Seventh Annual Latino Awards

Mr. Salvadore (Sal) Carpio Jr. previously served as executive director of the Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver.  During his nearly 20 years of leadership, he directed the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) to meet the housing needs of Denver’s low-income and moderate-income families, children, disabled and seniors populations.  The legacy of his leadership has positively impacted Denver’s Latino population and the Rocky Mountain region for years to come.  Carpio’s accomplishments during his tenure with DHA are far-reaching.  He is credited with developing partnerships with social service agencies and educational institutions to provide upward mobility, self-sufficiency and homeownership programs for pubic housing residents.  Programs including early childhood education, Head Start, after-school tutoring, mentoring, secondary and post-secondary educational opportunities, employment and training programs as well as independent living and programs for seniors all grew and improved due to his dedication and vision for the communities they served.

A leader, dedicated to serving the community, Carpio was first elected to Denver City Council, representing District 9 in 1975.  For 12 years, he represented one of Denver’s most racially, ethnically and economically diverse neighborhood communities.  In addition to his council post, he served as Council President from 1978 – 1979 and chaired numerous Council Committees, including the Budget and Finance Committee five times.  Carpio brought to his work a clear understanding of the dynamic needs of Denver’s neighborhoods, along with proven leadership and consensus-building skills.  Carpio’s vast community experience and myriad involvements span over 30 years and have served him well throughout involvements with the Advisory Committee on Hispanic Education for Denver Public Schools, Latin American Education Foundation, and in coaching baseball and basketball programs for an area parochial school.

Patricia Barela Rivera is an established leader in the areas of business, government and advocacy. Earlier this year, she retired from her distinguished career as the District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Under her leadership, the Colorado District flourished, and received several awards, including the Administrator’s Award for Excellence for the Greatest Increase in Emerging Markets.

Prior to directing the Small Business Administration, Rivera served as director for Citizen Advocacy and Outreach at the state level.  She also managed the Governor’s Advocate Office, which is the primary constituent services office for the State of Colorado.  In that capacity, she oversaw statewide community-based outreach programs and special projects.  Additionally, she managed the Governor’s Diversity Plan – the nation’s first plan deployed at the state level.

Her dedication to service is dynamic, having served on numerous boards including the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Kempe Foundation, in recent years.

Rosa Linda Aguirre, co-owner of Rosalinda’s Mexican Café. Aguirre established herself in Denver’s business community as co-owner of Rosalinda’s Mexican Café.  Aguirre’s community involvement spans 25 years and has made her a fixture in Northwest Denver.

Located in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood, Rosalinda’s has provided free holiday meals to the homeless and continues to support various community organizations each year.  Aguirre co-chairs and supports Padres Unidos, a parent organization serving northwest Denver.  Community Service honors to her credit include the City and County of Denver Unsung Hero Award presented by Mayor Wellington E. Webb, the Mayor’s Latino Advisory Community Award, presented by Mayor Webb, the Martin Luther King Jr. Business and Social Responsibility Award and many others.