Meet the Finalists: Latino of the Year

Get to know our amazing individuals and organizations as we get ready to celebrate them at our 2025 Latino Leadership Awards on September 19th!

Throughout the next couple of weeks, we'll be sharing some info on the folks and agencies our city nominated to be recognized for their contributions and positive impact, promoting Latino progress across sectors in the Scenic City!

Latino of the Year: 2025 Nominees

Viridiana Marin

Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition

Viridiana Marin, originally from Puebla, Mexico, is a passionate organizer and advocate for immigrant and refugee rights, as the East TN Regional community organizer for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), Viri works to cultivate grassroots leadership alongside families, workers, students, and faith leaders. She believes in the power of our stories and the change we can create when we come together, center those stories, and address the challenges our communities face.

In response to the harmful legislation proposed by the state of Tennessee this year, she led efforts to protect every child’s right to public education, regardless of race, income, or immigration status. Viri’s lived experience as an immigrant and mother fueled her work with parents, students, and educators to ensure schools remain a place of opportunity and belonging

Viri continues to work alongside her community — centering local voices, stories, and leaders — and together building a Chattanooga where everyone can thrive.

Dr. Jasmine Fernández

Hamilton County Schools

Dr. Jasmine Fernández is originally from Brooklyn, New York, with roots in Puerto Rico and Nicaragua. She has a wide range of experience working in PreK-12 education settings focused on designing and supporting school climate and culture initiatives, including in New York and Virginia. She also served as a senior strategist for a national nonprofit supporting children and young adults impacted by parental incarceration. Dr. Fernández earned her doctorate degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education, where her research examined how school climate and external factors shape Latino student belonging and connection.

Recently, Dr. Fernández was named Chief of Student Supports for Hamilton County Schools. She leads teams responsible for all aspects of academic advising, alternative learning, behavioral interventions, mental health, and targeted support for students experiencing foster care, housing instability, truancy, or involvement with the juvenile legal system.

Xavier Cotto

Southside Youth Development (La Paz board member)

Xavier Cotto was born and raised in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico… land of beauty queens, baseball, beaches, and mofongo! He graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Xavier is now a professional and community leader with over 14 years of dedicated service at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). As the Program Manager for Employee Experience, Xavier has been instrumental in designing and implementing programs that elevate the employee experience, ensuring TVA attracts and retains top talent. His strategic initiatives have significantly enhanced employee engagement and integration, making TVA a more inclusive and dynamic workplace. Previously, Xavier led the coordination of cross-functional teams, resulting in improved internal processes, increased data integrity and security, and the prevention of costly failures at TVA’s power-generating sites.

Beyond his professional achievements, Xavier is a passionate advocate for the Latino community in Chattanooga. As the Board Chair and Co-Founder of Southside Youth Development, he has empowered urban youth through baseball. Additionally, through his venture, XCeed Events, Xavier has amplified the presence of Latino arts in Chattanooga, organizing events that celebrate our cultural diversity. Xavier was appointed to the La Paz Board of Directors in 2025. Driven by his personal values and a commitment to collaboration, Xavier enjoys partnering with community all-stars, always excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact for our community.