The 2025 Latino Community Service Awards take place on October 4 at 10 a.m.
Read About This Year's Nominees Below
Denver Public Library will celebrate the 2025 Latino Community Service Awards on Saturday, October 4, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Central Library's Park View event space. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Uplift and join la comunidad at the free celebration, featuring a special screening of the Great Colorado Women documentary: “Lena L. Archuleta: Building A Community of Belonging” - Brought to you by The Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. This year's ceremony is partially sponsored by AARP Colorado. Learn about each award category and previous award recipients below.
Each year, Denver Public Library celebrates the contributions of Latinos shaping our city through art, activism, education, culture, and more with the Latino Community Service Awards. Community members are invited to nominate individuals during a nomination period for the categories shown below. Award winners are then selected by a committee consisting of community members and library staff. The committee is chaired by a member of the Library Commission. A celebration is held with a public ceremony during Hispanic Heritage Month and honors award recipients for their contributions to the community.
2025 Eric J. Duran Community Service Award Nominees
Erlinda Archuleta
Erlinda Archuleta is a former teacher, principal, and director for the Colorado Department of Education. She has significantly advanced educational opportunities for underprivileged students and preserved Colorado's Hispanic legacy.
In retirement, she actively volunteers with the Denver Public Library, preserving the history of Denver and Colorado's Hispanic communities, and is an active member of the Congress of Hispanic Educators. She is dedicated to raising awareness of issues affecting older Colorado residents, particularly within the Hispanic community, as reflected in her work on four AARP Committees.
Archuleta has received numerous accolades, including a presidential appointment and the Colorado National Distinguished Principal of the Year Award. As the first in her family to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree, her contributions continue to weave the Hispanic community's stories into Colorado's history.
Christopher “Christo” Luna
Christo Luna is a Daniels Fund Scholar and a dedicated Latino leader committed to community service, advocacy, and equity in Denver and Colorado. As a Community Action Partner with the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado, he offers community-driven solutions.
His national experience includes health policy work in the U.S. Senate and with the National Hispanic Medical Association, focusing on reducing health disparities.
Locally, he supported public health, safety, and workforce development initiatives with the Aurora Economic Opportunity Coalition, led the 2024 National Night Out, and organized legislative roundtables at the Colorado State Capitol. Christo also volunteers at health fairs and community events, connecting families to care and supporting youth.
Gabriela Martinez
Gabriela Martinez of Gabriela Couture is an award-winning fashion designer, master seamstress, and successful businesswoman with 20 years of community involvement in Denver.
A single mother, she inspires many through her dedication to fashion, teaching classes, and promoting sewing. She has employed and trained numerous community members who have gone on to start their own businesses. Gabriela actively collaborates with nonprofits, donates couture pieces for charity, and organizes various drives.
Known for her personable nature and willingness to help, she is a positive influence, particularly for those interested in fashion and sewing, and has received multiple awards, including the 2025 Mujer de Impacto en Colorado.
Jesse Martinez
With over two decades of experience in public service and the nonprofit sector, Jesse Martinez’ passion is focused on equity, cultural preservation, and community empowerment within Denver’s Latino community.
As CEO and Chief Impact Officer of Empowered, Ltd., Jesse guides nonprofits and cultural organizations toward sustainable growth and impact. His career began with Americorps, and he has held positions at Denver Public Schools, Adams 14 School, and the Piton Foundation, expanding community engagement and supporting community-led strategies. His commitment to fostering Latino cultural identity is evident through his work with the Colorado Symphony and the Mexican Cultural Center.
Beyond his executive duties, Jesse volunteers on several boards and committees advocating for equity in arts, education, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Jillian Martinez
Jillian Martinez is a leader committed to empowering the Latino community in Colorado. As Director of Student and Academic Affairs for the ALPFA Denver Chapter, she has been instrumental in launching four collegiate chapters and co-creating a mentorship program that connects first-generation students with Latino professionals. Her efforts have enabled over 120 students to attend the ALPFA National Convention, leading to job offers and valuable connections.
