The Arkansas Latino Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 class of inductees.
The recognition honors individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and achievements have made a lasting impact on Arkansas and its Latino community, according to a press release.
The 2025 inductees are:
- Dr. Eddie Ochoa, pediatrician, community advocate, and tenured professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, recognized for advancing health equity and mentoring future medical professionals.
- Dr. Argelia Lorence, professor of metabolic engineering at Arkansas State University, honored for her internationally recognized scientific research, leadership in plant biosciences, and mentorship of underrepresented students.
- Al “Papa Rap” Lopez, award-winning songwriter and inspirational speaker, celebrated for more than 30 years of using bilingual music and arts education to foster cultural understanding and community engagement.
- University of Arkansas Cossatot, Arkansas’s first and only public Hispanic-Serving Institution, recognized for expanding access to higher education, workforce training, and student success in southwest Arkansas.
- LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in Arkansas, honored for decades of advocacy, civic engagement, and community empowerment.
- Familia Montes, founders of La Huerta restaurants, recognized for more than 32 years of entrepreneurial leadership, job creation, philanthropy, and service to communities across Arkansas and beyond.
“This year’s inductees reflect the strength, resilience, and leadership of the Latino community across Arkansas,” said Gina Gomez, executive director of Centro Hispano and board member of the Arkansas Latino Hall of Fame. “Their collective impact spans education, business, science, civil rights, and the arts and their stories continue to inspire future generations.”
The 2025 Arkansas Latino Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will be held March 6 at the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available at https://latinohof.org.
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