ALCOAST 354/20 - SEP 2020 2020 LATINA STYLE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

R 211331 SEP 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-00H//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 354/20
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ:  2020 LATINA STYLE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
1. I am honored to congratulate Lieutenant (LT) Gabriella Deza, CG Air Station
Borinquen; Culinary Specialist Second Class (CS2) Phyllis Almaraz, USCGC
HADDOCK; Dr. Elizabeth Rivero, CG Academy; and Cadet Second Class Nayalina
Tamariz, CG Academy, as the 2020 Latina Style Distinguished Service Award
recipients. This award recognizes women in the military and the civilian
workforce who, through their dedicated and exemplary service, have influenced
and enhanced the role of Latinas in the Coast Guard and across the Nation.
2. Excelling as an MH-65D helicopter pilot, LT Deza earned advanced day and
night shipboard landing and rescue hoisting qualifications, flew 256 hours,
and executed 13 search and rescue cases, saving three lives from the perils
of the sea. In addition to her assigned duties, she volunteered as chair of
the Leadership and Diversity Advisory Council and cultivated an inclusive
command climate through several innovative educational initiatives. As one
example, she admirably partnered with Sector San Juan to coordinate a Women’s
Leadership Council to promote retention through career planning and focused
mentorship.
3. CS2 Almaraz skillfully employs her strengths in the galley, prowess in the
boxing ring, and passion for mentoring to advocate for and develop her peers
in the Hispanic community. As CGC HADDOCK’s Food Service Officer, CS2 Almaraz
has introduced her unit to the authentic flavors and rich traditions of the
Mexican culture with which she grew up. She consistently impresses the crew
with the Latina inspired dishes that she curates without any pre-prepared
ingredients. In addition to her cooking duties, CS2 Almaraz serves as a
Spanish translator during Counter Drug and Alien Migrant Interdiction
Operations. Beyond work, CS2 Almaraz’s fighting spirit drives her passion for
the sport of amateur boxing where she has earned back-to-back Golden Glove
championships. CS2 Almaraz has  used her success both in the Coast Guard and
in boxing to promote understanding, respect and inclusivity for all.
4. Dr. Rivero joined the faculty of the Coast Guard Academy as an Associate
Professor of Spanish and teaches across the curriculum including courses in
Advanced Spanish and The Latin Experience: A Cultural Approach. She is also
the faculty advisor for the Compañeros Diversity Council, an affinity group
made up of more than 50 cadets. In that role, Dr. Rivero prepares cadets to
be Latinx cultural ambassadors. She also tutors them for the DoD Defense
Language Proficiency Test. Her educational initiative has achieved tremendous
success having equipped at least a dozen cadets to act as shipboard
translators upon graduation. Dr. Rivero’s outstanding mentorship and
development of cadets into future leaders serves as a model in the armed forces.
5. Cadet Second Class Tamariz succeeds in all aspects of cadet life, from the
classroom, to the barracks, and to the field of competition. She maintains a
3.90 GPA while majoring in Operations Research and Computer Analysis and
serves as a peer tutor for cadets who require additional assistance. In addition
to her academic success and accomplishments, Cadet Second Class Tamariz is
president of the Compañeros Council affinity group. Always going the extra mile,
she recently served on a panel sponsored by the Admissions Department focused
on inclusion for prospective members of the Class of 2024. Exemplifying the
traits of a well-rounded cadet, she is also a member of the women’s cross country
and track and field teams, and has run distance events such as the 5,000 meters.
6. I commend LT Deza, CS2 Almaraz, Dr. Rivero, and Cadet Second Class Tamariz for
their outstanding leadership, achievements, and exemplary service. Due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, Latina Style recognized award winners during a virtual
National Event on Friday, September 18, 2020.
7. The following nominees were also recommended for this award and deserve mention
for their outstanding contributions: Chief Petty Officer Georgina Smith, CGRU
USSOUTHCOM; Chief Petty Officer Megan Sesma, USCG Band; Senior Chief Petty Officer
Jessica Montero, CG Academy; and Ms. Margaret Holman, CG Exchange System, VA. 
8. Civil Rights programs help maximize the Coast Guard's overall mission
effectiveness by fostering a discrimination free environment through recognition
of members' accomplishments and contributions to civil rights, equal opportunity,
minority communities, and Partnership in Education (PIE) programs. Learn more about
the Coast Guard’s Civil Rights vision, mission, awards programs and CG PIE at:
https://www.uscg.mil/Resources/Civil-Rights/.
9. POC for this ALCOAST is Mr. Juan Torres, Juan.L.Torres@uscg.mil or
(202) 372-4594.
10. Dr. Terri A. Dickerson, Civil Rights Director, sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.