stephan Wampler (Disability Awareness Month); and Stan Rodriguez and Vickie Gambala (American Indian Heritage Month).
“Union Bank in partnership with KPBS is proud to pay tribute to San Diego’s 2015 Local Heroes who exemplify leadership and community service and uphold our goals of giving back to the community,” said Union Bank Pierre P. Habis, Head of Retail Banking and Enterprise Marketing. “With a deep sense of commitment to diversity, we honor these community leaders and the great work they do to make San Diego a better place for all.”
“Meeting these amazing local heroes and learning about their achievements has been an honor and a pleasure,” said KPBS General Manager Tom Karlo. “These are the stories you don’t often hear about, and through our partnership with Union Bank, we have created a platform to let people know about the good works going on right here at home.”
KPBS features a wide range of programming throughout the respective commemorative heritage months.
For more information or to nominate a future local hero, visit kpbs.org/heroes or unionbank.com/heroes.