Before joining ALPFA, Jillian directed the Upward Bound program at the University of Colorado Boulder, supporting Indigenous high school students through college preparation and culturally relevant programming, and co-authored a $2.5 million federal grant. She continues her mission as a campus recruiter at the company, EY, helping students secure internships and roles. Jillian's work consistently opens doors and builds a supportive future for Latino students.
Vanessa Ortiz
A first-generation U.S. citizen and college graduate, Vanessa champions community leadership and cultural pride. Influenced by her mother's journey as a single parent and business owner, Vanessa is dedicated to uplifting historically excluded individuals.
Her commitment began with youth mentorship and extended to AmeriCorps, supporting students at Denver's Manual High School. Currently, she chairs the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce Associate Board, serves on the Roundup River Ranch advisory council, and is an Impact Denver Class Ambassador. A key contributor to Latinas Give, Denver's first Latina giving circle, she redefined philanthropy by granting $51,000 to 19 nonprofits in 2023.
Vanessa fights to increase Latina leadership in Denver and ensures Latinas are celebrated in all sectors.
Tatiana Rivera
As President of the Denver Chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), she has played a pivotal role in its exponential growth. Founded in 2021, ALPFA Denver empowers Latino leaders with nearly 1,000 members and over 40 annual events. Tatiana’s leadership has expanded the board from five to 15 members, founded four collegiate chapters, and established a thriving mentorship program.
She’s spearheaded some of the chapter's most impactful events, including the annual Women & Wine gathering during Women's History Month, which features powerful conversations with Latina leaders. She has successfully secured over $90,000 in corporate sponsorships and established crucial partnerships. These achievements have facilitated students' attendance at national conventions and enabled the creation of local programming.
Tatiana's dedication and empathy continue to inspire, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership.
Julia Roncoroni, Ph.D.
A licensed psychologist and tenured associate professor at the University of Denver, Dr. Julia Roncoroni is the visionary founder and director of Cocina Libre. This community-based project uses food as a platform for storytelling, healing, and cultural preservation among immigrant communities.
As a proud Latina immigrant from Argentina, Dr. Roncoroni champions community empowerment, consistently dedicating her time and leadership to amplify immigrant voices in Colorado. Cocina Libre, born from Julia's commitment to honoring immigrant cultural knowledge, has grown into a multi-platform initiative featuring an ethnographic cookbook, a documentary, a podcast, and public workshops.
Her work includes mentoring students, partnering with institutions such as the Denver Public Library to provide accessible programming, and supporting immigrant chefs in business development. Dr. Roncoroni's dedication to service, grounded in the belief that culture, food, and storytelling are powerful tools for liberation, has a profound impact on the Denver community.
Rosario Torres
Emboding humble servant leadership, Rosario Torres consistently uplifts Denver’s Latino community without seeking recognition. She is a powerful, behind-the-scenes force, volunteering for numerous initiatives, including the Latinas First Luncheon, Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) Gala, and Denver programs for the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA).
Currently Executive Vice President of Operations for ALPFA Denver, Rosario joined the board in October 2023. As the second-in-command, she serves as the operational glue, implementing systems and mentoring new board members. Her dedication has significantly contributed to ALPFA Denver’s growth, scholarship opportunities, and impactful programming.
Beyond ALPFA, Rosario volunteers with LAEF, Latinas First Foundation, Elevate Latinas, and Focus Points, provides translation services, and champions immigrant rights. She mentors first-generation professionals and facilitates culturally responsive workshops. Acknowledged in the Impact Denver Leadership Cohort and Colorado Black Women for Political Action, Rosario also founded Herencia Consulting.
2025 Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award Nominees
Joanely Ramos
Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in Keenesburg, Colorado, Joanely Ramos grew up with firsthand knowledge of the challenges migrant families face.
Her advocacy through her work with the United Farm Workers Foundation involved organizing efforts to promote farmworker rights and providing critical language support to ensure workers had access to essential resources. She played a crucial role in organizing efforts, including escorting farmworkers to Washington, D.C., to advocate for policy changes. At the Metropolitan State University of Denver, she has served as Vice President of the Latinx Faculty and Staff Association, where she helped strengthen the university’s Hispanic-Serving Institution designation and spearheaded the creation of over 20 Spanish-language websites.
Joanely is deeply committed to supporting the next generation, mentoring migrant students through the Colorado Department of Education’s Summer Migrant Youth Leadership Institute throughout their educational journeys. Her leadership, compassion, and relentless pursuit of equity continue to uplift Denver’s Latino community and inspire future leaders.
Manuel Del Real, Ph.D.
As Executive Director of Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Initiatives at MSU Denver, Dr. Manuel Del Real leverages his background as a native of Denver's Northside and a member of a tight-knit immigrant community to foster equitable education.
From founding the first Latino-based fraternity at the University of Denver (Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc.) to mentoring first-generation college students, he has always viewed leadership as a tool for collective empowerment. His efforts include securing over $15 million in federal HSI grants to support Hispanic and Latinx students at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, which now comprises 37% of the student body, providing real-life opportunities for students to thrive. He also founded the Colorado HSI Consortium to promote statewide collaboration on educational equity.
Beyond these institutional accomplishments, Del Real is deeply embedded in grassroots leadership. He serves as a trusted advisor for student organizations, a voice of wisdom in his neighborhood association, and a bridge between community needs and university resources.
Alejandro Tellez Dominguez
Arriving in the United States without legal status in 2005, Alex faced numerous obstacles, but he persevered and eventually gained legal status. His experience fueled a passion to help others who faced similar challenges in the community.
As a Denver Public Schools (DPS) representative for Latino programs, he ensures Spanish classes are offered at every school. As a result, Spanish-speaking children are provided with opportunities to advance their education.
Extending his role beyond DPS, his support of the Community HUB program guides parents through the educational system, providing vital information and connecting them with essential community services. These services include food assistance programs, Medicaid application assistance, EOC support, and English, computer, and GED classes, which are offered in Spanish. From this program, 65 students recently graduated.
2025 César Chávez Latino Leadership Hall of Fame Award Nominees
Angela C. Casias
Angela works tirelessly behind the scenes to advance public policy at the City and County of Denver. She's an honest, compassionate, dedicated leader who rarely takes credit for her impactful work.
Her passion for building a better community in our city is evident from her more than a decade of service as a legislative affairs leader at the City and County of Denver. She finds compromise between legislators who don't always see eye to eye, ensuring taxpayers get legislation that works for them. Angela’s passion has led to her appointment by Mayor Mike Johnston as legislative director.
By dedicating her life to shaping city policies, Angela ensures Denver works for all communities, especially underserved communities
Antonio Esquibel, Ph.D.
Dr. Antonio Esquibel is a pioneering educator, activist, and community leader whose lifelong commitment to social justice embodies the legacy of César Chávez. In the late 1960s, he chaired Denver’s United Farm Workers chapter and even undertook a hunger fast in solidarity with farmworkers, setting the tone for decades of advocacy. At Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver), he founded the Chicana/o Studies department—one of the first of its kind in Colorado—creating a vital academic home for Latino history and culture. He championed the groundbreaking 2012 policy granting in-state tuition to undocumented Dreamers.
Beyond the university, Dr. Esquibel has been a tireless advocate for civil rights and community empowerment. He helped bring national recognition to the forgotten 1914 Maestas desegregation case, leading to a Colorado State Capitol statue and writing the commemorative corrido performed at its unveiling. His leadership has extended to organizations like Escuela Tlatelolco, founded by Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales, Servicios de la Raza, and numerous education and civic coalitions—all focused on equity, empowerment, and preserving Chicano heritage.
As an author and scholar, Dr. Esquibel compiled Message to Aztlán: Selected Writings of Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales, preserving the voice of one of the Chicano Movement’s greatest leaders for future generations. He has also written extensively on Chicano mobility in higher education and is currently completing his memoir, The Colonia Kid. His life’s work stands as a testament to the values of dignity, equity, and cultural pride that define Latino leadership in Colorado.
The Honorable Rick Garcia
A lifelong public servant, community advocate, and leader, Rick Garcia’s work at the local, state, and national levels has advanced social justice and expanded opportunities for Latino and underserved communities.
As the first Latino elected to represent Denver’s City Council District 1, he championed initiatives that created the Office of the Independent Monitor, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, and new parks and libraries, including the Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library for West Colfax. Earlier in his career, he launched Colorado’s first small business incubator in Pueblo and later established a manufacturing incubator in Denver’s Five Points, helping to spur job growth in communities affected by economic hardship. He also co-chaired efforts that established the Colorado Minority Business Office in state statute and co-founded leadership and policy organizations, including the Visiones Latino Leadership program and the Latino Policy and Research Center.
At the federal and state levels, Garcia has continued to shape policy and deliver resources where they are most needed. Appointed by President Barack Obama as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s regional administrator for six western states, he directed multimillion-dollar grants supporting affordable housing, transportation planning, and sustainable community development. More recently, as Executive Director of Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs under Governor Jared Polis, he oversaw more than $1.3 billion in COVID-19 recovery programs that provided rental and mortgage assistance, affordable housing, transitional housing for the homeless, and support for nonprofits across Colorado.
Karen D. Gonzales
Karen Gonzales is a pillar of the Denver Latino community, recognized for her unwavering dedication and extensive connections throughout the city. She is involved in multiple organizations, always using her network to gather people together in moments that call for collective action. Whether it’s mobilizing neighbors around critical issues or lending her voice to important causes, Karen brings energy, vision, and unity wherever she goes. Her ability to connect people and inspire them toward a shared goal has made her a trusted leader and a catalyst for meaningful change in Denver.
Her commitment to her community extends beyond organizing. Karen shows up. She is present at events, fundraisers, and cultural gatherings, lending her support and ensuring that others feel seen and valued. Her advocacy has reached vital areas, from spreading awareness about voting polls during elections to organizing calls that pushed back against federal efforts to strip healthcare subsidies. Through this work, she has amplified the voices of those who might otherwise go unheard, ensuring the needs of her community are not only recognized but acted upon.
Karen’s tireless efforts build bridges, create movements, and leave a lasting impact on Denver’s Latino community.
Rocio Leal
Rocio Leal is a proud daughter of immigrant parents from Puebla, Mexico, and has called Boulder home for the past 20 years. Raised by hardworking parents who arrived in the U.S. with limited resources, Rocio developed resilience, empathy, and a deep commitment to helping others. From a young age, she served as a bridge for her community—translating at doctor’s visits, helping neighbors navigate court systems, and even creating English lessons for immigrant adults while still in high school.
As a mother of four, Rocio has passed on her values of integrity, compassion, and advocacy to her children, while continuing her own leadership work. She’s been a leader at the Center for Health Progress, where she advocates for healthcare access and has testified at the Colorado State Capitol in support of policies that protect low-income patients. At EFAA (Emergency Family Assistance Association), she serves on the People and Culture Committee, helping guide equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts across the organization.
In addition to her leadership roles, Rocio works as a middle school registrar, where she often goes beyond her official role to help families access resources and navigate complex systems. Whether through policy advocacy, community service, or mentorship, Rocio continues to be a trusted voice of guidance and inspiration in Boulder and beyond.
Grace Lopez Ramirez
Grace has dedicated her career to advocating for justice on behalf of Denver families. As a lifelong Denverite, Grace is naturally attuned to the needs of Denver’s Latino community.
