Staff member recognized as outstanding leader
KALAMAZOO—Diana Hernández, director of Western Michigan University's Division of Multicultural Affairs, was one of five Michiganders to receive an outstanding Hispanic leader award during the annual Cesar E. Chavez Commemorative Dinner in Lansing, Mich., Friday, Oct. 5.
The dinner and an awards program were sponsored by the Michigan Hispanic Caucus, Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan and Capital Area César E. Chávez Commission. The events included the presentation of awards in several categories and were part of the organizations' celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
Hernández, of Mattawan, Mich., was honored in the outstanding Hispanic leader category as Educator of the Year. The award is given in recognition of individuals who have shown exemplary leadership in their communities.
About Diana Hernández
A WMU staff member since 1985, Hernández has held several positions in the Division of Multicultural Affairs and was promoted to director in December 2008.
She is a member of the Michigan Hispanic Women in Network, the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education and a past member of Advocates for Latino Student Advancement in Michigan Education. She also has served as a scholarship selection reviewer for the National Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and regional review chair for the national Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
Locally, Hernández has been a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor; has served on boards including the YWCA and Hispanic American Council Inc., Kalamazoo, of which she is a past president; and has served on committees for the Kalamazoo Public Schools, Girl Scouts and other organizations.
She led a WMU effort to secure a federal College Assistance Migrant Program grant starting this year that is projected to total more than $2 million over five years. Plus, she has served as an advisor for WMU's Latino Student Alliance and in 2012, received a WMU Excellence in Diversity Award.
Hernández earned two degrees from WMU, a bachelor's degree in communication in 1985 and a master's degree in family life education in 2005.