Join us Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Denver Central Library in the Park View event space!
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. Join us for this year's celebration on Saturday, October 3, at 10 a.m. at the Denver Central Library!
Read about each award category and this year's nominees below.
2026 Latino Community Service Awards Nominees
2026 Eric J. Duran Community Service Award Nominees
Vivi Lemus
Vivi Lemus, co-founder of Convívio Café alongside her business partner Kristin Lacy, brings to Denver a Guatemalan-inspired, women- and immigrant-owned establishment that serves as a cornerstone for community connection in Denver. Born in Guatemala, Vivi has spent years collaborating with nonprofits to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. Her café is not only a place for exceptional coffee but also a fully bilingual space where "everyone is welcome," hosting events that celebrate diversity and foster a spirit of "convívio", the art of living together. Vivi’s commitment to social responsibility is evident in her direct-trade sourcing from Guatemalan farmers, ensuring that the value stays in the hands of the producers.
Through Convívio Café, Vivi showcases the richness of Guatemalan culture while addressing local community needs. Her "antojitos" and scratch-made pastries reflect a deep respect for traditional recipes and local ingredients. By shortening the supply chain and prioritizing traceability, she connects Denver residents directly to the origins of their food and drink. Vivi’s dedication to her business, magic, and her community has created a vibrant hub that resonates with everyone who walks through its doors, making her a vital advocate for the beauty of shared culture and the power of intentional community building.
Dr. Julia Roncoroni
Dr. Julia Roncoroni is an Associate Professor at the University of Denver and a leading voice in community-engaged scholarship. She is the founder of Cocina Libre, an initiative that leverages the power of storytelling and food to empower Latino immigrant communities across Colorado. Through community dinners, bilingual publications, and professional training for immigrant chefs, Dr. Roncoroni has created a platform that not only preserves culinary traditions but also facilitates economic empowerment. Her work ensures that the strengths and resilience of the Latino community are documented and shared through accessible public programming in libraries, museums, and schools.
In addition to her leadership of Cocina Libre, Dr. Roncoroni is a dedicated mentor and an advocate for health equity and social justice. Her commitment to making academic knowledge accessible beyond university walls has bridged significant divides, making research and cultural preservation relevant to future generations. By centering the voices of those she represents, her work exemplifies transformative community service. Dr. Roncoroni’s culturally grounded approach has strengthened community connections throughout the state, providing immigrant individuals and families with tangible opportunities to be seen, heard, and supported in their personal and professional journeys.
Rick Mireles
Rick Mireles is the Director of Community Engagement at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA), where he develops programs and partnerships that connect people to the arts in meaningful and accessible ways. Drawing on a background in stage management and theatrical production, he collaborates with schools, libraries, community organizations, and cultural groups throughout the Denver metro area to create opportunities for learning, dialogue, and creative engagement.
Since joining the DCPA in 2016, Rick has supported a wide range of theatrical productions and community engagement initiatives. His experience working both onstage and behind the scenes informs his approach to community engagement, helping demystify the creative process and foster deeper connections between audiences and the performing arts. Through programs such as play reading clubs, artist conversations, workshops, and community events, he creates welcoming spaces where people can connect with one another, explore ideas, and engage with the stories and creative processes that shape the performing arts.
Rick is passionate about making the arts accessible to all and believes that theater can serve as a powerful catalyst for connection, understanding, and belonging. He was recognized as one of the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce's 2022 40 Under 40 Business Leaders, a member of Actors Equity Association, and continues to advocate for inclusive arts experiences that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities that make up Denver.
2026 Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award Nominees
Dr. Manuel Del Real
Dr. Manuel Del Real is the Executive Director of HSI Initiatives and Inclusion at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where he leads with a deep commitment to educational equity and student success. A proud product of Denver’s Northside, he channels his lived experience into transforming systems for historically underserved populations. Dr. Del Real co-founded the Colorado HSI Consortium and spearheaded the state’s first HSI Summit, creating a framework for statewide institutional collaboration. His strategic vision has successfully secured over $19 million in federal HSI grants, providing essential resources that help Latinx students thrive and graduate in record numbers.
Dr. Del Real’s leadership extends far beyond institutional borders into grassroots community advocacy. He founded the first Latino-based fraternity at the University of Denver and continues to mentor first-generation students, ensuring they feel a sense of belonging in higher education. As a trusted advisor and community bridge-builder, he elevates the voices of Latino students and families in policy discussions statewide. His legacy is defined by his humility and his relentless drive to leave things better than he found them. Dr. Del Real’s passion for his work and his dedication to collective empowerment make him a transformative figure in Colorado’s educational and community landscapes.
Andrea Macias
Andrea Macias is an education leader and community advocate committed to advancing educational equity, family engagement, and mental health access. She currently serves as the Family and School Partnerships Coordinator at Adams 12 Five Star Schools, where she supports and leads Family Outreach Liaisons in strengthening partnerships between schools, families, and communities. Previously, Andrea served multilingual, immigrant, refugee, and newcomer families in Denver Public Schools, helping families navigate educational systems while elevating their voices as essential partners in student success.
Andrea’s passion for advocacy began during her time at the University of Denver, where she earned her degree in History and became involved in student organizing and community advocacy. Through her work with Our Turn, she advocated alongside students for greater access to mental health resources in Denver schools. Her academic work also explored student activism, community movements, and Afro-Latinidad.
Andrea continues her commitment to educational and community leadership as Co-Chair of the Latine Education Advisory Council (LEAC) and as a member of Moonshot’s ninth cohort. Across her work, she is passionate about creating spaces where families and communities are not simply invited to participate, but are recognized as leaders whose voices and experiences can shape the systems that serve them.
Patricia Matus-Amat
Patricia Matus-Amat is an esteemed educator and advocate who has dedicated nearly two decades to strengthening the early childhood workforce in Denver. As Lead Faculty for the Early Childhood Education program at CCD, she has been instrumental in creating culturally responsive and bilingual education models that honor students' native languages. Patricia’s visionary leadership led to a statewide partnership that offers ECE certificates entirely in Spanish, opening doors to economic mobility for first-generation college students and multilingual learners. Her dedication to her students goes far beyond the classroom, as she mentors and coaches future educators through every step of their academic and professional journeys.
Patricia’s influence extends globally, having shared her expertise on relationship-based parenting at an international conference in Poland. Locally, her long-standing partnership with Denver’s Early Childhood Council ensures that academic programs are directly aligned with community needs and workforce demands. Her commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education has transformed the lives of countless bilingual educators who now serve children and families throughout the Denver metro area. Patricia is a shining example of service and leadership, consistently going above and beyond her paid responsibilities to ensure that the entire early childhood community has the opportunity to succeed while maintaining their cultural and linguistic identity.
Esmeralda De La Oliva
Esmeralda De La Oliva is a resilient and transformative leader who serves as the Director of Denver Public Schools Community Hubs. Since arriving in the U.S. as a young child, she has overcome significant systemic barriers to become a powerful advocate for educational equity. Today, she leads the district’s regional Community Hubs, providing a safe and holistic environment where families can access essential resources, academic support, and social-emotional services. Her visionary leadership has been crucial in integrating newly arrived migrant families into the community, helping them achieve stability and self-sufficiency through food access, health supports, ESL Classes, parent workshops and citizenship preparation programs.
A cornerstone of Esmeralda’s impact is her groundbreaking adult education pipeline, which has empowered over 200 immigrant parents to earn their GEDs in Spanish. By dismantling barriers like testing costs and providing on-site childcare, she has turned educational dreams into reality for families across the district. Her innovative parent engagement model has been recognized nationally, bringing attention to the power of a servant’s heart in leadership. Esmeralda’s work is deeply rooted in her identity and passion for generational healing, making her an essential force for change in Denver. She does not just serve the community; she honors and transforms it, ensuring that every family has the support they need to thrive. Ultimately, all of this work is grounded in one purpose: supporting DPS students’ academic success by strengthening the surrounding families, schools, and communities.
