Recipients were selected based on their leadership and contribution to the Latinx community through various industries, including art and culture, health and medicine, technology, business, community empowerment, civil rights, human services, education, youth outreach and immigration rights.
Among those selected was Center on Halsted Executive Director Modesto “Tico” Valle (in the “LGBTQ+” category) and out artist Sam Kirk (one of four—along with Carlos Rolon, Carlos Matallana and Jonathan Castillo—under “Arts and Culture”). Some of the other honorees include Heartland Alliance President Evelyn Diaz (Human Services), Esperanza Health Centers Chief Operations Officer Carmen Vergara (Health and Medicine) and Metropolitan Family Services CEO Ric Estrada (Legacy Award).
The City of Chicago will provide a live-stream feed of the event on Mayor Lightfoot’s social-media channels. including Facebook and Twitter.