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EAGLE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Recognizing visionary leadership and service that advance opportunities for Latino communities.
The Eagle Leadership Award honors distinguished leaders whose vision, dedication, and impact have strengthened communities and expanded opportunities for future generations. Through public service, business leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement, recipients exemplify the values of leadership, excellence, and service that define the Latino Leaders Network.
Established
2004
Total Recipients
81
José Antonio Tijerino
Hispanic Heritage Foundation
President and CEO
November 13, 2025
Jose Antonio Tijerino is president and chief executive officer of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), a national nonprofit focused on education, workforce, social impact, and culture, through the lens of leadership, which he describes as a “malleable mission.” Under Tijerino, HHF has been honored by The White House, US Congress, Fortune 500 companies, other nonprofits, and the Government of Mexico. Tijerino is also executive producer of the Hispanic Heritage Awards at the Kennedy Center, which are broadcast on PBS. Previously, Tijerino was an executive at Fannie Mae Foundation, Nike, Burson Marsteller, and Cohn & Wolfe.
Tijerino was recognized by FWD.us for his work with migrant families on the border, including his support of the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, TX, and has helped build a center on the Mexico side. He also co-founded the American Project; #WeDreamAmerica campaign; and #Masks4Farmworkers, which provided more than 2 million masks for farmworkers during the pandemic; DREAM LEAD for DACA recipients. And, he supported Imagination Stage’s Theatre for Change featuring the Oyeme! Project portraying the plight of migrants, among other efforts.
Tijerino earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland’s School of Journalism, was honored with a Doctorate of Humane Letters from The Chicago School, and is a Salinas Fellow at the Aspen Institute.
President and CEO
November 13, 2025
Jose Antonio Tijerino is president and chief executive officer of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), a national nonprofit focused on education, workforce, social impact, and culture, through the lens of leadership, which he describes as a “malleable mission.” Under Tijerino, HHF has been honored by The White House, US Congress, Fortune 500 companies, other nonprofits, and the Government of Mexico. Tijerino is also executive producer of the Hispanic Heritage Awards at the Kennedy Center, which are broadcast on PBS. Previously, Tijerino was an executive at Fannie Mae Foundation, Nike, Burson Marsteller, and Cohn & Wolfe.
Tijerino was recognized by FWD.us for his work with migrant families on the border, including his support of the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, TX, and has helped build a center on the Mexico side. He also co-founded the American Project; #WeDreamAmerica campaign; and #Masks4Farmworkers, which provided more than 2 million masks for farmworkers during the pandemic; DREAM LEAD for DACA recipients. And, he supported Imagination Stage’s Theatre for Change featuring the Oyeme! Project portraying the plight of migrants, among other efforts.
Tijerino earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland’s School of Journalism, was honored with a Doctorate of Humane Letters from The Chicago School, and is a Salinas Fellow at the Aspen Institute.
John Quiñones
Emmy-Award Winning ABC Journalist & Host
September 25, 2025
John Quiñones is an ABC News correspondent who reports across “20/20,” “Nightline” and “Good Morning America.” During his 40-year tenure at ABC News, he has reported extensively for all programs and platforms and served as anchor of “What Would You Do?” and “Primetime.”
Prior to joining ABC News, he was a reporter with WBBM-TV in Chicago. He won two Emmy Awards for his 1980 reporting on the plight of migrants from Mexico. From 1975 to 1978, he was a news editor at KTRH radio in Houston, Texas. During that period, he also was an anchor/reporter for KPRC-TV.
Quiñones received a Bachelor of Arts in speech communications from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas. He received a master’s from the Columbia School of Journalism. Quiñones received two honorary degrees: In 2016, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Utah Valley University and, in 2014, a Doctor of Letters from Davis & Elkins College.
September 25, 2025
John Quiñones is an ABC News correspondent who reports across “20/20,” “Nightline” and “Good Morning America.” During his 40-year tenure at ABC News, he has reported extensively for all programs and platforms and served as anchor of “What Would You Do?” and “Primetime.”