Marianna Lucero
Marianna Lucero is the Founder and Executive Director of In Lak’ech Denver Arts, a free after-school arts program serving 5th–12th grade BIPOC youth in Southwest Denver. Through Folklórico, Mariachi, and Visual Arts, the organization provides high-quality, culturally responsive arts education that helps young people reclaim, celebrate, and connect with their ancestral traditions.
A Xicana educator and artist, Marianna was born and raised in the Southwest Denver community she now serves. Her work is deeply rooted in both her experiences as a student and nearly a decade teaching dance and drama in Denver Public Schools. In the classroom, she saw the transformative power of the arts, while also recognizing the need for more opportunities where students’ cultures, histories, and identities were meaningfully reflected in their education.
These experiences inspired Marianna to create the kind of arts education she wished she had growing up. Rooted in the Mayan belief of In Lak’ech—“you are my other me”—the program centers culture, community, belonging, and artistic growth. Marianna is committed to removing financial barriers to arts education and creating spaces where young people can develop their artistic skills, build confidence, deepen their cultural connections, and see themselves and their stories reflected and celebrated through the arts.
Charleen Ramirez-Mares
Charleen Ramirez-Mares is an influential educator and community leader with over thirty years of experience shaping the lives of Denver's Latino youth. As the long-time Principal of La Academia and later a leader at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, she has consistently advocated for culturally responsive curricula and holistic student support. Charleen’s dedication to community care was further demonstrated during the pandemic, when she implemented emergency food programs to support vulnerable families. In 2024, she combined her passions for education and entrepreneurship by launching La Brewjula, a community-focused café in Denver’s Sun Valley neighborhood that serves as a safe and gathering space for all.
At La Brewjula, Charleen continues her lifelong mission of investing in young people, offering a gathering place for civic engagement, community celebrations, and continued learning through a local book collection. Her academic background in Chicano Studies and her commitment to restorative justice practices inform her leadership style, which centers on trust and empowerment. Charleen has spent her career leading institutions, launching transformative programs, and mentoring future generations of educators and leaders. Her work reflects the very best of community service, showing that dedicated, long-term involvement can create a lasting impact. Charleen is a powerful voice for the Latino community, whose legacy of love and service continues to inspire and nourish the neighborhood she calls home.
2026 Líderes de Oro Hall of Fame Nominees
Donna Vigil Castaneda
Donna Vigil Castaneda is a native of Denver’s West Side and a dedicated leader in the preservation of Chicano and Indigenous cultural traditions. For over thirty years, she has led Grupo Tlaloc Danza Azteca, focusing on social justice and the spiritual heritage of her people. A graduate of the Crusade for Justice’s Escuela Tlatelolco, Donna has committed her life to her community, using dance and traditional teachings as a tool for empowerment and cultural continuity. Her leadership ensures that the sacred ways of her ancestors are not only preserved but also celebrated as a vibrant part of Denver’s cultural identity.
Donna’s commitment to social justice is reflected in her advocacy and her role as a cultural mentor for generations of community members. Through Grupo Tlaloc, she provides a space for individuals to reconnect with their roots and find strength in their shared history. Her work consistently centers on the resilience and contributions of the Latino community, making her a prominent figure in Denver’s history of activism. Donna’s lifelong dedication to her community and her culture serves as an inspiration, proving that staying grounded in one's traditions is a powerful act of service. Her leadership continues to foster pride and connection, strengthening the cultural fabric of Denver for all who call it home.
