The California Latino Legislative Caucus hosted the 22nd Annual Latino Spirit Awards this week, aiming to recognize Latinos in the state who have excelled in the realms of technology, journalism, literature, health and science, law, business, education, human rights, arts, public service and entertainment.
This time, 16 Latinos living in the state were honored in a ceremony held on Monday morning at the State Capitol and reported by Telemundo.
Created in 2002, the award recognizes "the talent of the diverse Latino community that serves as an inspiration to all Californians."
"With each passing year, these awards continue to shine a light on the incredible achievements and contributions of our Latino community, reminding us all of the boundless potential within each and every one of us," the California Latino Legislative Caucus said in a statement.
2024 Latino Spirit Award honorees
1. Vanessa Aguilar (Achievement in Youth Athletics)
Vanessa Aguilar is a Soledad native who was called to play in the U-17 division of the Mexican National Soccer Team.
2. Rafael Agustín (Achievement in Cinema & Literature)
Rafael Agustín was a writer on the award-winning TV show Jane The Virgin, the founding Executive Director of the Youth Cinema Project, and named "Power Player" in the inaugural LA Vanguardia class by the LA Times.
3. Cástulo de la Rocha (Achievement in Health Care)
Cástulo de la Rocha is President and CEO of AltaMed Health Services Corporation.
4. Joe L. Del Bosque(Achievement in Agriculture Business)
Joe L. Del Bosque is a civic leader and lifelong farmer from Firebaugh, California. After years of working agricultural jobs, Del Bosque's family settled in the Westside of the San Joaquin Valley.
5. Ignacio A. Gomez (Achievement in Art & Civil Rights)
Ignacio A. Gomez was born and raised in East Los Angeles and is a graduate of Art Center College of Design.
6. Jorge R. Gutierrez (Achievement in Animation & Film)
Emmy Award-winning Jorge R. Gutierrez is an animator, painter, voice actor, writer, and director born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana.
7. Dr. José M. Hernández (Achievement in Science & Philanthropy)
Dr. José M. Hernández is a former migrant farmworker selected by NASA as a member of their 19th class of astronauts in 2004.
8. Lupita Infante (Achievement in Music & Entertainment)
The critically adored Mexican-American singer-songwriter Lupita Infante is a leading female face in the new generation of Musica Mexicana artists.
9. Doris Anahí Muñoz (Achievement in Art & Music)
Doris Anahí Muñoz is a Whittier-born, San Bernardino-raised, Los Angeles/Mexico City-based singer-songwriter who has been rooted in the ground where art and activism meet from the start of her career.
10. Pilar Niño (Achievement in Journalism)
Pilar Niño, an esteemed reporter for Telemundo 48, stands as a beacon of journalistic integrity and community advocacy.
11. Dr. Diana E. Ramos MD, MPH, MBA (Achievement in Public Service & Health)
Dr. Diana E. Ramos is a renowned public health leader, and California's second Surgeon General and first Latina Surgeon General.
12. Maite Gomez-Rejón (Achievement in Culinary Arts)
Maite Gomez-Rejón, founder of ArtBites, explores the nexus of art and culinary history through lectures, tastings, and cooking classes in museums across the country, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the J. Paul Getty Museum.
13. Diana Maria Riva (Achievement in Advocacy & Entertainment)
In an impressive career spanning over two decades, Diana Maria Riva has established herself as a dominant force in television and film.
14. MANA de San Diego (Achievement in Community Empowerment)
MANA de San Diego (MANASD) is the largest chapter of a national Latina organization. Established in 1986, its mission is to transform communities by empowering Latinas to achieve upward mobility and a better quality of life.
15. Nancy Sutley (Achievement in Public Service)
Nancy Sutley leads Mayor Bass' environmental, energy, and sustainability policy and programs.
16. Lisa Vidal (Achievement in Advocacy & Entertainment)
Award-winning actor Lisa Vidal played on television and in film for the past 40 years, reflecting the diversity of the Latino community while also building it up.
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