Andrade, Crouch meet with Hispanic leaders to advance representation of Hispanic Hoosiers, governmental collaboration

INDIANAPOLIS – To mark the historic nature of Indiana’s Hispanic community growth and advance representation and opportunities for Hispanic Hoosiers, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch met with Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) along with ten Hispanic leaders from District 12 and across the state today (Feb. 8, 2022). The meeting covered the contributions of Indiana’s Hispanic community and opportunities for collaboration and improvements moving forward. 

The leaders who attended the meeting were:                                        

1. Attorney Alfredo Estrada, first Latino Lake County Bar Association President
2. Dr. Jorge Benavente, first Hispanic president of the Indiana Optometry Board (District 12)
3. Robert A. Acevez, first Hispanic owner-operated funeral home (District 12)
4. Jerame Hicks, first Hispanic principal of Morton High School
5. Oscar Sanchez, retired assistant to the international president of United Steelworkers
6. Alexis Gonzalez, director of Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs
7. Luis Franco, consul at the Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis
8. Teresa Rodriguez, Latina entrepreneur and owner of Ivan’s Roofing and Remodeling (District 12)
9. Deborah Trevino, president of Hammond Hispanic Community Committee (District 12)
10. Victor Garcia, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana (District 12)

“I am exceedingly proud to represent District 12’s Hispanic Hoosiers and serve as a voice for Indiana’s 

Hispanic community across the state at the legislature,” Andrade said. “Without representation at all levels of our state government, Hispanic Hoosiers will not feel heard and the state will not fully meet the needs of our community. Ultimately, the diversity of our community only serves to strengthen our Hoosier state. 

“I am grateful to Lieutenant Governor Crouch for welcoming us with a willing ear.” 

The 2020 Census reported that Indiana’s Hispanic population has increased by 42% in the past ten years. Since 1990, Latino Hoosiers have seen the largest percentage increase in population among any racial or ethnic group in Indianapolis. By 2030, Indiana’s Hispanic population is projected to grow by 284,600 residents.