Barnstable County’s Leslie Dominguez-Santos Receives 2024 MBLLC Latino Excellence Award
Barnstable, MA – October 28, 2024 – Leslie Dominguez-Santos, Coordinator for the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission, was recognized on Friday, October 25 at the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) Latino Excellence Awards. Held in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House, the event celebrated Latino leaders across Massachusetts whose work has made a significant impact in their communities.
Nominated by Representative Steven G. Xiarhos of the 5th Barnstable District, Leslie’s recognition underscores her commitment to advocacy on Cape Cod, where she champions human rights, social justice, environmental justice, and health equity.
Rep. Xiarhos praised Leslie’s contributions, stating, “I am incredibly proud to recognize Leslie Dominguez-Santos as the recipient of the Massachusetts Latino Excellence Award 2024. Her tireless dedication to human rights and advocacy for residents on Cape Cod and beyond is truly inspiring. Leslie has worked to uplift and protect Latinos, immigrants, and the most vulnerable members of our community, including our veterans. Her leadership has left a lasting impact. She embodies the very spirit of service, compassion, and excellence. I am honored to celebrate her achievements.”
County Administrator Michael Dutton expressed the County’s appreciation for Leslie’s work saying “As our Human Rights Advisory Commission Coordinator Leslie embodies our organization’s commitment to protecting and furthering human rights. We are very proud that she has received this prestigious award.”
Leslie expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is such an honor to receive the 2024 Massachusetts Latino Excellence Award. It represents years of work for and with our Latino community and acknowledges the critical human rights work across Cape Cod. These are collective efforts, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who stands with me in building strong communities. Many thanks to the Commonwealth for this recognition.”
With a professional background rooted in social justice and advocacy, Leslie brings experience working with GreenRoots Inc. (Chelsea MA), where she led initiatives addressing environmental concerns like air and water quality, community parks, and urban farms in Chelsea and East Boston. At the Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights (Chicago, IL) she focused on housing rights and anti-human trafficking efforts. On Cape Cod, Leslie has also served on the Board of Directors for the Duffy Health Center and the Bridgeview Montessori School and was Co-Leader for Bourne/Sandwich Girl Scouts Troop 80826 for over a decade.
In addition to Leslie, this year’s Latino Excellence Awards celebrated other Cape Cod leaders including:
Katia DaCunha: Nominated by Representative Kip Diggs from the Second Barnstable District, Katia serves as a Domestic and Sexual Violence Counselor/Advocate, known for her compassionate support and dedication to holistic well-being in her community.
Paloma Lopez: Nominated by Representative Dylan Fernandes from Barnstable, Dukes, & Nantucket, Paloma has distinguished herself through her leadership in the Latinx Employee Resource Group at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and her role in organizing the inaugural Día de los Muertos festival, fostering cultural engagement.
ABOUT THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISORY COMMISSION: The mission of the Human Rights Advisory Commission is to promote equal opportunity for all persons of Barnstable County regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender, age, ancestry, sexual or affectional preference, marital, family or military status, source of income, neighborhood, or disability, where unlawful discrimination exists in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, town or county services, insurance, banking, credit, and health care. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/departments/human-rights-advisory-commission/.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sonja Sheasley Communications Coordinator | (508) 375-6896 | sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov