EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Pasoans making an impact in classrooms, laboratories, the arts, and public service were recognized yesterday during Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s third Congressional Commendation Ceremony.

The honorees included Carlos Spector, who was recognized posthumously after he died last month. Spector was an immigration attorney, U.S. Air Force veteran, and human rights advocate whose work reshaped asylum law for Mexican nationals fleeing violence. A native of El Paso, he dedicated his life to defending the rights of migrants and strengthening the Borderland community.

Also honored was Sadok El Ghoul, Ph.D., a finance scholar and expert in corporate governance.

El Ghoul, a Regent’s Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Woody L. Hunt College of Business, received the Yvan Allaire Medal from the Royal Society of Canada, one of the nation’s highest scholarly honors. His research focuses on how firms are governed and how governance mechanisms function across different institutional and cultural environments.

Leah Juarez, a senior at Horizon High School and a three-sport athlete in wrestling, softball, and basketball, was recognized for her resilience after a serious injury.

In February 2024, Juarez broke her C5 and C6 vertebrae while preparing for a regional wrestling meet. After a six-hour surgery at University Medical Center and extensive physical therapy, she returned to softball and wrestling, finishing 3-1 and placing fifth.

Musician Amanda Ekery was honored for her album Arabe, a project exploring shared Syrian and Mexican history and culture along the El Paso border.

The album includes 12 original songs and essays detailing the stories behind each track, addressing themes such as food traditions, folklore, immigration law, biracial identity, and workers’ rights. Arabe was also nominated for “Best Album Notes” at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

“Together, these honorees reflect the strength, resilience, and talent that define El Paso,” Escobar said. “Our community is grateful for their service and deeply proud to celebrate the profound impact each of these individuals has made on our beloved community. El Paso thanks you.”

Ramadevi Subramani Reddy, Ph.D., was recognized for research inspired by traditional remedies she observed growing up.

Subramani Reddy is investigating whether compounds derived from the neem tree, specifically gedunin, could provide a less toxic and more effective treatment option for pancreatic cancer. Supported by a $45,000 grant from the Lizanell and Colbert Coldwell Foundation, her work focuses on diseases that disproportionately affect the El Paso and Borderplex communities.

Guillermo “Willie” Cordero was honored for leading preservation efforts at the historic Smeltertown Cemetery. Since 2019, Cordero and volunteers have cleared tons of trash, replaced hundreds of broken crosses, and built a monument honoring local veterans buried there. Cordero is set to be featured in Texas Highway Magazine for the work.

Julián Kalel Almanzan was recognized for his efforts to bring attention to mental health while pursuing music.

Almanzan auditioned for American Idol in 2025, performing his original song “Surrender” for judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, then stepped down from auditioning to focus on his mental health. He returned to audition again in 2026 and is currently in the Top 30.

Dr. Dennis Bixler-Marquez, Ph.D., was honored after retiring last year from UTEP following more than 40 years of service. He earned the rank of Professor Emeritus and was recognized for his career and contributions to education and service as director of the Chicano Studies Department.

Rosa Guerrero was recognized for decades of work in education and cultural advocacy.

Guerrero received a lifetime membership from the Texas Parent Teacher Association and became the first Hispanic woman and living educator in El Paso to have a school named in her honor, Rosa Guerrero Elementary School. She was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993 and the El Paso Women’s Hall of Fame in 1994, and was recognized as a 1997 Distinguished Alumna of UTEP.

Martine Ceberio was honored for her work in computing education.

Ceberio, a computer science professor at UTEP, has helped develop and redesign the university’s computer science program and advanced efforts to expand access to computing education, particularly for women and underserved communities. She was named a Piper Professor for 2025, one of the highest honors for educators in Texas.

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