By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The state’s first elected statewide officer of Hispanic origin saluted her fellow Hispanics Monday.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month activities, comptroller Susana Mendoza talked about humble beginnings and – as a little girl – seeing her father stand up to another man’s admonition to speak English – as this is America – during a visit to a grocery store. Mendoza said her father said, this is America – I can speak whatever language I want!

The central Illinoisans of note honored Monday were:

Christell Faustro, a retailer and vice chair of the Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Monica Zanetti, a Springfield retailer

Natalie Lira, associate professor of Latino / Latina studies, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Julio Barrenzuela, “The Salsa Ambassador,” Springfield

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]