SACRAMENTO — Today, the California Latino Legislative Caucus recognized 16 Latino trailblazers at its 22nd Annual Latino Spirit Awards ceremony at the State Capitol.
“The Latino Caucus is honoring and recognizing the significant contributions of prominent Latino leaders based in California, across all industries, who positively impact our Latino community. Each year, these awards celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of the Latino community, reminding us of our endless potential. We had the privilege of honoring a diverse group of Latinos encompassing a culturally rich & diverse constellation of countries from all over Latin America, from Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, who were honored today, “ said Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), Chair of the Latino Caucus. “Each of our 16 honorees is an agent of change who has consistently inspired, impacted, and influenced Latinos and made our communities proud.”
“It brings me immense pride to present the Latino Spirit Awards every year, honoring highly talented, accomplished, and inspiring individuals representing the rich cultural diversity within our Latino community,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), Vice-Chair of the Latino Caucus. “Their contributions and accomplishments are the kind that make others take notice, as they pioneer new achievements in their respective fields from athletics, to science, healthcare, entertainment, public service, and more. The Latino leaders recognized today are making history in our Golden State and inspiring future generations of Latinos to follow their dreams and aim for the stars. I commend them for their hard work and dedication.”
Every year, the California Latino Legislative Caucus presents the Latino Spirit Award honor to prominent Latino Californians. Each honoree has made pioneering contributions in their respective fields, rising to become role models and community leaders. They serve as a reminder of the talent we have within our diverse Latino community and are a source of inspiration to all Californians.
Established in 2002, The Latino Spirit Awards take place annually at the State Capitol in Sacramento to coincide with the state’s celebration of Cinco de Mayo and to recognize leading figures within our diverse Latino community.
The 2024 Latino Spirit Award Honorees are:
- Vanessa Aguilar (Achievement in Youth Athletics)
- Rafael Agustín (Achievement in Cinema & Literature)
- Cástulo de la Rocha (Achievement in Health Care)
- Joe L. Del Bosque (Achievement in Agriculture Business)
- Ignacio A. Gomez (Achievement in Art & Civil Rights)
- Jorge R. Gutierrez (Achievement in Animation & Film)
- Dr. José M. Hernández (Achievement in Science & Philanthropy)
- Lupita Infante (Achievement in Music & Entertainment)
- Doris Anahí Muñoz (Achievement in Art & Music)
- Pilar Niño (Achievement in Journalism)
- Dr. Diana E. Ramos MD, MPH, MBA (Achievement in Public Service & Health)
- Maite Gomez-Rejón (Achievement in Culinary Arts)
- Diana Maria Riva (Achievement in Advocacy & Entertainment)
- MANA de San Diego (Achievement in Community Empowerment)
- Nancy Sutley (Achievement in Public Service)
- Lisa Vidal (Achievement in Advocacy & Entertainment)
The honorees were acknowledged on each floor of the legislature during presentations by Latino Caucus Chair Cervantes in the Assembly and Vice-Chair Gonzalez in the Senate and subsequent affirmative vote to declare May 1, 2024 - May 7, 2024, as Cinco de Mayo Week in California.
For more information and complete biographies of this year’s honorees, please visit. The presentations can be viewed here:
Assembly - assembly.ca.gov/todaysevents
Senate - senate.ca.gov/calendar
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