A prominent and late Marshalltown resident and a retired educator will be two of several honorees inducted into the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame Oct. 19 in Des Moines.

Special Ambassador Carlos Portes, who died in Marshalltown in June, and Jan Mitchell, who taught at Marshalltown High School for many years, will be honored during ceremonies at the Des Moines Art Center.

Before his death, Portes had retired to Marshalltown and was active in United Way, Marshalltown Business and Education Alliance, Marshall County Crime Stoppers, and other organizations.

Portes was born in Havana, Cuba and came to the United States in the early 1960s as part of Catholic Charities’ “Pedro Pan” program during the early years of Fidel Castro’s regime.

He came to Marshalltown and lived with Catherine and Leon Hockett, who taught him English and American traditions, while maintaining his Cuban roots.

Portes spent his formative years in Marshalltown.

He earned money shoveling snow and working at the Orpheum Theater.

Portes never forgot the kindness and generosity shown to him by local residents.

He later reunited with his family in New York City and became a successful agent with Allstate Insurance.

In New York, Portes was active with the American Red Cross and other non-profits.

His skills in business and as a negotiator caught the eye of President Jimmy Carter, who appointed him Special Ambassador for Latin American Affairs.

Later, Portes would work for Democratic and Republican presidents.

In 2014, he was selected as the Iowa Volunteer of the Year, for his ongoing work with Red Cross national and local agencies, and especially for his skills in bringing relief to victims and first responders from the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on New York.

Mitchell

Jan Mitchell and spouse Don Mitchell moved to the Des Moines area a number of years ago after residing in Marshalltown.

Mitchell’s influence on hundreds of Marshalltown High School students and fellow educators would earn her Iowa Teacher of the Year honors.

The English educator who never shied away from a challenge, was instrumental in founding “Al Exito” program at the local Miller Middle School.

The program, which means “to success” in Spanish, was developed to inspire young female Latina students.

She received support and encouragement from Pam Swartz, a recently retired local businesswoman and MCSD board member and president.

“Al Exito” has grown to a state-wide-not-for-profit.

Mitchell was also selected to receive The Robert D. Ray Award for Equality and Justice.

It was named for the late and former Iowa governor who was a national leader in welcoming Southeast Asians to the state after fleeing their homelands after the Vietnam War in search of freedom.

Before moving to Des Moines, Mitchell was active in a number of Marshalltown Community School District endeavors, as well as the local Toastmaster Club.

Other Honorees

Also being inducted are Dr. Hector Avalos, Lando Valadez and Lillian Sanchez.

Making up the 2019 Iowa Latino Hall of Fame nominating committee were Lorena Gingerich, Marilu Abarca, Jeannette Brown, Norma Robles, and Vanessa Espinoza.