Rex Tillerson receives Hispanic Heritage Inspira Award

Anthony Tijerino - President and CEO, Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and Rex W. Tillerson, Chairman and CEO, ExxonMobil, discuss the importance of supporting the next generation of Hispanic leaders.

June 13, 2008

Award is in recognition of support in math and science education

On June 11, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) presented the Inspira Award to ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Rex W. Tillerson and U.S. Representative Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) for their support in improving math and science education among Hispanic youth and in inspiring a new generation of Hispanic leaders in the United States.

According to Jose Antonio Tijerino, HHF president and CEO, this is the first time the Inspira Award has been given to a political official and a corporate CEO. Previously, the Inspira Award has honored celebrities and other leaders who have assisted in creating educational opportunities and encouraging Hispanic youth to become future leaders of this nation.

“The Inspira Award recognizes those who have taken a leadership role in breaking barriers and creating opportunities for Hispanic youth,” said Tijerino. “We commend Rex Tillerson and Rep. Hinojosa for their efforts in working to ensure opportunities for Hispanic youth in education, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.”

“It is a great honor to be recognized by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation,” said Mr. Tillerson. “Our nation needs more brilliant minds than ever before. That’s why we support programs like the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, which emphasizes the importance of role models, including those who have succeeded in the math and science fields, while celebrating the unique Latino culture and the strength and dimension it brings to our nation’s workforce.”

For eight years, ExxonMobil has partnered with the HHF to provide scholarships to talented and well-deserving Hispanic youth who have excelled in the discipline of mathematics and engineering through the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards. ExxonMobil’s contributions to the Youth Awards total more than $1.2 million.

Rep. Hinojosa has also played an instrumental role in helping to improve educational and workforce-improvement programs for minorities and low-income families. Rep. Hinojosa serves as chairman of the Education Task Force for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.