A Night of Unity was welcomed with celebration, and with it the National Hispanic Council on Aging’s 2025 Award Ceremony has lit the spark for A Future of Action.
NHCOA is thrilled with the outcome of its 2025 Awards Ceremony, where fellow organizations concerned with the betterment of Latino communities joined with congressmen, researchers, advocates, and community members to applaud those who have made such exemplary progress as to receive an award for their incredible work.
Edwin Walker, retired Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging at the Administration for Community Living (ACL), centered the evenings attendees to the core beliefs that unite them for this awards ceremony. He praised the teaching of, and striving for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, asked that those gathered accept defeats but to never be defeated, as he quoted Maya Angelou.
The event’s moderator, Vivian Nava-Schellinger, of the Nava Collective, brought context to Mr. Walker’s wise words as she reminded attendees of the power with the Latino community, both in its economic and laborious contributions to the country and in its powerful spirit of perseverance. Noting the richness of the community members gathered, she further noted the strength of Latino diversity, applauded unity despite differences, and called fourth a future of action.
Further echoing the sentiment that united these leaders, advocates, and members of the Latino community, NHCOA’s President & CEO, Dr. Yanira Cruz offered a way to synthesize what it means to unite, and to work together for a better future: kindness. Her comforting and assuring words grounded the meaning of this night, and the intention in recognizing such momentous accomplishments as those made by the night’s awardees. They are united in this kindness, and it is kindness that must be carried forward.
NHCOA Board member, Robert “Bob” Blancato offered more sincere and concise grounding to the purpose of the evening, as he made a call to the preservation and improvement of social safety-nets like SNAP and Medicaid, an area of policy he knows quite as well as the Executive Director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs.
Following the impressive and inspiring words of this quartet of community leaders, the awards commenced:
- In collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, Jeff Cruz, Executive Director of Latinos for a Secure Retirement Coalition, presented the Research Recognition Award to Dr. Yakeel Quiroz for her pioneering research into early detection of Alzheimer’s disease amongst diverse populations. Dr. Quiroz remarked the critical underrepresentation of Latinos in research, and affirmed her commitment to continue striving for change in her field.
- Malaika Hill, a Senior Manager of Advocacy Relations for Amgen, with a focus on bone health, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Amelie Ramirez, for her leading of national research efforts to address disparities in Latino health, and a lifelong dedication to promoting preventative healthcare and empowering communities over the course of her career. Via recording, Dr. Ramirez accepted the award and recalled the purpose that has guided her career, to help Latino families live longer and healthier lives.
- Dr. Yanira Cruz presented the 2025 President’s Award to Marcus Escobedo for his leadership in philanthropy and nonprofit work elevating the voices of older adults and caregivers. Mr. Escobedo spoke on the work he conducts as Vice President of Communications and Senior Program Officer for the John A. Hartford Foundation, and his first-hand experience witnessing the plight of medically underserved Latino older adults in his parents. Mr. Escobedo further remarked that the work starts with such simple matters as bilingual communications and translation services, but must go far beyond.
Amidst the evening’s award segment, attendees were treated to a vibrant performance by Javier Buentello and Belinda Adora, of the Elegant Dancing organization. Their performance filled the room with festivity and warmth as attendees dined and took in just a piece of the dynamic culture that the night celebrated, before attention returned to honoring this year’s awardees.
- Congressman Ritchie Torres was awarded with the Outstanding Public Policy award for his incredible work as representative for New York’s 15th district, and for the highly valuable representation he brings with his perspective to Congress. Congressman Torres referenced the millions of older households struggling amidst the devastating affordability crisis currently seen in the United States, and the moral obligation that the nation has to ensure that all older adults are able to age with dignity, access to healthcare, and access to homecare.
- Didier Trinh, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) presented the Rising Star Award to Congressman Juan Ciscomani, for his likewise exemplary service in representing Arizona’s 6th district. Congressman Ciscomani spoke on the absolute responsibility of those who hold such privileged positions to create real change, and the serious obligation he feels for research reflecting older diverse populations to be funded and supported bipartisanly.
Sohini Gupta, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs & Innovations at AHIP provided interim remarks amidst the awards, where she spoke on the shared vigor between AHIP and fellow organizations like NHCOA to ensure that everyone has access to healthcare, noting the distinct and widespread impact on lives that lack of healthcare brings. Ms. Gupta spoke on staggering statistics of chronic diseases within Latino communities, and highlighted the value of Medicare Advantage in meeting the needs of these older adults. She additionally echoed the sentiment of the evening, noting the importance of unity in an age of rampant misinformation.
- Following Ms. Gupta’s remarks, Irene Bueno, Co-Founder & Partner of NVG, presented the Outstanding Public Health Award to Dr. Ray Serrano, Director of Research and Policy for the League of United Latin American Citizens. Dr. Serrano has demonstrated remarkable dedication to public health and public equity in advocating for Latino communities in the sphere of public health policy. He remarked that the award is a testament to the work he and NHCOA staff have put in to advocate for such important legislation as the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, and to the stubborn level of his perseverance he feels in refusing to give up on advocating for improving the health of Latino older adults.
- Celeste Carrasco, Director of Federal Public Affairs for AT&T presented the Outstanding Community Service Award to Edna Kane Williams, Chief Diversity Officer for AARP, for her tireless promotion of fair representation of diverse communities and unwavering commitment to inclusion. Ms. Williams spoke on the pride she feels for AARP, and its commitment to aiding organizations like NHCOA, and to fighting on Capitol Hill to make sure that older adults are well represented and addressed.
Vivian Nava-Schellinger closed the ceremony with a collective traditional tequila toast, and made a call to action to continue supporting the efforts of the National Hispanic Council on Aging. The annual NHCOA Awards Ceremony serves a dual-purpose in its creation of a platform that honors the otherwise unsung heroes who are working to improve the lives of Latino older adults, and in its reminder that this work is a community effort. NHCOA remains steadfast in its advocacy, research, and service to Latino older adults, their families, and caregivers, and it is likewise honored to receive support in its mission. By donating to NHCOA, you will directly support initiatives that empower Latino older adults, eliminate health disparities, and advocate for policies that uplift our community. To make a donation, please visit nhcoa.org/donate.
Sponsors: The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Amgen, Abbott, Alzheimer’s Association, AHIP, Eli Lilly, PhRMA, Latino Bold Magazine, and Verizon.
About NHCOA: NHCOA is the leading national organization working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and their caregivers. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NHCOA has been a strong voice dedicated to promoting, educating, and advocating for research, policy, and practice in the areas of economic security, health, and housing for Hispanic older adults, families, and caregivers for the last 51 years.
For more information about NHCOA call 202-347-9733 or visit www.NHCOA.org.
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