Cox Communications is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, 2022, by honoring four Southern Nevadans for their contributions to our community. Now in its third year, Cox’s Hispanic Heritage Month honorees reflect Southern Nevada’s diverse community where Hispanics/Latinos comprise 32 percent of the population, according to the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance’s 2022 Perspective.
Linda Perez is the CEO of The Shade Tree, Southern Nevada’s only 24-hour accessible emergency shelter for women and children and their pets in crisis. The nonprofit serves many who are victims of domestic violence and/or human trafficking. Perez oversees all aspects of the shelter and organization, located in downtown Las Vegas. The Indiana native brought more than two decades of leadership experience with her when she relocated to Southern Nevada in 2019 to lead The Shade Tree and is a 2022 graduate of the Vegas Chamber’s Leadership Las Vegas program.
Norma Intriago – Executive Director – Dress For Success Southern Nevada (00:01) We are overjoyed that Linda Perez is being recognized and honored for Hispanic Heritage Month. She is someone that I look to as an individual who has lived experience and truly is vested. It is her calling and purpose for the role that she has. And I think we share that in common. So we collaborate deeply, and I’m fortunate to call her a friend.
Linda Perez – The Shade Tree (00:24) When I get to share my story or make sure that our programs and services are effectively making a difference in our clients’ lives, that’s the rewarding piece about it. Not every story is a success right now, but we have hope that every client that comes to us knows that we’re here for them. And if they might not be ready this time, we’re here when they are.
NI (00:51) It’s important that we have someone like Linda who speaks to the Latino community. Well, she can personally speak to and has a lived experience with domestic violence. She understands the stigma and shame that often follows women and families. Let’s being that compassionate leader, but also being that leader that we can all strive to be and show that women all women or people have the potential to reach the highest and to help one another.
LP (01:17) I’ve always known that my family myself, we’ve always been givers. We’ve always helped others that were less fortunate. And when I think about the work that I do now, I provide food, shelter, and services that make lives better. But I’m just doing the work that my grandmother started. And what I’ve learned throughout my journey.
NI (1:42) She inspires me to be a better leader. Frankly, she is a great sounding board for me, her deep commitment, her ability to work with multiple stakeholders and partners, community partners, funders, she brings us all together and we need that we need that in our sector.
LP (1:58) As Hispanics, we’re very proud. We’re strong, we’re hard workers. But when you have a female, Hispanic, we’re very fiery and spicy and fun and challenging. And I’m just so happy where I’m at in my life. I get to enjoy not only being a 52-year-old woman, successful woman but a 52-year-old, minority Hispanic woman, doing amazing things in the community, impacting the lives and impacting the lives of my staff and their families as well. I say all that to say I’m very grateful for my upbringing. I’m very grateful for the values that were instilled in me growing up in a Hispanic family. I’m just proud of my heritage.
