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Community leaders honored at Las Madrinas brunch
By Elise Harris
On May 15, six people were recognized for their leadership in the Hispanic community at the seventh annual Las Madrinas Awards brunch held at Centro San Juan Diego in Denver.
The event consisted of silent and live auctions, brunch, a performance of traditional Mexican dances by Baila Conmigo (Dance With Me) and presentation of awards. Event proceeds benefit Centro’s Bienestar Family Services. Centro is the archdiocese’s ministry that responds to spiritual, economic and social concerns in the Hispanic community. Centro’s Bienestar Family Service programs, led by Marycrest Franciscan Sister Alicia Cuarón, help low-income, Spanish-speaking individuals and families with education, legal services, leadership and small business skills.
Madrina Awards were presented to Christine Benero, president and chief executive officer of Mile High United Way; Olga Garcia, formerly the manager of diversity for Molson Coors Brewing Company; and Marisol Villagomez who works in advertising and marketing for the Colorado Rockies.
Corazón Award was given to Sandra Muñoz, an instructor with Plaza Comunitaria, a literacy program offered by Bienestar Family Services.
Rebozo Award recipient was Fernando Sergio who is a radio host for KBNO-AM 1280. Sergio is also the Spanish voice of the Denver Broncos.
Estrella Award was presented to Peter Droege, vice president for the Daniels Fund, whose grant and scholarship programs have awarded more than $377 million since 2000.
Luis Soto, executive director of Centro San Juan Diego, welcomed the attendees.
“Hispanics shouldn’t be seen as a challenge, but as an asset we can’t forget,” he said.
Soto said integration of Hispanics into American culture is essential. He explained that Centro strives to do that by attending to a person’s physical, material and spiritual needs. He noted that last year Bienestar programs assisted 7,000 families through English as a Second Language classes, citizenship preparation, computer training, GED preparation, and other initiatives.
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