Prior to joining ABC News, he was a reporter with WBBM-TV in Chicago. He won two Emmy Awards for his 1980 reporting on the plight of migrants from Mexico. From 1975 to 1978, he was a news editor at KTRH radio in Houston, Texas. During that period, he also was an anchor/reporter for KPRC-TV.
Quiñones received a Bachelor of Arts in speech communications from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas. He received a master’s from the Columbia School of Journalism. Quiñones received two honorary degrees: In 2016, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Utah Valley University and, in 2014, a Doctor of Letters from Davis & Elkins College.
Hon. Tony Cárdenas
U.S. House of Representatives
Congressman
March 27, 2025
As a seasoned former legislator, Tony Cárdenas brings nearly three decades of experience in public service. As a Los Angeles City Council member, a California State Assembly member, and serving twelve years as a Congressman, Tony championed transformative policies in healthcare, media, tech, economic growth, energy and commerce, and much more.
Tony now empowers clients to navigate the political landscape with unmatched reputation and insight. He gets the job done.
His legacy of bipartisan collaboration positions him as a trusted strategist for accelerated change. As your consultant, Tony can help you, your business, your campaigns, or your organization navigate complex government issues.
Congressman
March 27, 2025
As a seasoned former legislator, Tony Cárdenas brings nearly three decades of experience in public service. As a Los Angeles City Council member, a California State Assembly member, and serving twelve years as a Congressman, Tony championed transformative policies in healthcare, media, tech, economic growth, energy and commerce, and much more.
Tony now empowers clients to navigate the political landscape with unmatched reputation and insight. He gets the job done.
His legacy of bipartisan collaboration positions him as a trusted strategist for accelerated change. As your consultant, Tony can help you, your business, your campaigns, or your organization navigate complex government issues.
Hon. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Governor of New Mexico
November 13, 2024
Michelle Lujan Grisham is the thirty-second governor of the state of New Mexico, and the first Democratic Latina to be elected governor in U.S. history. She began her second term as governor in 2023.
In her 2025 State of the State speech, Governor Lujan Grisham announced New Mexico had achieved the largest number of jobs in its history, adding more than 134,000 jobs in the previous four and a half years. Under her leadership, New Mexico achieved historic job creation and the lowest unemployment rate in nearly 20 years.
The governor also expanded the Working Families Tax Credit, enacted the state Child Tax Credit and the first Gross Receipts Tax cut in 40 years, putting millions of dollars back in New Mexicans’ pockets.
In the last two years, the state cut the employment gap in half, with wages rising faster than any other state. Major economic developments include securing Quantinuum, the world’s largest integrated quantum computing company, to establish a major research and development presence in New Mexico, positioning the state as a leader in the projected $3.5 trillion quantum technology industry.
Governor Lujan Grisham is dedicated to safe reproductive healthcare access for all women, and abortion remains legal in New Mexico.
Under her leadership, New Mexico’s poverty rate has dropped significantly. When accounting for investments in working families, the state’s poverty rate ranks 17th in the nation, better than the national average, representing historic progress in reducing child poverty.
November 13, 2024
Michelle Lujan Grisham is the thirty-second governor of the state of New Mexico, and the first Democratic Latina to be elected governor in U.S. history. She began her second term as governor in 2023.
In her 2025 State of the State speech, Governor Lujan Grisham announced New Mexico had achieved the largest number of jobs in its history, adding more than 134,000 jobs in the previous four and a half years. Under her leadership, New Mexico achieved historic job creation and the lowest unemployment rate in nearly 20 years.
The governor also expanded the Working Families Tax Credit, enacted the state Child Tax Credit and the first Gross Receipts Tax cut in 40 years, putting millions of dollars back in New Mexicans’ pockets.
In the last two years, the state cut the employment gap in half, with wages rising faster than any other state. Major economic developments include securing Quantinuum, the world’s largest integrated quantum computing company, to establish a major research and development presence in New Mexico, positioning the state as a leader in the projected $3.5 trillion quantum technology industry.
Governor Lujan Grisham is dedicated to safe reproductive healthcare access for all women, and abortion remains legal in New Mexico.
Under her leadership, New Mexico’s poverty rate has dropped significantly. When accounting for investments in working families, the state’s poverty rate ranks 17th in the nation, better than the national average, representing historic progress in reducing child poverty.
Hon. Julie Chávez Rodríguez
Campaign Manager, Harris-Walz
August 20, 2024
Julie Chávez Rodríguez is a political strategist and organizer who has dedicated her career to advancing the rights of working people, and building leadership and power with and among communities of color.
Julie most recently served as Campaign Manager for Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden’s presidential campaigns, building a staff of over 3,000 people across 7 core battleground states. She previously served as Senior Advisor to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the first 2 ½ years of the Biden-Harris White House. As Director of IGA, Julie maintained relationships with all Governors across the United States and Territories, in addition to Mayors, State Legislators, and County Officials, to name a few. During the 2020 General Election, Julie joined Biden for President as a Deputy Campaign Manager overseeing Political, Coalitions, and Super Surrogate strategy. Throughout her career, Julie has built and led numerous organizations and state-based teams, including as then Senator Kamala Harris’ State Director and Senior Adviser, where she built an impactful, diverse staff of 25 constituent service representatives and field organizers, opened five district offices in key regions in the State, and established a strong statewide presence with elected and community leaders throughout California. During her tenure as State Director, Julie positioned the Senate office to lead major statewide initiatives, including immigration rapid response services and outreach, support for addressing the Black maternal mortality rate in California, and increasing investment in local hire and re-entry initiatives. She also built strategic alliances in support of key in-State and national union and progressive organizing efforts with SEIU, UNITE-HERE, Indivisible, and CHIRLA, to name a few.
Julie spent nearly a decade in Washington, DC, and proudly served in President Obama’s Administration as Special Assistant and Senior Deputy Director of Public Engagement for the White House. She worked to advance the President’s policy agenda while building lasting coalitions around efforts including DACA implementation, ACA enrollment, gun violence prevention and veteran affairs. Julie hired and managed a diverse and talented team of constituency liaisons and directors who oversaw LGBT, AAPI, Latino, Veteran, Youth, and Labor outreach and efforts to reform our nation’s immigration system.
During the first two years of the Obama Administration, Julie worked as Deputy Press Secretary for Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, helping to lead communications and outreach for the National Museum of the American Latino Commission and support crisis communications response during the 2009 BP Oil Spill. Julie also helped to develop and implement one of Secretary Salazar’s signature initiatives to double the number of diverse young people working in America’s great outdoors and build the next generation of conservation stewards.
Prior to stepping into public service, Julie began her career in the Labor movement and non-profit sector receiving fist hand organizing training on the front lines of the United Farm Workers industry wide strawberry campaign in the late 1990s and later working as the Programs Director for the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation. As Program Director, Julie worked with the State of California, school districts across 10 States, and hundreds of colleges and universities to develop and implement service and educational programming to engage young people in local community organizing efforts.
August 20, 2024
Julie Chávez Rodríguez is a political strategist and organizer who has dedicated her career to advancing the rights of working people, and building leadership and power with and among communities of color.
