Mundo Hispánico honors local heroes ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month

ATLANTA — In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month -- which begins Friday -- Channel 2's Cox Media Group partner Mundo Hispanico honored several people and groups who made a difference this year.

Among those honored was a group of workers who became heroes to drivers in metro Atlanta.

“We did not think about the deadline,” Jesus Alvarado said. “We just knew that we had to go in there and give it our all.”

Alvarado, a foreman with C.W. Matthews, talked about the task of rebuilding a stretch of I-85 after the bridge collapse in March.

“We didn’t want to go back and do stuff twice, because there was no time,” Alvarado said.

TRENDING STORIES:

• You can sue Equifax if your data was exposed – Here's how
• Body of grandmother missing since Christmas found during Hurricane Irma
• Teacher on leave after asking students to change 'Make America Great Again' shirts

The workers of C.W. Matthews were recognized as People of the Year. The workforce on the rebuild was 80 percent Latino.

“It’s just that this project was so vital for the city of Atlanta,” C.W. Matthews president Dan Garcia said.

It was their unity in a time of need for the city that got the bridge back open in less than two months.

“Everybody was saying, ‘No, it’s not going to get done in such time,’ and we proved everyone wrong in the end,” Alonso Rodriguez said.

Georgia Tech student and NASA employee Sergio Sandoval’s story was also highlighted at the event.

Sandoval grew up in Mexico and crossed the border daily to study in San Diego.

“I feel this award is not for me, but for all the Hispanic students that have a story like me,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval said he was very aware of his own good fortune, and offered others encouragement.

“To all DACA students out there, life is always going to throw you hard things. But it’s up to you to stop, embrace the challenge and keep going,” Sandoval said.

Channel 2 Action News anchor and reporter Wendy Corona hosted the event.

CLICK HERE to visit Mundo Hispanico’s official website for much more Hispanic Heritage Month content.

Cox Media Group