Leadership Awards

Award Categories

Community Leadership Award Nominations are due by October 17, 2008. Download the 2008 Award Nomination form.

Arts and Humanities: This award recognizes a Latino(a)/Hispanic who has exhibited outstanding leadership in arts/humanities for Latinos/Hispanics in Nebraska.  Factors taken into consideration include involvement of the Latino/Hispanic community in the arts/humanities field at all levels to enhance the arts and humanities for Latinos.

Business: This award recognizes a Latino(a)/Hispanic who has exhibited outstanding leadership in improving the quality of life for Latinos/Hispanics in Nebraska by his/her involvement in business and economic development, at any level. 

Education: This award recognizes a Latino(a)/Hispanic who has exhibited outstanding leadership in improving education for Latinos/Hispanics in Nebraska.  Factors taken into consideration include involvement of the Latino/Hispanic community in the educational system at all levels to provide a more effective educational system for Latinos.

Government: This award recognizes a Latino(a)/Hispanic who has exhibited outstanding leadership in improving the quality of life for Latinos/Hispanics in Nebraska by his/her involvement in government affairs at any level and by direct involvement in bringing and/or improving services to Latinos; and participation on various groups with the purpose of improving opportunities for Latinos.

Health: This award recognizes a Latino(a)/Hispanic who has exhibited outstanding leadership in improving the lives of Latinos/Hispanics in Nebraska.  Factors taken into consideration include advocating for compassionate and comprehensive health and human services for Latinos; collaboration and multi-disciplinary involvement in all aspects in the Latino(a)/Hispanic community that enhances the quality of life in his/her home area; is an influential role model; involvement in the community; and provides lasting contribution to the Latino(a)/Hispanic community.

Lifetime: This award recognizes a Latino(a)/Hispanic who has exhibited outstanding leadership in improving the lives of Latinos/Hispanics in Nebraska.  Factors taken into consideration include advocating for compassionate and comprehensive services and rights for Latinos; collaboration and multi-disciplinary teamwork; continuous direct and effective involvement in all aspects in the Latino(a)/Hispanic community that enhances the quality of life in his/her home area; is an influential role model; shows involvement in the community; and provides lasting contribution to the Latino(a)/Hispanic community.

Youth: Awarded is a youth who has exhibited and provided leadership qualities to improve the Latino(a)/Hispanic community and has direct involvement in bringing and/or improving services to Latinos.  Factors taken into consideration include: participation on various groups with the purpose of improving opportunities for youth with particular emphasis for Latino youth.

2007 Leadership Awards Recipients

Arts & Humanities: Teatro Mestizo is coordinated by Shelia Roach and Abuit Arcos at The Rose Theatre. They make a difference in the community by highlighting irony and injustice while inspiring hope.

Business/Economic Development: Armando Salgado developed LingoDocs LLC to provide real estate document translation services for the Latino community. He is also very active in the leadership of many area non-profit organizations.

Education: Maria Luisa Gaston is an educator and community activist who has been active in Hispanic ministry, education and leadership training for 25 years. Since 2005, she has been the Coordinator of Hispanic Recruitment at College of Saint Mary.

Health & Human Services: Antonia Correa has been a community leader dedicated to educational access and women's rights. She hosts a weekly show on Radio Lobo and her community work has drawn the attention of many publications.

Tina Flores has served as a personal mentor to several undergraduate Latino students and developed a Spanish course for medical students at UNMC. She also represents Latino health issues as a member of various professional organizations.

Lifetime Achievement Leadership: Mercedes Rosalez has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the Latino community, education and the Catholic church. She has served as a coordinator, chair, volunteer and member for numerous organizations, and has received many awards for her contributions. Rosalez is currently the Director of the Latina Resources Center.

Youth Leadership: Abraham Gomez is a glowing example of the "Growing Our Own Leaders" philosophy. He served as a bilingual tutor and then program specialist at the South Boys and Girls Club in high school. In college he has been involved in many organizations and projects, including delivering a Street SMART class for 7-9 year olds.