April 14, 2010

Hispanic leaders to be honored at Las Madrinas Tribute May 16

By Julie Filby

The sixth annual Las Madrinas Tribute is set for 11 a.m. May 16 to honor leaders in the Hispanic community who have made an impact on Bienestar Family Service programs.
Bienestar is the branch of the archdiocese’s Hispanic ministry, Centro San Juan Diego, that provides social services to low-income, immigrant individuals and families. Last year, they served more than 7,300 individuals in the areas of adult education, personal and professional development, and legal services.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the event will include brunch, el mercadito (the little market), entertainment by world renowned composer and classical guitarist Manuel Molina, and silent and live auctions.
Ten individuals will be honored for their “spirit of La Madrina” (Godmother).

Madrina (Godmother) Awards
Female role models who demonstrate untiring dedication

Mary Ann Solano Shing: Shing is president and CEO of Brothers Redevelopment, known for providing housing for low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners. She is a member of the Annunciation High School Hall of Fame, an alumna of Denver Community Leader-ship Forum and Hispanic Institute’s Leadership Program, a Hispanic Annual Salute honoree and the 2009 Girl Scout Woman of Distinction. She served on the initial planning committee to develop Centro San Juan Diego and serves on the advisory board.

Deborah Vela: Vela is founder of Vela Insurance Agency. She has received the National Emerging Markets Agency Award, sits on the Diversity Producer Council for Travelers Insurance, the Multicultural Producer Council for Met Life Insurance, and Colorado Association for Hispanic Realtors board. She has served on boards for LARASA, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and LAEF. She was selected to participate in the Latino Council for Latino Entrepreneurs. At Centro, Vela is involved with LaTEENa Conferences, Bienestar Family Services, Vino y Chocolate toy drive and Archbishop Gomez Awards.

Marcela de la Mar: De la Mar serves currently serves as Director of Education and Cultural Affairs for the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver. She served as director of the Mexican Cultural Center, on boards for American Red Cross and Museum of Contemporary Art, and is a member of the Latino Outreach Committee for the Denver Art Museum. She is an alumnus of Circle of Latina Leadership, and was appointed to Mexico’s International Board of Mexican Culture, Seminario de Cultura Mexicana. De la Mar served on Centro’s initial planning committee and helped develop the Plaza Comunitaria Initiative.

Christine Johnson, Ph.D.: Johnson is special assistant to the provost at University of Colorado, Denver. At Community College of Denver, she was the first Hispanic woman college president in the history of Colorado higher education. She was vice president for educational services at the Community Colleges of Colorado, director of urban initiatives with the Education Commission of the States, and a teacher and principal. She chaired the Colorado Commission of Higher Education and was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Education to the help develop the “nation’s report card.” Johnson is on the board for Catholic Charities and volunteers with Hispanic youth ministry and Catholic schools.

Rebozo (Shawl) Award
One who offers personal and financial resources to embrace efforts of Bienestar Family Service programs
Luella Chavez d’Angelo: D’Angelo is president of the Western Union Foundation that partners with nonprofits to facilitate economic opportunities. She served as director of marketing for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and was a vice president for University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. She served on many boards including Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, Get Smart Schools, Hispanics in Philanthropy, Denver Foundation and American Heart Association. D’Angelo and the foundation have contributed specifically to Centro’s literacy efforts.

Corazón (Heart) Award
One who volunteers with love and dedication
William F. Amann: Amann serves as head English as a second language teacher and mentor, and was instrumental in developing the ESL curriculum. Before retirement, he worked as system programmer and at the U.S. Post Office. He also was a volunteer tutor and teacher at The Learning Source for Adults and Families.

Estrella (Star) Awards
Volunteers who shine brightly for their community efforts
Timothy MacDonald, Susan Cole, Angela Reyes and Ilene Lin Bloom: Volunteers serving at Legal Night Clinics help find solutions to legal problems that impact children and the underprivileged in areas of immigration, credit, housing, landlords, employment and family law. The task force is chaired by MacDonald, an attorney at Arnold & Porter LLP and organized by Cole, senior legal assistant. Reyes has served as an interpreter and organizer since the program’s inception. Bloom has also been involved since inception. In 2009, 221 Legal Night volunteers served 1,347 individuals.
The Las Madrinas Tribute will be held at Centro San Juan Diego at 2830 Lawrence St. Tickets are $50. For tickets or more information, contact Jennie Marquez at 303-295-9470 Ext. 100 or jennie.marquez@archden.org.