Lucy Torres
Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Class of 2026

Since 2010, the Cleveland International Hall of Fame (CIHF) has inducted people who have made significant and lasting contributions to our multicultural society. Cleveland is home to people representing about 120 different ethnic groups. The CIHF exists not only to honor those special people but also to inspire a new generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps.

Over 100 worthy candidates were nominated for the 2026 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. The selection committee was advised by previously inducted members of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

Lucy Torres

Born and raised in Comerío, Puerto Rico, Lucy is the daughter of Amparo Rodríguez and Luis Bonilla. She was lovingly raised by her aunt and uncle, Dońa Luciana Rodríguez and Don Sixto Rodríguez (both deceased), who instilled in her strong values of faith, responsibility, and service. She completed her primary and secondary education in Puerto Rico, graduating from Juana Colón High School, and went on to pursue nursing studies at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, laying the foundation for a lifelong calling to care for others.

In 1978, Lucy relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where she reconnected with her family and built a life rooted in purpose. She married Iván Torres, a dedicated professional and community advocate, and together they shared 31 years of marriage and raised their daughter, Yaris I. Martínez. She is the proud grandmother of four grandchildren: Christopher Jr., Christian, Kris, and Yariliz. After the passing of her husband in 2010, Lucy continued forward with strength, faith, and grace.

Committed to lifelong learning, Lucy furthered her education through coursework at Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, and Hondros Real Estate Academy. She has also completed numerous workshops, conferences, and trainings focused on strengthening and serving the Latino community.

Lucy's community impact is both broad and profound. She has held leadership roles in key organizations, including serving as President and Vice President of the Puerto Rican Parade of Cleveland, where she led major cultural initiatives and brought prominent artists, public figures, and government officials from Puerto Rico to the city. She has also served on the boards of organizations such as the Hispanic American Committee, the Julia de Burgos Youth Cultural Center, and Club Alma Yaucana, and contributed to signature cultural events including the Festival del Café and the Festival de la Calle 33.

For 15 years, Lucy worked with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District as a liaison between parents and the educational system, playing a critical role in connecting families to resources and services, particularly within Latino and multilingual communities. Her leadership extended into municipal government, where she served as a community liaison under Mayor Frank Jackson from 2006 to 2016. In this capacity, she participated in numerous community initiatives, conferences, and outreach efforts, and founded the first Mayor's Advisory Board, creating a vital bridge between community voices and city leadership.

Lucy's work has been recognized through honors such as the Sister Alicia Award from Cleveland State University, among other acknowledgments of her dedication and impact. She has also contributed to local political campaigns, supporting leaders committed to community advancement.

Most recently, Lucy served as a Leasing Manager at Valley Road Villa, a senior housing community, until January 2025, when she stepped away due to health reasons.

Today, Lucy Torres continues her legacy through her family, dedicating her time to supporting her daughter and grandchildren. Her life stands as a testament to faith, service, leadership, and a deep love for her community.

Lucy will be inducted by xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Cleveland International Hall of Fame website