Susana Wittrock, director for advocacy, outreach and connections with Mesa County School District 51, has received the 2015 Rich Lopez Hispanic Advancement Award from the Western Colorado Latino Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber presents the award to an individual who advances the Hispanic culture by cultivating educational opportunities, increasing cultural awareness, promoting employment and economic development opportunities and volunteering. The award is named for the late founder and past president of the chamber.

Wittrock was cited for her role as a champion for minority students, her experiences as a migrant student herself and her personal story of success through hard work, determination and persistence.

For more information about the Western Colorado Latino Chamber of Commerce, visit the Web site located at www.wclatinochamber.org.