Proclamation
Honoring
Maribel Reyes Hernández
National Hispanic Heritage Month 2026
WHEREAS, Maribel Reyes Hernández, a native of Mexico, was raised in the City of Santa Ana . During her formative years, Maribel witnessed her parents’ unwavering work ethic, deep commitment to serving others and strong family values; and
WHEREAS, Maribel began her community service in 1995, supporting young people as they pursued higher education and helping families navigate the challenges they faced . She connected deeply with students’ hardships and family dynamics and by the time she arrived at Cal State Fullerton, her calling was clear: she wanted to dedicate her life to serving communities; and
WHEREAS, Maribel earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature with a minor in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton in 2006, and that same year joined Community Action Partnership of Orange County as the lead for the El Modena Family Resource Center, a role she embraced for 20 years; and
WHEREAS, for nearly two decades, Maribel dedicated herself to the El Modena community, expanding programs, strengthening services, building partnerships, and developing community leaders who advocated for education equality and neighborhood improvements; and
WHEREAS, Maribel’s meaningful contributions to the immigrant community were recognized in 2025 by the County of Orange from Supervisor Vincent Sarmiento and she was also hono red as a nominee for Women of the Year in 2019 by Congressman Lou Correa for her outstanding service to the 46th Congressional District of El Modena. In 2016 Maribel was also recognized by the Orange County Immigrant Youth United for her relentless efforts in uplifting the migrant community at El Modena; and
WHEREAS, Maribel’s dedication to empowering communities, advancing social justice, and uplifting equity reflects the values of sacrifice, resilience, service, and love instilled by her parents and carried forward through her family.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dan Slater, Mayor of the City of Orange , and the entire City Council, do hereby recognize September 15 -October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans, especially those of the Reyes Hernandez family.
DATED this 22nd Day of September 2026.
Daniel R. Slater, Mayor
Arianna Barrios, Councilmember
Kathy Tavoularis, Councilmember
Ana Gutierrez, Councilmember
Jon Dumitru, Councilmember
Denis Bilodeau, Mayor pro tem
John Gyllenhammer, Councilmember