As the world’s leading car maker in the world, Ford Motor Company not only prides itself in the quality of their vehicles, but also in their communities. Most recently, for National Women’s History Month, Ford honored 25 Hispanic women with the title of “Ford Legendary Women,” a very well deserved award for those who made the list.
According to Ford, the awarded women represent the 22 million outstanding Latinos in America who are making a difference in their workplace, home, environment and community. “Ford is proud to honor these Latinas for their leadership and contributions to the Hispanic community,” said Multicultural Relations Manager for Ford Motor Company, Alvaro Cabal.
The winners of the Ford Legendary Women 2013 award in Dallas-Fort Worth were:
Raquel Ibarra, president and CEO of Ibarra Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Ibarra has over 27 years of experience in public and private business development for projects ranging from $1 million to over $500 million. She has been responsible for corporate leadership and has provided her services to agencies such as DART, TxDOT, DFW International Airport, Dallas Love Field, The City of Dallas, Denton and Dallas Counties, as well as private corporations.
Elizabeth Ponce, president and CEO of Ponce Contractors, Inc.
Ponce’s daily responsibilities include the bidding process from beginning to end. This includes acquiring and soliciting bids for project management. Among her many accomplishments, she has received the Latina Style 2007 Award and the Pacesetter Award granted by the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. One of Ponce’s main goals is to be a good role model for young Latinas and provide them with a road map to success.
Mary Elizabeth Cedillo, founding partner of Cedillo-Pereira & Cedillo, PLLC.
Cedillo combines her experience in public policy with the practice of law. She is dedicated to finding U.S. immigration solutions for clients from around the world. Because educational innovation is her passion, she has established a tutoring/mentoring project for Dallas kids, and currently serves on the Advisory Board for Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School. Recently, her law office initiated a scholarship to provide pro bono legal assistance to outstanding young leaders in partnership with the North Texas DREAM Team.
Michele Bobadilla, Senior Associate VP for Outreach Services and Community Engagement. Bobadilla believes passionately in her community and in the power of its people to evoke change. She demonstrates her commitment and civic responsibility daily through her active involvement in education initiatives, civic boards, and volunteer organizations, something she has done for 36 years. Bobadilla has helped establish several organizations, such as the Society of 100, the Society of 100 Endowed Scholars’ Fund and University Crossroads, which impact over 24,500 students annually. She is the personification of leadership through service to others.
