Gitana Production’s 2013 Extraordinary Person of the Year: Deeds Beyond Race, Religion and Nationality is Elena Kenyon, and the runners-up were Mama Lisa Gage and Silvia Martinez.
“This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people who bridge racial, cultural and religious divides in their day-to-day lives,” said Cecilia Nadal, executive director, Gitana Productions.
“We honor people who make a difference and yet may not be known to most of us within the St. Louis region.”
Originally from Galicia, Spain, Elena Kenyon, was a Spanish teacher in the Lindbergh School District for 35 years. She noticed that many of the African-American kids who were bused to Lindbergh were not as engaged socially, so she voluntarily spear-headed an after-school program including a talent show and started a mentoring program to build self-esteem and pride among the youth and their parents. The program was very successful and continues today.
This spirit of service is reflected in many aspects of Elena’s life with the community of people who are poor, the homeless and with Latino families associated with the service program from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church’s St. Vincent DePaul Society.
“For Elena, service has been a way of life in Spain as well as the United States,” Nadal said. “Her years of commitment across cultures and as a volunteer was indeed impressive.”
Silvia Martinez was a runner up for this award. She serves as an Intake Coordinator at the Catholic Charities Community Services Southside Center. Silvia over the years has reached out beyond the call of duty to identify community resources to support the varied needs of the Latino community, whether it is finding financial support for healthcare, legal counsel, distributing food donations for the most in need or just being a friendly listening ear for many Latinos.
“Her ability to make everyone feel welcome with a sense of safety was noted as her outstanding quality,” Nadal said.
Mama Lisa Gage, also a runner up, was nominated for her role as a “world ambassador” as educator, dancer, storyteller and choreographer. She has worked on programs regarding Caribbean Carnival traditions and worked with Grupo Atlantico, a Columbian dance ensemble to amplify the artistic connections between Africa and South America.
Her work has been featured at the Missouri History Museum, the African Arts Festival and local libraries and universities.
“Gitana is committed to demonstrating, within arts and education, the vital connection between global healing and local humanitarianism,” Nadal said.
Visit www.gitana-inc.org to see other winners of this award.
