Hilda Solis Receives Honorary Degree and Acknowledges Impact of Carolina Latinx Center

RELEASE DATE:

MAY 18, 2023

Hilda Solis, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Receives Honorary Degree and Acknowledges Impact of Carolina Latinx Center at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC – Hilda Solis, former Secretary of Labor, and current Los Angeles County Supervisor was awarded an honorary degree by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Sunday, May 14. Prior to the ceremony, on Saturday, May 13, Solis participated in a breakfast meeting with Latinx students, faculty, and staff at the Carolina Latinx Center.

The breakfast event took place at Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews on Franklin Street and provided an opportunity for Solis to connect with the emerging Latinx community at UNC-Chapel Hill. Attendees, including Latinx students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders, shared their experiences, insights, and aspirations with Solis, who spoke about her own journey in politics and her tenure in the Obama Administration. Solis has been a distinguished public servant and advocate for the Latinx community in her long career in politics.

Following the event, Solis presented the Center with a commendation scroll from Los Angeles County, recognizing the Center’s significant impact on the university and the state. She praised the Center for its commitment to inclusivity, academic excellence, and the celebration of Latinx cultures both on campus and beyond.

On Sunday, May 14, Solis was officially conferred with the honorary degree in recognition of her tireless efforts in advocating for the rights and well-being of underserved communities, particularly the Latinx population. Her dedication to social justice and equity has positively influenced the lives of numerous individuals.

Josmell Perez, director of the Carolina Latinx Center, expressed appreciation for Solis’ honorary degree and her recognition of the Center’s contributions to the campus community. Perez emphasized that Solis’ dedication and leadership serve as an inspiration to everyone, and he expressed gratitude for her unwavering support of the Latinx community.

“Her dedication and leadership are an inspiration to all of us, and we are grateful for her unwavering support of the Latinx community,” Perez said.

Perez further stated that Solis’ acknowledgment and engagement with the Center exemplify the university’s commitment to empowering and uplifting underrepresented communities. The honor bestowed upon Solis reinforces the creation of an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, irrespective of their backgrounds.