The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) has named Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bárbara Rivera Holmes as one of the “50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia.”

“My Spanish language and Hispanic culture are embedded into my identity. My personal and professional drive, perspective and courage have been shaped by my heritage, by my family’s journey from Cuba to America, and by my own integration from Puerto Rico to the continental United States,” said Rivera Holmes. “The Georgia Hispanic Chamber's '50 Most Influential Latinos' awards recognize character, competency and impact, and shines a light on

the Hispanic influence on our communities and our state. I am humbled and agradecida to be included among the honorees.”

The recognition was made at the Georgia Hispanic Chamber's 50 Most Influential Latinos ceremony at Truist Park in Atlanta.

“Our awards recognition is a celebration of our community's impact and contribution to our great state,” said Veronica Maldonado-Torres, GHCC President and CEO. “It serves as a reminder on how each of us has the potential to change the narrative and leave a legacy for those that follow. “

The event was emceed by 11 Alive News journalist Paola Turo and attended by most of Georgia’s English- and Spanish-speaking major media outlets, as well as a visit from The New York Times.

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock offered remarks at the ceremony and reminded Georgians of their initiatives regarding diversity and inclusion, especially within the Hispanic community.

The honoree list includes professionals from business, sports, entertainment, technology, healthcare, politics and more. It includes notables such Georgia Power Regional Director Misty Fernandez and Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King. The GHCC also announced the latest inductees to its Hall of Fame, including Cox Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Bob Jimenez and Brenda Lopez Romero, senior district attorney for the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit.