Nominations open for 2026 Latinés in Leadership Awards

The Latinés in Leadership Awards are accepting nominations through Sept. 11, with honors spanning business, education, public service, STEM, agriculture and community advocacy.

Nominations open for 2026 Latinés in Leadership Awards
The third annual Latinés in Leadership Awards will honor Latiné women and non-binary leaders from across southern New Mexico on Oct. 16. Nominations are open through Sept. 11. (Courtesy graphic / Latinés in Leadership Awards)

Southern New Mexico residents may nominate Latiné women and non-binary leaders in 12 categories through Sept. 11

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Nominations are open through Sept. 11 for the third annual Latinés in Leadership Awards, honoring Latiné women and non-binary leaders across southern New Mexico.

The Covarrubias-Aprendamos Foundation and the Zamora Family Foundation will present the awards at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Rio Grande Winery.

The awards recognize leaders from classrooms and boardrooms to small businesses, farms and the frontlines of public service.

“These awards are a heartfelt tribute to the Latiné women and non-binary individuals whose work moves our communities forward,” said Krystal Chavarria of the Covarrubias-Aprendamos Foundation.

Caroline Zamora of the Zamora Family Foundation said past winners and honorees embody the leadership that strengthens local culture and helps shape a more just and vibrant future.

Nominees must identify as Latina or Latiné non-binary and live in Doña Ana, Sierra, Luna or Grant County.

Nominations may be submitted in English, Spanish or a mix of both languages. Each submission must include the award category, the nominee’s full name and contact information, the New Mexico county where they live, a clear photo or headshot and a narrative of up to 700 words describing the nominee’s experience, accomplishments and reasons they should be honored.

The 12 award categories are:

  • Emerging Leader
  • Leader in Business
  • Leader in Health or Social Sciences
  • Leader in Technology, Engineering or Math
  • Leader in Law, Safety or Public Policy
  • Leader in Arts, Culture or Media
  • Leader in Agriculture or Farming
  • Leader in Education or Youth Empowerment
  • Community Advocate or Grassroots Organizer
  • Legacy in Leadership
  • Young Latiné
  • Juventud con Corazón

Emerging Leader nominees must be 40 or younger as of Nov. 1. Young Latiné nominees must be enrolled in middle school, high school or an equivalent program.

The Juventud con Corazón award recognizes young entrepreneurs whose innovation and leadership are creating opportunities and strengthening their communities. Nominees in that category must be 25 or younger as of Nov. 1.

The Legacy in Leadership category serves as a lifetime achievement award recognizing decades of service, advocacy and community impact.

Nominations must be submitted by Sept. 11 through the online form at https://forms.gle/pW9BGhTAyz8cMKKX7.

Proceeds from the awards celebration will support the Latinés in Leadership NMSU Endowment, which centers and celebrates the Latiné community.

Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available. For information, email LatinesInLeadershipAwards@googlegroups.com or call Caroline Zamora at 575-386-5054.

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