Sandra Valdez García
Sandra Garcia is a cornerstone of Denver’s cultural community, having dedicated over 35 years to preserving Mexican folk traditions through her leadership of the Colorado Mestizo Dancers. As a master costume designer and educator, she has taught traditional dance and artistry to countless children and families in schools and libraries across the city. Her group’s 34-year participation in the Denver Parade of Lights has brought cultural pride to one of the city's most beloved events. Sandra’s exceptional talent was recognized by the Denver Art Museum, where her handmade costumes were showcased for their cultural significance and craftsmanship.
Sandra’s extensive partnership with the Denver Public Library has created interactive cultural programs that engage families and celebrate history. Even as a senior citizen, she remains actively involved in mentoring future performers and expanding the reach of her mission to educate others about Mexican folklore. Her lifelong dedication to cultural preservation has enriched the lives of thousands and left a lasting impact on Denver’s artistic landscape. Sandra Garcia is truly the heart of her community, whose artistry and passion for her heritage continue to inspire and connect generations. Her contributions embody the true power of community service, making her an exceptionally deserving candidate for the Latino Leadership Hall of Fame.
Damaris Ronkanen
Damaris Ronkanen is the founder of Cultura Chocolate and Hecho en Westwood. Through Cultura Chocolate, she uses cacao, maíz, and other ancestral foods to connect people to Mexican culture, history, family, and identity. Cultura’s cafe in Westwood has become a cultural hub where people gather, share food, learn, celebrate, create, and keep culture rooted in comunidad.
That same commitment to culture and community grew into Hecho en Westwood, where Damaris has helped build programs, public celebrations, and economic opportunities for local artists, entrepreneurs, cultural practitioners, youth, families, and small businesses. Through culturally rooted youth programming, young people have opportunities to learn traditions through food, art, and danza and carry them forward. Her work has also helped build partnerships across communities, including the Saigon Azteca Night Market.
At the center of Damaris’s work is a belief in community power and in communities building solutions together rather than waiting for institutions to solve neighborhood challenges. Her advocacy focuses on displacement, gentrification, and making sure the people who have shaped Westwood have real power in decisions about its future. She believes cultural preservation is not only about keeping traditions alive, but also about protecting the people, businesses, relationships, and gathering spaces that allow culture and comunidad to remain rooted in Westwood.
Julissa Soto
Julissa Soto is a nationally recognized leader in health equity and a tireless advocate for Latino immigrant communities in Colorado. As the founder of Casa Inmigrante and CEO of her own consulting firm, she has spent nearly thirty years breaking down barriers to healthcare and social services. Her innovative initiatives, such as "Vaccine Sundays" and community health fairs, have facilitated thousands of vaccinations and health screenings for underserved populations. Julissa’s work is grounded in the belief that language and immigration status should never be obstacles to receiving care, and her efforts have built essential trust between public health systems and the Latino community.
Julissa’s leadership extends to state and national committees, where she shapes policy discussions on vaccine equity and immigrant inclusion. Her latest initiative, "Grita Tu Identidad," empowers migrant women to reclaim their voices and emotional well-being. Recognized with numerous awards, including a "Julissa Soto Day" proclamation by Governor Jared Polis, she is a game-changer in public health. Through culturally responsive outreach and visionary leadership, Julissa has not only improved health outcomes but also created sustainable community infrastructure. Her unwavering dedication to social justice and health equity has transformed Colorado, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and represented at the highest levels of decision-making.
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)
Líderes de Oro Hall of Fame Award
This award was previously known as the César Chávez Leadership Hall of Fame. Amid new abuse allegations made against the civil rights activist, the Denver Public Library renamed the award to Líderes de Oro Hall of Fame thanks to feedback from inductees and the community.
The award is presented annually to celebrate the induction of an individual into the Líderes de Oro Hall of Fame. Recipients are Coloradans of Latino descent who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to social justice and have made a significant positive impact on their community through community organizing, direct service, and/or advocacy and public policy.
Previous inductees 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.