Arlington, VA - June 27, 2007 – Arlington County Board Vice Chairman Walter Tejada was recently honored by three local organizations for his work in the Arlington community and the region.
In late May, the Ethiopian Community Development Council, an Arlington-based organization that serves African immigrants throughout the nation, honored Walter with one of the Council’s Distinguished Service Awards for his contributions to the well-being of immigrants in the United States.
Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, President of ECDC, presented the award at the Council’s 24th anniversary celebration, “in recognition of [Tejada’s] leadership role in enhancing the diversity of Arlington County’s community voice; for his contributions in empowering community stakeholders to address vital social, economic, and cultural issues; and for demonstrating through his personal and professional life the contributions immigrants make to the nation.”
On Thursday, June 14, 2007, Tejada also received the annual Greater Washington Ibero American Chamber of Commerce Appreciation Award for his “unwavering support of the Latino Business and Entrepreneurial Community in our region.” The award was presented at their 31st Annual Gala at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington.
Just two days later, the United Consuls of Latin America, an organization of eleven consuls, recognized Tejada as a “Special Friend of the Community for his tireless labor, devotion and unconditional support of the People of the Metropolitan Area.”
“I’m humbled and grateful for the recognition of these organizations, all of whom are dedicated to supporting the cultural diversity of our community,” said Tejada. “I’ve said it many times before: Arlington’s greatest strength is the diversity of its people. I remain focused on increasing opportunities for everyone in Arlington to have a voice and contribute to our community.”
Tejada is seeking re-election to the Arlington County Board, and is a Democratic nominee for the post. His record of accomplishment on issues, including promoting cultural diversity, is available at www.waltertejada.net.
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In conjunction with his current role on the County Board, Walter Tejada serves on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the Virginia Municipal League, and Smithsonian National Museum of American History Latino Advisory Council. He represents Arlington County on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) committees on Human Services and Public Safety Policy, and is a committee member of the National Association of Counties.
In 2006, Tejada was appointed by Governor Timothy Kaine to the Cabinet-level Governor’s Urban Policy Task Force, to review economic, social, and fiscal conditions in Virginia’s urban areas. He is also the founding chairman of the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO).
Walter lives in the Dominion Hills neighborhood with his wife, Robin Liten-Tejada, an ESOL/HILT educator with Arlington Public Schools and a former Teacher of the Year.