Julie most recently served as Campaign Manager for Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden’s presidential campaigns, building a staff of over 3,000 people across 7 core battleground states. She previously served as Senior Advisor to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the first 2 ½ years of the Biden-Harris White House. As Director of IGA, Julie maintained relationships with all Governors across the United States and Territories, in addition to Mayors, State Legislators, and County Officials, to name a few. During the 2020 General Election, Julie joined Biden for President as a Deputy Campaign Manager overseeing Political, Coalitions, and Super Surrogate strategy. Throughout her career, Julie has built and led numerous organizations and state-based teams, including as then Senator Kamala Harris’ State Director and Senior Adviser, where she built an impactful, diverse staff of 25 constituent service representatives and field organizers, opened five district offices in key regions in the State, and established a strong statewide presence with elected and community leaders throughout California. During her tenure as State Director, Julie positioned the Senate office to lead major statewide initiatives, including immigration rapid response services and outreach, support for addressing the Black maternal mortality rate in California, and increasing investment in local hire and re-entry initiatives. She also built strategic alliances in support of key in-State and national union and progressive organizing efforts with SEIU, UNITE-HERE, Indivisible, and CHIRLA, to name a few.
Julie spent nearly a decade in Washington, DC, and proudly served in President Obama’s Administration as Special Assistant and Senior Deputy Director of Public Engagement for the White House. She worked to advance the President’s policy agenda while building lasting coalitions around efforts including DACA implementation, ACA enrollment, gun violence prevention and veteran affairs. Julie hired and managed a diverse and talented team of constituency liaisons and directors who oversaw LGBT, AAPI, Latino, Veteran, Youth, and Labor outreach and efforts to reform our nation’s immigration system.
During the first two years of the Obama Administration, Julie worked as Deputy Press Secretary for Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, helping to lead communications and outreach for the National Museum of the American Latino Commission and support crisis communications response during the 2009 BP Oil Spill. Julie also helped to develop and implement one of Secretary Salazar’s signature initiatives to double the number of diverse young people working in America’s great outdoors and build the next generation of conservation stewards.
Prior to stepping into public service, Julie began her career in the Labor movement and non-profit sector receiving fist hand organizing training on the front lines of the United Farm Workers industry wide strawberry campaign in the late 1990s and later working as the Programs Director for the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation. As Program Director, Julie worked with the State of California, school districts across 10 States, and hundreds of colleges and universities to develop and implement service and educational programming to engage young people in local community organizing efforts.
Danny Vargas
American Latino Veterans Association
Founder & CEO
July 17, 2024
Raul “Danny” Vargas is an award-winning, nationally-recognized business, community and board leader, accomplished media commentator, and marketing/public relations/international professional.
Having served as Board Chairman in a variety of organizations, he is a proven, experience leader.
He has a track record of success, results, impact and innovation in a broad array of areas and disciplines.
He is a national Latino community leader and veterans advocate and former Fortune 500 executive.
Founder & CEO
July 17, 2024
Raul “Danny” Vargas is an award-winning, nationally-recognized business, community and board leader, accomplished media commentator, and marketing/public relations/international professional.
Having served as Board Chairman in a variety of organizations, he is a proven, experience leader.
He has a track record of success, results, impact and innovation in a broad array of areas and disciplines.
He is a national Latino community leader and veterans advocate and former Fortune 500 executive.
Thomas A. Saenz
Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF)
General Counsel & President
April 11, 2024
Thomas A. Saenz is the President and General Counsel of MALDEF, where he leads national efforts to promote the civil rights of Latinos across the United States. Born and raised in Southern California, Saenz’s lifelong commitment to advocacy began with clerkships in the U.S. District and Appeals Courts, leading to a prolific career that includes serving as lead counsel in landmark challenges to anti-immigrant legislation and as Counsel to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. A summa cum laude graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School, he leverages his extensive legal expertise to argue pivotal cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and provide high-level policy advice on major civil rights initiatives. Today, Thomas continues to drive systemic change as a leader in organizations like the Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights, bridging the gap between high-impact litigation and community-based educational equity.
General Counsel & President
April 11, 2024
Thomas A. Saenz is the President and General Counsel of MALDEF, where he leads national efforts to promote the civil rights of Latinos across the United States. Born and raised in Southern California, Saenz’s lifelong commitment to advocacy began with clerkships in the U.S. District and Appeals Courts, leading to a prolific career that includes serving as lead counsel in landmark challenges to anti-immigrant legislation and as Counsel to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. A summa cum laude graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School, he leverages his extensive legal expertise to argue pivotal cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and provide high-level policy advice on major civil rights initiatives. Today, Thomas continues to drive systemic change as a leader in organizations like the Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights, bridging the gap between high-impact litigation and community-based educational equity.
Sheila E.
Queen of Percussion
November 16, 2023
Sheila Escovedo picked up the drumsticks and started making music at the precocious age of three. Sheila delivered her first solo performance to a live audience two years later and has since established herself as one of the most talented percussionist/drummers and performers in the world. Best known to music fans as Sheila E., she became a top session and touring musician before the age of 20, performing and/or recording with George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Con Funk Shun, Marvin Gaye (on his final world tour), Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, Patti LaBelle, and Steve Nicks among others.
In the 1980’s, Sheila’s collaboration with the artist Prince helped to catapult her to her own pop superstardom. Her obvious talent and hits like “The Glamorous Life” and “Love Bizarre,” in conjunction with her pivotal work on other Prince-related projects, contributed to her international stardom. Particularly proud moments during this period include her participation in the 1985 “We Are The World” session, Grammy, American Music Awards and MTV nominations, worldwide sold-out performances, and the memorable performance on The Oscars with virtuoso Placido Domingo,
In 1998 Sheila E. made history becoming television’s first female musical director for Magic Johnson’s The Magic Hour. Future television show engagements would include being a celebrity judge on Fox’s The Next Great American Band in 2007-2008, and being chosen as the winner of Gone Country 3 in 2009, on CMT. In recognition of drumming and percussion, Sheila designed the “ClassE” Custom Series for adults, and the “Sheila E.’s Player Series,” for children, with renowned TOCA Percussions, distributed by Kaman Music.
Sheila E.'s producing, arranging, and performance talents have been showcased throughout the music and film industry with appearances on, The Academy Awards, The Latin Grammy Awards, BET Awards, The American Music Awards, The Kennedy Center Honors, The Summer Olympics, WOW Awards, ALMA's, and The Image Awards just to name a few. In 2010 Sheila was nominated for an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Music Direction” in recognition for her leadership as musical director for President Obama’s Performance at The White House: Fiesta Latina.
Her more recent projects, include The E Family Now and Forever, Pete Escovedo Live at Stern Grove Festival with her father Pete Escovedo, and brothers Juan and Peter Michael Escovedo, Sheila E. Live from Lugano Switzerland DVD, Silk Road from the group Heavenese hailing from Japan, a literary biography released by Simon & Schuster Publishing titled The Beat of My Own Drum, ICON Sheila's 2014 solo album and the single release Girl Meets Boy in memory of the late, great, Prince.
Sheila E. continues to produce and perform music throughout the world. Her current studio project and tour, ICONIC, is Sheila's continued contribution to the music industry and her efforts in awareness to social issues and humanitarianism. Sheila E. is CEO of the entertainment company StilettoFlats Inc. located in Los Angeles California.
November 16, 2023
Sheila Escovedo picked up the drumsticks and started making music at the precocious age of three. Sheila delivered her first solo performance to a live audience two years later and has since established herself as one of the most talented percussionist/drummers and performers in the world. Best known to music fans as Sheila E., she became a top session and touring musician before the age of 20, performing and/or recording with George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Con Funk Shun, Marvin Gaye (on his final world tour), Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, Patti LaBelle, and Steve Nicks among others.
