Courier Eco Latino Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month With ‘Who’s Who of the Hispanic Community’

As the nation celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, the Courier Eco Latino Newspaper is proud to present its inaugural “Who’s Who of the Hispanic Community,” a special recognition of the men and women whose leadership, service, achievements and unwavering commitment to excellence are helping shape communities across Columbus, Fort Moore, Phenix City and the surrounding Chattahoochee Valley.

Over the next three days, we will introduce our readers to an extraordinary group of individuals whose contributions in business, education, government, health care, military service, community advocacy and other professions continue to enrich the cultural, social and economic fabric of our region.

These are more than names and photographs. They are stories of perseverance, determination, sacrifice and success. They represent a community whose influence continues to grow and whose contributions deserve to be recognized, celebrated and remembered.

Through this special series, the Courier Eco Latino reaffirms its commitment to informing, inspiring and empowering our diverse communities while ensuring that the accomplishments and voices of Hispanic and Latino residents receive the recognition they deserve.

We invite you to join us over the next three days as we celebrate the people, honor their contributions and share the stories behind the faces of our community's Hispanic leaders and trailblazers.

Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson: A Trailblazer in Public Service and a Voice for the Hispanic Community

From Puerto Rico to Columbus City Council, Woodson made history as the city's first Hispanic council member, dedicating nearly three decades to economic development, community progress and public service.

For nearly three decades, Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson was more than an elected official. She was a trailblazer, a community advocate and a powerful example of how determination, faith and a commitment to service can break barriers and create opportunities for generations to come.

A native of Manatí, Puerto Rico, Woodson made history as the first Hispanic person elected to the Columbus City Council, representing District 7 in south Columbus for 28 years. Her groundbreaking election marked a significant milestone in the city's political history and helped open doors for greater Hispanic representation in local government.

Before entering politics, Woodson proudly served 15 years in the U.S. Army, developing the leadership, discipline and dedication to service that would later define her political career.

After leaving military service and settling in Columbus, Woodson quickly developed a connection to her adopted community. Remarkably, she had lived in the city for only two years before winning her first election to City Council.

Woodson has credited her decision to seek public office to her faith, saying she believed God had directed her toward a life of public service.

What began as a leap of faith became a historic political career that would span nearly three decades.

Throughout her tenure, Woodson earned a reputation as a passionate advocate for the residents of District 7 while maintaining a broader commitment to the growth and prosperity of Columbus.

Her leadership extended beyond neighborhood concerns to major economic development initiatives that helped shape the city's future.

During her years on City Council, Woodson was credited with helping secure more than $586.5 million in capital projects, supporting improvements and investments throughout Columbus.

She also worked collaboratively with business executives, elected officials and community leaders to encourage economic expansion and job creation.

Among the major developments during her tenure were expansions involving TSYS, Aflac and businesses in south Columbus. Those efforts contributed to thousands of jobs and helped strengthen the city's economic foundation.

But Woodson's legacy cannot be measured solely in dollars invested, projects completed or years spent in elected office.

As a Puerto Rican woman serving in a political arena where Hispanic representation had historically been limited, she demonstrated that leadership is not defined by ethnicity, gender or background, but by a willingness to serve and the courage to lead.

Her election also carried special significance for the growing Hispanic community throughout Columbus, Fort Moore, Phenix City and the surrounding Chattahoochee Valley.

At a time when Hispanic voices were not widely represented in local government, Woodson became a visible reminder that members of the Latino community could have a meaningful role in shaping public policy and influencing the future of their communities.

Her 28 years of service also established her as one of Columbus' longest-serving elected officials and a pioneering Hispanic political leader in Georgia.

Woodson's journey from Puerto Rico to military service and ultimately to the Columbus City Council reflects a lifetime of breaking barriers while remaining committed to the people she represented.

As the Courier Eco Latino recognizes its inaugural “Who's Who of the Hispanic Community” during Hispanic Heritage Month, Woodson stands among those whose contributions deserve recognition not only for the history they made, but for the opportunities they helped create for others.

Her story is one of faith, perseverance, leadership and service.

And perhaps her greatest legacy is the example she leaves for future generations of Hispanic and Latino leaders: that their voices matter, their participation is essential and their ability to make a difference should never be underestimated.

For Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson, making history was never simply about being the first. It was about making certain she would not be the last.

Danny Arencibia: Building Communities, Creating Opportunities and Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

From youth mentorship and affordable housing initiatives to civic leadership and cultural celebrations, Arencibia has dedicated more than 25 years to strengthening Columbus and empowering its Hispanic community.

For Danny Arencibia, community leadership is about more than holding titles or serving on boards. It is about creating opportunities, building relationships and leaving a lasting impact on the lives of others.

For more than 25 years, Arencibia has dedicated himself to strengthening neighborhoods, mentoring young people, supporting Latino-owned businesses and promoting Hispanic heritage throughout the Columbus area.

A first-generation American and the son of Cuban and Mexican immigrant families, Arencibia represents a growing generation of Hispanic leaders whose commitment to service is helping shape the future of the Chattahoochee Valley.

His journey is rooted in faith, family and a belief that meaningful change begins when individuals take responsibility for improving the communities they call home.

Arencibia's involvement in community service began with youth mentorship. Recognizing the importance of providing young people with positive outlets for expression and personal development, he helped organize youth music and worship festivals and operated an all-ages music venue.

Those efforts earned recognition through a Citizens Crime Stopper Award, highlighting his commitment to creating safe, constructive environments for young people.

Over the years, his community involvement expanded to include partnerships with local organizations, neighborhood improvement initiatives and efforts to strengthen relationships between Columbus' Hispanic community and the broader community.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Arencibia served as a liaison connecting Latino-owned businesses with resources available through the American Rescue Plan. His efforts helped business owners navigate opportunities for assistance during a challenging period of economic recovery.

Recognizing the importance of preserving cultural identity while promoting unity, Arencibia also founded Columbus' annual Hispanic Heritage Community Kickoff.

The initiative celebrates the history, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino residents while providing an opportunity for the broader community to experience the richness of Hispanic culture.

The next kickoff is planned for Sept. 15, 2027, coinciding with the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Beyond his community advocacy, Arencibia has established himself in the real estate industry, where he focuses on attainable housing and neighborhood development.

As a junior real estate developer and a Realtor with Coldwell Banker, he has worked to connect families with housing opportunities while contributing to conversations about development and the future of Columbus neighborhoods.

His professional experience also includes service on state and local real estate government affairs committees, where he has participated in discussions involving housing policy and issues affecting property owners and communities.

Arencibia's commitment to public service extends into local government and political leadership.

Appointed by former Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson, he serves as chairman of the Columbus Crime Prevention Board, a position that reflects his longstanding interest in public safety and neighborhood improvement.

He was also elected state chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia Latino Caucus and serves on the executive board of the Muscogee County Democratic Committee.

Through those positions, Arencibia has sought to increase Hispanic representation, encourage civic engagement and ensure Latino voices are included in conversations about public policy and community priorities.

His commitment to service also extends to the military. Arencibia serves as a signal specialist with the Georgia State Defense Force, a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, participating in monthly drills at Fort Stewart.

A first-generation college graduate, Arencibia understands the significance of educational achievement and the opportunities it can create for future generations.

Despite his professional and civic responsibilities, he considers his greatest source of pride to be his family.

He and his wife, Michelle, live in Midland, where they are raising four college-age children.

For Arencibia, the values of faith, familia and service are more than guiding principles. They are the foundation of his personal and professional life.

His story also reflects the contributions of Hispanic Americans who are helping shape the economic, cultural and civic landscape of Columbus and the surrounding communities.

As the Courier Eco Latino recognizes individuals through its inaugural "Who's Who of the Hispanic Community" series during Hispanic Heritage Month, Arencibia stands among those whose work demonstrates that leadership is measured not simply by personal accomplishments, but by the opportunities created for others.

Whether mentoring young people, advocating for attainable housing, supporting small businesses or celebrating Hispanic culture, his efforts reflect a commitment to building bridges between communities and creating a stronger Columbus.

And while his accomplishments span more than two decades, Arencibia's philosophy remains straightforward:

"Serve people, build community, and leave things better than you found them."

It is a philosophy that captures both his personal journey and the spirit of the Courier Eco Latino's recognition of Hispanic leaders whose contributions continue to make a difference throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.

Latasha Veloz: Educating Minds, Celebrating Culture and Inspiring the Next Generation

From her Dominican roots in the Bronx to the classrooms of Columbus, Veloz is helping students embrace cultural diversity, discover their potential and prepare for a future of leadership and service.

For Latasha Veloz, teaching Spanish is about much more than helping students master a second language. It is about opening doors to new cultures, building confidence and preparing young people to become compassionate, informed and culturally aware leaders.

A proud Dominican American who was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Veloz has made Columbus her home for nearly a decade, bringing with her a deep appreciation for her Hispanic heritage and a passion for education and community service.

Today, as a Spanish teacher at Spencer High School, she is helping students understand that learning another language is not simply an academic requirement. It is an opportunity to connect with people, appreciate different perspectives and recognize the richness of a diverse world.

Her journey from the Bronx to Columbus reflects the experiences of many Hispanic Americans who carry the traditions and values of their heritage while making meaningful contributions to the communities they now call home.

After relocating to Columbus, Veloz pursued her education at Columbus State University, earning a degree in Spanish culture with a minor in Latin American studies.

Her academic background provided a foundation for combining her love of language with her commitment to helping young people develop a greater understanding of the world around them.

For the past three years, she has served as an educator, using her classroom as a place where students can develop not only language skills but also confidence, empathy and an appreciation for cultural differences.

At Spencer High School, Veloz strives to encourage students to recognize their abilities and understand that their backgrounds, experiences and personal challenges do not have to limit their potential.

Her approach to education reflects a belief that preparing students for success requires more than textbooks and examinations. It also involves developing character, encouraging compassion and helping young people see themselves as future leaders.

Beyond the classroom, Veloz remains committed to strengthening the Hispanic and Latino community throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.

Her community involvement includes engagement with organizations such as the Tri-City Latino Association and assisting individuals and families who encounter language barriers.

For many Spanish-speaking families, language differences can create obstacles when seeking information, accessing services or navigating everyday responsibilities.

Through her willingness to assist others, Veloz helps bridge those communication gaps while demonstrating the importance of cultural understanding and community support.

Her work also reflects the growing significance of bilingual education and the contributions of Hispanic educators in communities across the country.

By sharing her culture and personal experiences, Veloz hopes to inspire others to embrace their identities, pursue their goals and recognize the value they bring to their communities.

As a Dominican American, she understands that cultural pride and community involvement can go hand in hand.

Her story is also a reminder that representation matters, particularly in education, where students benefit from encountering teachers who bring different cultural experiences and perspectives into the classroom.

While Veloz takes pride in her professional accomplishments and community involvement, she considers her most meaningful achievement to be the family she is raising alongside her husband.

Together, they are instilling in their children the values of empathy, kindness, cultural pride and service to others.

Those same principles guide her work as an educator and community advocate.

For Veloz, success is not measured solely by professional recognition or personal achievement, but also by the character of the next generation and its willingness to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

As the Courier Eco Latino celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through its inaugural "Who's Who of the Hispanic Community" recognition series, Veloz represents the important contributions Hispanic educators make in shaping the future of Columbus and the surrounding communities.

Her journey demonstrates how cultural heritage, education and service can come together to create opportunities for others.

From her upbringing in the Bronx to her work in the classrooms of Spencer High School, Veloz continues to embrace her Dominican roots while encouraging students and families to celebrate the diversity that strengthens their community.

She expressed appreciation for being included in the newspaper's recognition of Hispanic and Latino leaders.

"Thank you again for this meaningful recognition and for celebrating the contributions of our Hispanic and Latino community," Veloz said.

Her story is one of cultural pride, dedication to education and a commitment to helping others reach their full potential.

For Latasha Veloz, the greatest lessons are not always found in a textbook. Sometimes, they are taught through kindness, demonstrated through service and remembered by the young people who discover that someone believes in their future.

And through her work as an educator, mother and community advocate, she continues to demonstrate that one of the most meaningful ways to honor one's heritage is to use it to inspire and empower the next generation.