At Cox, our focus is on connecting with people. Our goal is to make all of our connections—especially within the communites we serve—long and broad-based. That's what diversity means to us: reaching out to all people with whom we connect and involving them in our business, our culture, and our daily lives.

Throughout the year, Cox San Diego celebrates diversity by recognizing outstanding individuals for their contribution to the community.  These individuals are honored at an reception and featured in a :30 public service announcement.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept 15-Oct 15

Each year, Cox Communications celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 by recognizing three outstanding individuals. These folks are honored for their contribution to the community and will be featured in public service announcements to run throughout the month and on Shades of San Diego on Channel 4 San Diego. We're excited to announce the 2010 Hispanic Heritage Month honorees.

Richard Nares, Founder/ Executive Director, The Emilio Nares Foundation

Despite his own heartbreak after losing his only son (5-year-old Emilio) to leukemia, Richard Nares has since dedicated his life towards helping other families coping with cancer. The experience has helped him find solace by helping those who may not have been given the resources needed if it were not for the Emilio Nares Foundation. Through his own selfless commitment, Richard has not only created a foundation that has helped more than 14,000 families, but he has also inspired the community to show their compassion and support for a cause close to his heart. 

Dr. Mario Aguilar, Capitan/Executive Director, Danza Maxi’cayotl

For 30 years, Dr. Mario Aguilar has been dedicated to teaching and preserving the indigenous cultures and traditions of México and the Southwestern United States, specifically to youth and their families. Danza Mexica’yotl performs at community events where people witness this beautiful dance tradition and learn about the language and significance of the regalia worn by the dancers. Participants develop a great sense of pride in their heritage and culture and learn the importance of seeking higher education and giving back to your community.

Francisca Del Carmen, Counselor, San Diego High School

Francisca has been serving San Diego High for 13 years where she motivates and empowers students to reach their full potential. She gives students an opportunity to get involved in the community by bringing the City of Hope and the Muscular Dystrophy Association on campus and creating an annual tradition where students work together during the holidays to gather gifts for families in need. In addition, she coordinates student visits to a local convalescent home and helps them raise money for games and prizes and prepare a talent show for residents.

We hope you will join us in honoring their accomplishments. Congratulations Richard, Mario and Francisca!

May was Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Check out the 2010 Asian Pacific American Heritage honorees:

Perry Chen, Film Critic & Fourth Grader

A world-renowned, award-winning 10-year-old film critic, Perry reviews family films with his signature and kid-friendly 1-5 starfish, on a multi-media platform.

Dennis-Michael Broussard, Executive Event Producer, Silk Road Productions

In addition to helping many local nonprofits with events and fundraising, Mr. Broussard created several community events, such as the Filipino-American Festival and Asian Heritage Awards

Robin Tarr, Founder of the Jonathan Tarr Foundation

Ms. Tarr has given away over $180,000 in scholarship money to students not typically considered for awards, helping many be the first in their family to attend college.

We hope you will join us in honoring their accomplishments. Congratulations Perry, Dennis-Michael and Robin!

Black History Month: February

2010 Black History Month Honorees:

• Makeda Dread Cheatom, Executive Director & Founder, World Beat Center
  Known for promoting cultural awareness to folks of all ages, Makeda created the World Beat Center to unite the world through music, art, dance, culture and technology.
• Michael Love, Math Teacher, Mount Miguel High School
  One of the 2010 San Diego County Teachers of the Year, Michael hosts an annual leadership conference and mentors and encourages students to be excellent in all they do.
• Shirley Weber, Ph.D., Professor, San Diego State University
  Dr. Weber is recognized nationally and internationally for her ground breaking work to establish the discipline of Africana Studies.

Past honorees include:

• Alma Hills
• Carol Wallace
• Dr. Leon and Jewel Kelly
• Tina and Harold Lewis
• Miriam Shipp Tolliver El
• Rob Howard
• Stan Murphy
• John & Gerrie Warren
• Tuskegee Airmen of San Diego
• Dr. Constance Carroll
• Cecil Steppe
• Thella Bowens
• Ed Wallace
• William Jones
• Vince Mudd
• Pam Moorehead
• Camille Hymes
• Reverend George Walker
• Leon Williams