Wright State University Marketing alumna and BTAS CEO and President Angela Fronista will be honored at the 9th Annual Amigos Latino Gala on Oct. 5 at Wright State University’s Nutter Center.
Angela Fronista credits Wright State University with preparing her for success as an entrepreneur.
The 1987 marketing graduate enjoyed 30 years of success as the founder, CEO and president of BTAS, a trusted support contractor for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. But Fronista learned the importance of making a difference long before her college days.
“My mother and father were a strong team with a spirit of sacrifice to serve others. My parents involved all of us (children) in community service. ” she said. “When we give, share, and serve others, something subtle and profound happens to us.”
The medical field was the starting point for her parents’ ministry. Her mother, Sylvia Acosta Fronista, immigrated to Dayton from her hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1953 to attend nursing school. She helped support World War II veterans and remained in the area, marrying a Greek doctor. The couple opened Huber Heights Medical Center and has served the community for 65 years.
Angela Fronista continues her parents’ legacy as a strong supporter of the Wright State Latino Center and various community organizations that promote the development of the Latino community.
In recognition of her volunteer work and contributions, she will be presented with the Community Hero Award at Wright State’s 9th Annual Amigos Latino Gala, to be held at Wright State University’s Nutter Center on Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m. It’s planned.
This event is scheduled for National Hispanic Heritage Month and invites community members, campus partners, alumni and philanthropists. Themed “Our Next Generation of Leaders,” the Amigos Latino Gala will feature dinner, live entertainment and a silent auction.
Nine community members, faculty, staff and students will also be recognized for their contributions to the Latino community. The winners are:
Victor Abare Mosqueda, medical student, Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine: El Jefe Student Leadership Award Jazlyn Gomez, graduate student, clinical mental health counseling, College of Health, Education, and Human Services: La Jefa Student Leadership Award Charmika Abinojer, Assistant Director Visitation and Event Registration Management: Querida Amiga Staff Award Marissa Wynn, Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science Director of Academic Services: Querida Amiga Staff Award Dr. Aishe Shahin, Dean, Faculty of Science and Mathematics: Querida Amiga Faculty Dr. Darryl Arner , Dean of Engineering and Computer Science: Quelido Amigo Faculty Award Vicky Rodriguez, Director of El Puente Education Center: La Amiga del Pueblo Award Aaliyah Seabrooks, Multimedia Journalist, WDTN Channel 2 News: La Amiga・Del Pueblo Award Angela Fronista, BTAS CEO and President: Community Hero Award
Tickets are $85 per person ($75 if purchased by Sept. 5), with all proceeds going to Wright State University’s Student Scholarship and Latino Center.
Wright State Latino Center Director Katherine Hernandez said the event has sold out for the second year in a row and expects 350 to 400 participants this year.
She said the gala celebrates the growth of Ohio’s Latinx community while furthering the center’s mission to recruit, retain and empower Wright State University’s Latinx students. . The center maintains a spirit of inclusivity with its motto, “Amigos Latinos don’t have to be Latinos to be friends,” and invites everyone to join in its mission.
“This celebration is designed to bring together amazing people to support degree-seeking students who are ready to take on leadership roles in our communities,” Hernandez said. said. “Latinx students have unique needs, and our center provides them with a community, from the time they are one of our prospective students, to the time they graduate and land their first job. It is truly a comprehensive strategy that supports you from beginning to end.”
Hernandez praised Fronista’s long-standing support of the Latino Center and involvement in various Latino community organizations.
“Angela has been a supporter and benefactor of this center since its inception in 2012. She has also been involved in community organizations in Dayton that help young people get what they need to succeed. ,” Hernandez said. “Her efforts truly embody the themes of our program.”
Fronista, one of her parents’ five daughters, said she also draws inspiration from her faith.
“My inspiration and motivation is to do this and I love Jesus. So I follow God and the people who are impacting lives by helping others.” she said.
Tickets for the Amigos Latino Gala can be purchased at wright.edu/amigoslatinosgala.
