Latino advocate given FBI leadership award

Longtime Latino community advocate Ernesto "Kiko" Cornejo has been awarded the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director's Community Leadership Award.

Special Agent-In-Charge Timothy J. Fuhrman, of the Salt Lake City Field Office of the FBI, presented the award Tuesday to Cornejo, a public information officer for the state Department of Public Safety.

Cornejo, a native of Chile who works to educate Latino immigrants on American culture, is founder and director of the Utah Minority Community Information and Education Center, based at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.

"Through his efforts and hard work, he is making a difference in the lives of the people he serves," Fuhrman said. "With the continued guidance of Mr. Cornejo, many of Salt Lake City's Hispanic youth will be directed down the road of success."

Cornejo said the award is an honor, but it's a greater honor to know that law enforcement agencies support his efforts.

"Thanks to those organizations for the wonderful job they are doing in helping me," he said.

Cornejo said his efforts are focused on educating immigrants about Utah's laws — such as using seat belts and child seats. He also does outreach on issues such as domestic violence and on the importance of parental involvement in education.

Ross Olsen, executive director of the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, said Cornejo's sole agenda has been to help people. Cornejo's organization is based at the cultural center and he serves on the advisory board, Olsen said.

"He is one of the most active people within his own community that I have ever met," Olsen said. "It's about safety and families and cutting down on crime and on making people feel warm and welcome."

Cornejo, along with law enforcement officers and community leaders, has produced several public safety announcements in Spanish, and has co-produced an hour-long Spanish-language video on street safety.

He also has provided opportunities for youth to create films and edit television programs.

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com