Honoring those who blazed their own trail

As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, here's a look at trailblazing suburban Hispanics who have achieved notable accomplishments in public service.

• Linda Chapa LaVia, 41, first Hispanic in the suburbs elected to the Illinois state legislature, 2003-present

Chapa LaVia, a fifth generation Mexican, grew up in Aurora and has a bachelor's degree in political science.

"It's pretty phenomenal, but I think in the Hispanic population, there are a lot of up-and-coming superstars to join the ranks to produce policy for the state at the municipal, state and federal level," she said. "If you don't have a vote or a voice, you can't accomplish much."

• Jo Ann Armenta, 56, first Hispanic female Illinois state trooper, 1979-2002

Armenta grew up in Chicago's Little Village; her grandparents were from Mexico. She lives in Elgin and has a master's degree in political science.

"At the time, I didn't think it was such a big deal. I have this mindset that says, if you really want to do something, you can do it. I just did something I wanted to do, despite all of the barriers," she said.

• Pat Perez, 50, first Hispanic sheriff for Kane County, 2006-present

Perez grew up in Aurora; one set of grandparents were from Mexico.

Perez lives in Sugar Grove and has a high school degree. "It feels very good that I've been able to make a positive impact on the entire community and especially the Hispanic community," he said.

• Joe Pena, 57, first Hispanic president of the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association, 2006

Pena grew up in Chicago; his father was from Mexico. He lives in East Dundee and has an associate's degree in criminal justice. He was the East Dundee police chief for 25 years.

"It was very rewarding. My dad always believed in hard work and letting it pay off, and I always tried to live up to those expectations," he said.

• Clem Mejia, 60, first Hispanic regional superintendent for the Kane County Regional Office of Education, 1992-2007

Mejia grew up in El Paso, Texas; his grandparents were from Mexico. He lives in Geneva and has Ph.D. in educational administration.

"I think those of our generation tried to just provide an example to the young people that something could be accomplished," he said. "We were the ones that said 'si se puede,' so hopefully the small things that we've done will be the foundation of what the young generation will do."

• Manuel Barbosa, 59, first Hispanic judge in Kane County, where he serves on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 1998- present

Born in Mexico, Barbosa grew up in Texas and Elgin. He lives in Elgin, and holds a law degree. He was also the first Hispanic assistant state's attorney in Kane County.

"Any position I have assumed has carried an element of pride and responsibility because it has involved a public trust and also because I sensed it would reflect on my community and the ability of Hispanics to serve in positions of considerable responsibility," he said.

• Juan Figueroa, 47, first Hispanic elected to the Elgin City Council, 2001-present

Figueroa grew up in Puerto Rico and moved to Elgin in 1992. He lives in Elgin and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.

"I see it as the greatest accomplishment of my life. The realization of the American dream after you struggle, learn a new language, buy your house and serve your community," he said. "A true testimony that the Elgin community is open to diversity. I feel blessed and honored."

• David Marquez, 38, first Hispanic elected to Aurora City Council, 2001-2005

Marquez grew up in Aurora; his parents are from Puerto Rico. He lives in Aurora, has a master's degree in education, and is working on a Ph.D. in education.

"It was a major accomplishment," he said. "For the first time the people had a voice in selecting the candidate. I think it helped pave the way for other Latinos to be elected within the Aurora area."

• Tony Figueroa, 62, first Hispanic elected to the Waukegan City Council, 1973-1977, 2001-present

Born in Puerto Rico, he grew up in Waukegan, where he lives. He has a master's degree in business administration.

"It's pretty gratifying that the community would put their support and backing behind me to re-elect me to such an important post," he said.

• Yolanda Campuzano, 40, first Hispanic elected to the DuPage County Board, 2002-present.

Campuzano grew up in the Chicago suburbs; her grandmother is from Mexico. She lives in Addison, has a high school degree and took trade school classes.

"It feels great, based on the population and district size I am the highest ranking Republican Hispanic elected in the state of Illinois," she said. "I want to send a message to the growing conservative Hispanic population in DuPage County: 'Register to vote, your voice is needed.'"

Suburban firsts

Piermaria Oddone, first Hispanic director of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, 2004-present

Donaldo Batiste, first Hispanic superintendent for Waukegan School District 60, 2006-present

Monica Silva and Christina Fonseca, first Hispanic trustees for Aurora Township, 2005-present

Sylvia Leonberger, 2006, first Hispanic elected to the Kane County Board, 2006-present

Marin Gonzalez, first Hispanic principal of East Aurora High School, 2004-06

National firsts

First Hispanic member of U.S. Congress: Joseph Marion Hernandez, Florida, 1822

First Hispanic U.S. representative: Romualdo Pacheco, California, 1876

First Hispanic U.S. senator: Octaviano Larrazolo, New Mexico, 1928

First Hispanic U.S. treasurer: Romana Acosta Bañuelos, 1971-74.

First Hispanic U.S. cabinet member: Lauro F. Cavazos, 1988-90, Secretary of Education.

First Hispanic U.S. Surgeon General: Antonia Coello Novello (also the first woman), 1990-93

First Hispanic U.S. Secretary of Transportation: Federico Peña, 1993

First Hispanic U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Henry Cisneros, 1993

First Hispanic U.S. Attorney General: Alberto Gonzales, 2005-2007

Source: infoplease.com