[Insert Photo]
It is with extreme saddness that the HACR Family learned of the passing of Irma Flores Gonzalez a true leader and advocate for the Hispanic community. Irma had been the board designee from the National Council of La Raza to the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility. She passed away on December 24 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by her beloved family.
"The sudden loss of Irma has affected us deeply at the HACR Coalition," said Alfonso E. Martinez, president and CEO of HACR. "All of us valued her exemplary contributions to the Hispanic community and lifelong commitment to civil rights. Irma was a visionary and an advocate during a time where many didn't dare to speak out against injustice and equal rights."
Flores Gonzales served as president of the Colegio Cesar Chavez, a college in Mount Angel, Oregon, which had a student body composed predominantly of the children of farmworkers. She helped develop Portland's community policing effort and was later appointed by then-Governor Neil Goldschmidt as head of the Oregon State Community Services Agency. In 1985, Oregon Magazine named her one of the most influential women in the state.
She became a national figure through her work as an advisor and community needs consultant for a number of regional and national foundations, including the Kellogg Foundation. She also served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Center for Community Change.
Irma was a recent recipient of The Unity Council's Herman Gallegos Exceptional Leadership Award for her lifelong commitment to the Hispanic community. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution to the award honorarium should send their checks to:
The Unity Council
Attn: Jeff Pace, Vice President
3411 East 12th Street, Suite 200
Oakland, CA 94601
Tel: (510) 535-6900