In the 1980’s, Sheila’s collaboration with the artist Prince helped to catapult her to her own pop superstardom. Her obvious talent and hits like “The Glamorous Life” and “Love Bizarre,” in conjunction with her pivotal work on other Prince-related projects, contributed to her international stardom. Particularly proud moments during this period include her participation in the 1985 “We Are The World” session, Grammy, American Music Awards and MTV nominations, worldwide sold-out performances, and the memorable performance on The Oscars with virtuoso Placido Domingo,
In 1998 Sheila E. made history becoming television’s first female musical director for Magic Johnson’s The Magic Hour. Future television show engagements would include being a celebrity judge on Fox’s The Next Great American Band in 2007-2008, and being chosen as the winner of Gone Country 3 in 2009, on CMT. In recognition of drumming and percussion, Sheila designed the “ClassE” Custom Series for adults, and the “Sheila E.’s Player Series,” for children, with renowned TOCA Percussions, distributed by Kaman Music.
Sheila E.'s producing, arranging, and performance talents have been showcased throughout the music and film industry with appearances on, The Academy Awards, The Latin Grammy Awards, BET Awards, The American Music Awards, The Kennedy Center Honors, The Summer Olympics, WOW Awards, ALMA's, and The Image Awards just to name a few. In 2010 Sheila was nominated for an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Music Direction” in recognition for her leadership as musical director for President Obama’s Performance at The White House: Fiesta Latina.
Her more recent projects, include The E Family Now and Forever, Pete Escovedo Live at Stern Grove Festival with her father Pete Escovedo, and brothers Juan and Peter Michael Escovedo, Sheila E. Live from Lugano Switzerland DVD, Silk Road from the group Heavenese hailing from Japan, a literary biography released by Simon & Schuster Publishing titled The Beat of My Own Drum, ICON Sheila's 2014 solo album and the single release Girl Meets Boy in memory of the late, great, Prince.
Sheila E. continues to produce and perform music throughout the world. Her current studio project and tour, ICONIC, is Sheila's continued contribution to the music industry and her efforts in awareness to social issues and humanitarianism. Sheila E. is CEO of the entertainment company StilettoFlats Inc. located in Los Angeles California.
Hon. Miguel Cardona
Secretary, U.S. Department of Education
September 22, 2023
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona served as the 12th Secretary of Education. Secretary Cardona is a lifelong resident of Meriden Connecticut and is proud alumnus of Meriden Public School. Following his time in Meriden Public Schools, he attended CCSU for his bachelor’s degree and UCONN where he completed Master’s in Bilingual/Bicultural Education, Administrator Preparation Program, Doctorate in Education, and Executive Leadership Program (Superintendent) Certificate.
Since beginning his journey as an educator Secretary Cardona has served as an elementary school teacher, school principal, the Performance and Evaluation lead administrator, Assistant Superintendent, and most recently Commissioner of Education for the State of Connecticut. Under Secretary Cardona’s oversight - despite the pandemic - Connecticut launched a statewide FAFSA Data Dashboard; procured a comprehensive statewide Special Education Data System (CT-SEDS); announced the State’s highest ever extended graduation rates for students with disabilities and English Learners; reached a new stipulated agreement in the landmark school integration case Sheff v. O’Neill, established the first national requirement for high schools provide courses on Black and Latino studies; and initiated systemic improvement protocols that can reach every corner of the state. His focus on equity and excellence for all learners has driven his work at all levels.
His greatest source of pride, however, is his family. Secretary Cardona and his beautiful wife Marissa are the proud parents of two children.
September 22, 2023
Dr. Miguel A. Cardona served as the 12th Secretary of Education. Secretary Cardona is a lifelong resident of Meriden Connecticut and is proud alumnus of Meriden Public School. Following his time in Meriden Public Schools, he attended CCSU for his bachelor’s degree and UCONN where he completed Master’s in Bilingual/Bicultural Education, Administrator Preparation Program, Doctorate in Education, and Executive Leadership Program (Superintendent) Certificate.
Since beginning his journey as an educator Secretary Cardona has served as an elementary school teacher, school principal, the Performance and Evaluation lead administrator, Assistant Superintendent, and most recently Commissioner of Education for the State of Connecticut. Under Secretary Cardona’s oversight - despite the pandemic - Connecticut launched a statewide FAFSA Data Dashboard; procured a comprehensive statewide Special Education Data System (CT-SEDS); announced the State’s highest ever extended graduation rates for students with disabilities and English Learners; reached a new stipulated agreement in the landmark school integration case Sheff v. O’Neill, established the first national requirement for high schools provide courses on Black and Latino studies; and initiated systemic improvement protocols that can reach every corner of the state. His focus on equity and excellence for all learners has driven his work at all levels.
His greatest source of pride, however, is his family. Secretary Cardona and his beautiful wife Marissa are the proud parents of two children.
Hon. Alex Padilla
U.S. Senator
State of California
April 13, 2023
Senator Alex Padilla, a progressive problem-solver, is the first Latino elected to represent California in the U.S. Senate. The son of immigrants, Padilla grew up in the San Fernando Valley and studied Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was drawn to politics in response to California’s anti-immigrant Proposition 187. Padilla was elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 1999 and the State Senate in 2006. As California’s Secretary of State, he oversaw a historic expansion of voting rights and voter participation. As United States Senator, Padilla has taken action to cut costs for families, combat the climate crisis, and help thousands of Californians secure millions of dollars owed to them by federal agencies. Padilla is the Ranking Member of the Senate’s Committee on Rules and Administration. He also serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration. Padilla is a member of the Senate Committees on Budget; Environment and Public Works; Energy and Natural Resources; Judiciary; and Rules. Alex and his wife, Angela, have three sons: Roman, Alex, and Diego.
State of California
April 13, 2023
Senator Alex Padilla, a progressive problem-solver, is the first Latino elected to represent California in the U.S. Senate. The son of immigrants, Padilla grew up in the San Fernando Valley and studied Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was drawn to politics in response to California’s anti-immigrant Proposition 187. Padilla was elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 1999 and the State Senate in 2006. As California’s Secretary of State, he oversaw a historic expansion of voting rights and voter participation. As United States Senator, Padilla has taken action to cut costs for families, combat the climate crisis, and help thousands of Californians secure millions of dollars owed to them by federal agencies. Padilla is the Ranking Member of the Senate’s Committee on Rules and Administration. He also serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration. Padilla is a member of the Senate Committees on Budget; Environment and Public Works; Energy and Natural Resources; Judiciary; and Rules. Alex and his wife, Angela, have three sons: Roman, Alex, and Diego.
Angela Padilla
FundaMental Change
President & Founder
April 13, 2023
Angela Padilla is a passionate mental health advocate. Angela's commitment is rooted in her personal experience with mental health. For nearly forty years, Angela's mother has lived with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. This inspired Angela to earn a bachelors degree in Psychology, and a masters degree in Public Administration (MPA), with an emphasis on health administration, from California State University Northridge and to incorporate FundaMental Change.
As part of her advocacy, Angela publicly shares her unique perspectives and experiences with a diverse range of audiences by speaking at schools, to community organizations, and at special events. Before establishing FundaMental Change, Angela worked as an Assistant Vice President/LR Manager for Bank of America.
Angela was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She graduated from Canoga Park High School, earned an Associate's degree from Los Angeles Pierce College and both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from California State University Northridge. Angela lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband and their three children.
President & Founder
April 13, 2023
Angela Padilla is a passionate mental health advocate. Angela's commitment is rooted in her personal experience with mental health. For nearly forty years, Angela's mother has lived with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. This inspired Angela to earn a bachelors degree in Psychology, and a masters degree in Public Administration (MPA), with an emphasis on health administration, from California State University Northridge and to incorporate FundaMental Change.
As part of her advocacy, Angela publicly shares her unique perspectives and experiences with a diverse range of audiences by speaking at schools, to community organizations, and at special events. Before establishing FundaMental Change, Angela worked as an Assistant Vice President/LR Manager for Bank of America.
