Home  » Media » eNewsletter

MALDEF Honors Community Champions at 25th Annual San Antonio Awards Gala

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Last Friday, MALDEF hosted its 25th Annual San Antonio Awards Gala at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel, honoring regional leaders in the public and private sector who have been critical forces in advancing the goals of the community and providing social justice for Latinos. Ana Maria Canseco, co-host of Univision's Despierta America, the number-one rated morning show on Spanish-language television, served as the Master of Ceremonies.

"Our Awards Gala was a gathering of some of the nation’s best. These men and women play a vital role in moving toward the goal of equality for Latinos here in the great state of Texas, and across our nation," stated Nina Perales, MALDEF Southwest Regional Counsel. "Their unbridled commitment to serve those with the greatest need serves as an example to us all. Most importantly they are a shining example for our youth who will become the next generation of community leaders."

Among the honorees, the Dell Corporation was recognized with the Corporate Social Responsibility Award for their programs and projects that have substantively improved the lives of the members of the Latino community.

Clinical Professor of Law, St. Mary's University, Lee J. Terán, was recognized for her exemplary advancement of the legal rights of Latinos with the Excellence in Legal Service Award.

Co-recipient of the Excellence in Legal Service Award was Director of the Immigration Law Clinic, University of Texas at Austin, Ms. Barbara Hines.

Mary Esther and Joe J. Bernal were honored with the MALDEF Lifetime Achievement Award for their career-long dedication and commitment to increasing opportunities for the Latino community.

Texas Representative Rafael Anchía received the Matt Garcia Public Service Award for his dedication and contributions to the Latino community.

MALDEF’s 25th Annual San Antonio Awards Gala was a tremendous success. We would like to thank our dinner committee sponsors, Anheuser- Busch, Edison, McDonalds, Prudential, Western Union, Bancomer, Dell Corporation, Law Offices of Domingo Garcia, Franklin, Cardwell & Jones P.C. and many others who helped make the Gala such a success.