She served as the director of Mi Familia Vota during pivotal moments in the organization’s history, mobilizing the Latino community and showing that their votes can create change through community education. She helped fight discriminatory car towing and parking laws and fought against the "show me your papers" law in 2008. Her talent in organizing, media planning, and storytelling was also crucial to the passage of the Colorado Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET) bill, giving undocumented students an equal playing field when it comes to school tuition.
She has worked to bring a voice to the city, bringing communities together while advocating for stronger voting rights in Denver.
Alejandro C.L. Acourt
Alejandro is a language access innovator who has reimagined how multilingual spaces can work. He pioneered “parallel translation,” a method that enables Spanish speakers to fully participate in meetings and events on an equal footing with English speakers, and developed a Spanish-first framework that prioritizes inclusion over afterthought. His vision challenges conventional models of translation, instead creating immersive and equitable multilingual experiences.
Since 2017, Alejandro has worked as a technical consultant and access provider with government and community organizations, designing solutions that go far beyond real-time interpretation. His approach includes multilingual outreach, accessible materials, inclusive signage, audio and video adaptations, and feedback collection to ensure all voices are heard.
By offering a comprehensive range of language equity services, Alejandro enables communities and institutions to foster a deeper understanding of and collaboration among diverse cultures.
Virginia A. Ortiz Aguirre
For over 30 years, Virginia Ortiz has dedicated her time to uplifting families, farmworkers, and the community with the development, direction, and sustaining of nonprofit organizations.
A graduate of the National Community Development Training Institute, she has used her skills and experience in non-profit management, fund development, program development, affordable housing, and community economic development to support her community. She has held leadership positions with Bayaud Enterprises, Mile High Ministries, Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics, and ACCESS Housing, among many more. Additionally, she has held mayoral and gubernatorial appointments on the Denver Zoning Board, the Colorado Correctional Industries Board, and the Denver Neighborhood Health Program Board, and has served on numerous charter school and other nonprofit boards.
Virginia has fought hard to achieve her current position and continues to show up for everyone, making space for all to feel welcome and safe.
Jeanette Vizguerra
Jeanette Vizguerra is a nationally recognized immigrant rights leader, organizer, and mother who has dedicated nearly three decades to fighting for social justice in Colorado and beyond. She first came to prominence as a founding member of organizations such as Rights for All People, Dreamers Mothers in Action–Colorado, and the Denver Metro Sanctuary Coalition, where she mobilized communities to defend immigrants from detention and deportation.
In 2017, she gained international attention when she took sanctuary in a Denver church to avoid deportation. Her act of resistance earned her a place on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Throughout her career, she has worked with labor unions, schools, faith groups, and grassroots organizations to protect immigrant families, challenge unjust systems, and inspire bold action across movements.
Her courage and leadership have been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2025 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award. At her core, Jeanette is not only a fearless activist but also a proud Mexicana, mother of four, grandmother of three, and beloved community member who embodies the spirit of resilience, dignity, and love for her people.
If you have questions about the Denver Public Library's annual awards, please email community@denverlibrary.org.
The Eric J. Duran Community Service Award
The award is named for Eric J. Duran, community leader, and former Denver Public Library Commissioner, who worked tirelessly to strengthen and maintain ties between the Hispanic Community and the Denver Public Library.
The recipient will be a person of Latino descent who has made a positive impact on the Denver community, beyond paid employment, to advance community development and/or cultural life through their involvement with the Denver Public Library or another civic institution. The recipient does not have to live in Denver to receive the award; however, their work must impact the Denver community. Nominations encouraged for early to mid career professionals.
Past award recipients are:
- Eric J. Duran (2015)
- Frank Fresquez (2016)
- Antonio Mercado (2017)
- Anthony R. Aragon (2018)
- Diana Chavez (2019)
- Jesse Ogas (2020)
- Gloria Rubio-Cortés (2021)
- Elaine D. Torres (2022)
- Georgina "Gina" Millan (2023)
- Alejandro Flores-Muñoz (2024)
The Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award
The award is named for Lena L. Archuleta, a longtime educator, civic leader, and former Denver Public Library Commissioner, who worked tirelessly to establish greater ties between the Hispanic Community and the Denver Public Library.
