Howard Payne University alumna Patty Villarreal ’75 and HPU student Eunice Cruz were honored at the Shine Conference, an event presented by the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas (Convención) on February 21-22. Attending on behalf of HPU was Jordan Villanueva ’13, assistant to the president for Hispanic relations and instructor of Christian studies.

“I am proud that HPU honors Latinas who have dedicated their lives to the local church and the Hispanic community,” said Villanueva. “It is truly commendable that HPU recognizes these remarkable women for their service and commitment.”

The Latina Legacy Award was given to Patty Villarreal, a 1975 graduate of HPU. Villarreal is a community social worker and leader dedicated to empowering women from a Christian context. She has been involved with and helped shape the Christian Latina Leadership Institute since 2005. She holds a master’s degree from Carver School of Social Work at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. She has previously served as president of the HPU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“The Legacy Award celebrates a Latina whose lifelong faithfulness has left a lasting impact, and Patty immediately comes to mind as a true example of Latina legacy,” said Villanueva.

The Latina Leadership Award was given to Eunice Cruz, sophomore majoring allied health science from Texarkana, for being an up-and-coming leader among Latinas in Hispanic churches. She is a student-athlete on the women’s soccer team, an active member of Amigos Unidos and serves in the children’s ministry and nursery at Nueva Vida Baptist Church.

“The Leadership Award recognizes an emerging Latina leader making a powerful difference in the local church, and I have witnessed firsthand how Eunice has overcome obstacles with grace and determination,” he said.

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