CHICAGO – MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) paid tribute on June 11 to three leaders who have dedicated their careers to promoting and protecting the rights of the Latino community.
“MALDEF has maintained a regional office in Chicago for more than 45 years, and so much work that positively affects Latinos nationwide begins in this city,” said Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF president and general counsel. “As always, our event here, especially through our extraordinary honorees, demonstrates and epitomizes the singular importance of the Latino community in Chicagoland.”
Jose M. Muñoz received the Excellence in Community Service Award for his outstanding leadership and dedication to expanding opportunities for underserved communities. As chief executive officer of La Casa Norte, a leading Chicago-based nonprofit serving youth and families experiencing homelessness, he has strengthened and expanded critical housing and supportive services while guiding the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proud son of Mexican immigrants and the first in his family to graduate from college, Muñoz has also advanced equity and opportunity through his leadership as co-chair of the Illinois Latino Agenda. Recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a 2025 Notable Leader in Philanthropy, he is a respected advocate for housing, immigration, and civic engagement.
“As the proud son of Mexican immigrants, this award is especially meaningful. It reflects not just my own journey, but the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of my parents and the communities I have had the privilege to serve,” said Muñoz. “I am grateful to MALDEF for its powerful legacy of advancing justice and opportunity for Latinos, and I accept this honor as a reminder of the work we must continue together.”
Beatriz Ponce de León also received the Excellence in Community Service Award in recognition of her leadership and lifelong commitment to advancing immigrant rights and community well-being. She serves as the inaugural Deputy Mayor for Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights for the City of Chicago, where she leads efforts to protect immigrant communities and promote their integration and belonging. From 2023 to 2024, she played a key role in coordinating the city's response to resettle thousands of newcomers and helped expand Chicago’s shelter capacity. Working alongside Mayor Brandon Johnson, she has also advanced policies to protect residents from unjust immigration enforcement. A lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion, Ponce de León has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity and ensuring dignity and access for immigrant and refugee communities.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award from an organization whose work has helped improve the lives of Latino communities for over 50 years. This honor is especially meaningful at a time in which many of us across the country have come together to fight for immigrant rights, protect constitutional rights, and uphold the democratic values that bind us,” said Ponce de León. “This award is not mine alone. It belongs to the countless individuals and organizations in Chicago who have been standing up with courage and love to protect each other and to build a more just society.”
Martin V. Torres was awarded the Excellence in Government Service Award for his leadership and dedication to strengthening education policy and expanding opportunities for students across Illinois. He serves as Deputy Governor for Education in the Office of Governor JB Pritzker, where he oversees the state’s education portfolio from early childhood through postsecondary education and advises the governor on key policy and administrative matters. Since joining the administration in 2019, Torres has helped guide major education initiatives and coordinates multiple state education agencies. He previously held senior roles in the administration and worked in education policy at the state and national levels, with a focus on equity and access.
“MALDEF has been advancing the interests of Latino residents in courtrooms and statehouses across the country for nearly 60 years. It’s humbling to receive recognition from the premier civil rights organization for Latino residents in the United States,” said Torres. “The attorneys at MALDEF have always inspired me to be the best public servant I can be. Public service has never been more important than it is today, and I hope the next generation of Latino youth pursue justice-oriented opportunities, whether that’s in government or organizations like MALDEF.”
MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz and MALDEF Midwest Regional Counsel Susana Sandoval Vargas delivered remarks. The gala was emceed by Maria Berrelleza, news reporter with NBC Telemundo Chicago.
MALDEF recognized the significant contributions of these outstanding leaders and their dedication to advancing civil rights for all. The event drew notable government and community leaders from around the nation.