The recipient will be a person of Latino descent who has made a positive impact on the Denver community, beyond paid employment, in the field of education, youth development, early childhood programming, or education policy. This includes formal and informal educators. The recipient does not have to live in Denver to receive the award; however, their work must impact the Denver community. Nominations encouraged for early to mid career professionals.
Past award recipients are:
- Lena L. Archuleta (2002)
- Olibama Lopez Tushar (2003)
- Beverly Martinez (2004)
- Carlos Fresquez (2005)
- Anthony J. Garcia (2006)
- Magdalena Aguayo (2007)
- Rosa Linda Aguirre (2008)
- Clara Ricciardi (2009)
- Florence Hernández-Ramos (2010)
- Rita Flores de Wallace (2011)
- Lucia S. Aandahl (2012)
- Carlota EspinoZa (2013)
- Adelia Trujillo-Cisneros (2014)
- Jamie Torres (2015)
- Pilar Castro-Reino (2016)
- Olga J. Garcia (2017)
- Dr. Michele Trujillo (2018)
- Solicia E. Lopez (2019)
- Angela Cobián (2020)
- Phillip Benitez Gallegos, Jr. (2021)
- Dr. Irene Martinez Jordan (2022)
- Olga Gonzalez (2023)
- Lori Marie Huertas & John Perez Jr. (2024)
The César Chávez Latino Leadership Hall of Fame Award
The award is named for César Chávez, a national Hispanic leader who served the Latino community and helped Latinos gain recognition for their contributions to the nation. He is known for his support of farm workers, which resulted in the formation of the United Farm Workers, and his commitment to public action, social justice, and non-violence.
The award, presented annually, will celebrate the induction of an individual into the César Chávez Leadership Hall of Fame. The recipient will be a Coloradan of Latino descent who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to social justice and has made a significant positive impact on their community through community organizing, direct service, and/or advocacy and public policy.
Past award recipients are:
- Ruben Valdez & Lena L. Archuleta (2002)
- Manuel “Sam” Sandos & Polly Baca (2003)
- Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales & Mary Baca (2004)
- The Honorable Roger Cisneros & Rosemary Rodriguez (2005)
- Senator Ken Salazar & Reverend Lucia Gúzman (2006)
- Secretary Federico Peña & Flora Rodriguez Russel (2007)
- Salvadore (Sal) Carpio Jr. & Patricia Barela Rivera (2008)
- Jim Garcia & Katherine Archuleta (2009)
- Bernard “Bernie” Valdez & Denise Maes (2010)
- Carlos Castañeda & Dr. Patricia Baca (2011)
- Guillermo “Bill” Vidal & Theresa K. Peña (2012)
- Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia & Councilwoman Judy H. Montero (2013)
- Ramon Del Castillo, Ph.D. & Lydia Prado, Ph.D. (2014)
- Don Mares & Angie Rivera-Malpiede (2015)
- Dr. Luis Torres & Marlene De La Rosa (2016)
- Jenny A. Santos & Manuel Ramos (2017)
- Renee Fajardo J.D. & Carlos Santistevan (2018)
- Dr. Priscilla Falcón & Councilwoman Deborah “Debbie” Ortega (2019)
- Emanuel Martinez & Guadalupe “Lupe” Briseño (2020)
- Veronica Barela, Geraldine Irene Gonzales (posthumous inductee)
- Shirley Romero Otero (2021)
- Jordan T. Garcia (2022)
- Ellen Grace Alires-Trujillo & Leo Tanguma (2023)
- D. Atekpatzin Young & Rudolph "Rudy" Gonzales (2024)
The awards committee, at its discretion, can place a nominee into another award category where they are a better fit per the nominee's impact/service to the community.