Dr. Jose A. Flores is a lifelong resident and community activist of Grand Rapids, MI., retired educator/teacher/administrator and former B.O.E. member of the Grand Rapids Public Schools.  He is credited with having co-founded the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, started the Hispanic Festival, served with the late founder of C.E.P. on the Board of Directors and having operated a successful grocery/convenience store called La Familia on Grand Rapids’ S.W. side for over 30 years.  Dr. Flores has a long record of service to the community, public advocacy for civil rights issues and has run for several public offices in Grand Rapids.  His political awareness and involvement is an asset to reaching the goals of the Heat 97.3 FM and will guide the efforts of this organization to reach it’s goals in the near future.  He said, “Music is universal and our urban genres of music will help bring greater harmony among our Metro Grand Rapids Residents!”

https://lavozweb.com/

- Marte Smith grew up in Grand Rapids, attended Burton Middle School and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School. He went on to University of Connecticut(Uconn) where he studied and played college level basketball where he honed many of his values and team contribution skills which he currently uses in his IT, Informational Technology career at Haworth Corporation.  Marte Smith eraned his bahelors degree in Social Science at University of Detroit Mercy where he also played NCAA D1 basketball.  His high level of discipline and focus on education have helped him develop unique talents in the workplace. For Marte, work has always been about learning new skills and exploring new fields of endeavor.  He has worked in marketing for over 15 years, directed advertising sales for major companies for over 10 years and dedicated the bulk of his work in the area of information technology where he has made his greatest contributions.  With a bachelor’s degree and work experience in marketing media, the Heat 97.3 FM is fortunate to have Marte Smith directing Sales, Marketing & Public Relations. We are positioned to make a real impact in promoting an urban experience music model of radio play that will challenge the marketplace to support diversity through dedicated advertising.

Dr. Edgar León is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico and holds a Master's Degree in Technology and Education from Michigan State University. With a PhD in Computer Applications, Technology and University Administration from Michigan State University. Worked as a Consultant for the Department of Education in Michigan. He has been a Technology television producer at WORA Channel 5 in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Written several books that are published on Amazon Kindle. "Revolución Educativa", "Puerto Rico Algarete". His newspaper articles have been featured in regional newspapers and the Julian Samora Institute at Michigan State College where he has also taught graduate-level technology courses. Worked as an editorial cartoonist and writer for local and international newspapers. Directed and hosted a successful Radio Show in Lansing, MI.  After 27 years as an educator in Michigan he was hired as a Researcher, Director of Continuing Education and Professor of Technology at the UPR Mayagüez Campus. He is currently an adjunct professor/researcher at Caribbean University, offering doctoral courses in technology.  His current radio broadcast highlights bilingual Salsa, Boleros, Merengue, Bachata and other Latin music, familiar and new releases with twists of comedy, news and commentary from the island of Puerto Rico.  He is also an Op-ed writer with The Community Voice/La Voz Magazine and has gained international prominence.  Edgar’s skillset will advance our future success at the Heat 97.3 WJWC FM.

• Paul Collins has supported the work of the late Robert LaDew for many years and served as board member of C.E.P.  Community Empowerment Project, Inc., in prior years.  His profile reads like a movie star.  He has spent his life building bridges between people, communities and nations resulting in his recognition by international dignitaries including Former Presidents of the United States and word leaders across the globe.  His paintings are on display in major art galleries, museums, airports, government buildings, hospitals, schools, and included in the private collections of internationally recognized business and governmental leaders.  Paul has painted portraits for U.S. Presidents, murals and sketches demonstrating his unique talents and visual perspectives across America.  He has spoken at major events promoting civil rights, intercultural understanding, and racial healing.  His perspectives on major issues confronting America are often his most vivid topics of discussion in interviews he agrees to.  He is in high demand and continues his volunteerism through ideas and input at the Heat 97.3 FM in Grand Rapids. We are extremely fortunate to have his support!

https://www.collinsart.org