Illinois State Treasurer’s Hispanic Heritage Month awards go to Aurora alderman and Elgin psychologist
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently presented awards to eight community leaders from throughout Illinois recognized as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Aurora Alderman Daniel Barreiro, recently appointed Ward 1 alderman, received the office’s leadership award. He was an Aurora City Hall staffer for 35 years, beginning as an intern, transitioning to administrative assistant in the mayor’s office, and retiring in 2021 as Chief Community Services Officer, a position he held for 15 years, under five mayors.
Barreiro said such awards are important because they can inspire the next generation.
“When we’re up here being recognized, there are lot of young people out here seeing it,” said Barreiro, who served for 10 years as the vice president of the East Aurora Board of Education
Over the years, Barreiro has consistently been a leader in his community, serving on the boards of the Aurora East Educational Foundation, the Fox Valley Girl Scouts Council, the Fox Valley United Way, the Salvation Army, and El Centro Pan Americano, among others. He has received numerous honors over the years including the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce Image Maker Award and the Fox Valley United Way Live United Award.
Dan and his wife, Theresa, who is the Kane County Circuit Court Clerk, were both awarded the Lifelong Learning Inspiration Award by the Aurora Library Foundation.
After graduating from East Aurora High School, Barreiro attended Northern Illinois University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration. He continues to “pay it forward” in his role as a community leader with the Knights of Columbus, the Three Fires Council of Scouting America, and Project Safe Aurora.
• Dr. Magdalena Perez, an Elgin psychologist and founder and co-owner of the Luna Behavioral Health Center in Elgin, received the award for Outstanding Service in Business. She has more than 15 years of experience treating children, families, and couples for issues including anxiety, depression, child behavior disorders, and ADHD. She specializes in helping countless individuals and families heal from traumatic events.
As a fluent native speaker herself, Dr. Perez has broad expertise working with Spanish-speaking populations. She has had extensive training on providing culturally sensitive treatments and done research on Latinx mental health issues.
In addition to working at Luna, Dr. Perez is Lead Clinical Scientist at a research organization that provides services to pharmaceutical companies to create new medicine in psychiatry. Dr. Perez received an undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Chicago and her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Texas.
“Today, we are formally recognizing the contributions of some of our Hispanic and Latino neighbors,” Frerichs said at the event held at the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St. in Chicago. “We thank them for their longtime dedication and celebrate their work in making our communities better places to live, work, and raise families.”
Hispanic Heritage Month is a national observance. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson established a Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a month.
This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the future together.” The theme encapsulates the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that define the Hispanic and Latino experience. It recognizes those who have been trailblazers and game changers paving the way for future generations.