Angela was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She graduated from Canoga Park High School, earned an Associate's degree from Los Angeles Pierce College and both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from California State University Northridge. Angela lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband and their three children.
Hon. Anthony Rendon
California State Assembly
Speaker
November 17, 2022
Anthony Rendon is Speaker of the California State Assembly. He was elected to the Assembly in 2012 to represent the 62nd Assembly District in southeast Los Angeles County, and elected Speaker in 2016. In 2020, he led the Assembly in addressing the COVID-19 crisis in California. Under his leadership, the legislature passed critical legislation to address the health and economic crises of the pandemic, including multiple eviction moratoriums and legislation to support families and small businesses. In 2019, he led the Assembly to conduct one of the most progressive and productive legislative sessions in memory; among the Assembly’s recent accomplishments are the historic changes to law enforcement use of force rules, expanded worker protections, and restrictions on predatory lending. In the 2017–18 legislative session, he led the Assembly in passing a landmark $52 billion transportation funding plan, an extension of California’s cap-and-trade program—a first-of-its-kind clean air measure—and efforts to address the affordable housing crisis. In his first year as speaker, the Assembly passed landmark progressive legislation, including the nation’s first statewide $15 minimum wage, overtime pay for farmworkers, and groundbreaking policies on gun and tobacco use.
During his first term in the Assembly, he authored Proposition 1, the $7.5 billion state water bond, and in 2015, he authored Assembly Bill 530, a law that spurs much-needed revitalization of the lower Los Angeles River. As chair of the Utilities and Commerce Committee, he led ongoing efforts to ensure accountability at the California Public Utilities Commission.
Prior to serving in the Assembly, he worked as an educator, nonprofit executive director, and environmental activist. He was executive director of Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc., which provides comprehensive child development and social and medical services to over 2,300 children and families throughout Los Angeles County. Before working at Plaza, he served as the interim executive director of the California League of Conservation Voters from 2008 to 2009. He attended Cerritos Community College and went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University, Fullerton. As a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship, he earned his PhD from the University of California, Riverside and completed post-doctoral work at Boston University.
Speaker
November 17, 2022
Anthony Rendon is Speaker of the California State Assembly. He was elected to the Assembly in 2012 to represent the 62nd Assembly District in southeast Los Angeles County, and elected Speaker in 2016. In 2020, he led the Assembly in addressing the COVID-19 crisis in California. Under his leadership, the legislature passed critical legislation to address the health and economic crises of the pandemic, including multiple eviction moratoriums and legislation to support families and small businesses. In 2019, he led the Assembly to conduct one of the most progressive and productive legislative sessions in memory; among the Assembly’s recent accomplishments are the historic changes to law enforcement use of force rules, expanded worker protections, and restrictions on predatory lending. In the 2017–18 legislative session, he led the Assembly in passing a landmark $52 billion transportation funding plan, an extension of California’s cap-and-trade program—a first-of-its-kind clean air measure—and efforts to address the affordable housing crisis. In his first year as speaker, the Assembly passed landmark progressive legislation, including the nation’s first statewide $15 minimum wage, overtime pay for farmworkers, and groundbreaking policies on gun and tobacco use.
During his first term in the Assembly, he authored Proposition 1, the $7.5 billion state water bond, and in 2015, he authored Assembly Bill 530, a law that spurs much-needed revitalization of the lower Los Angeles River. As chair of the Utilities and Commerce Committee, he led ongoing efforts to ensure accountability at the California Public Utilities Commission.
Prior to serving in the Assembly, he worked as an educator, nonprofit executive director, and environmental activist. He was executive director of Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc., which provides comprehensive child development and social and medical services to over 2,300 children and families throughout Los Angeles County. Before working at Plaza, he served as the interim executive director of the California League of Conservation Voters from 2008 to 2009. He attended Cerritos Community College and went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University, Fullerton. As a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship, he earned his PhD from the University of California, Riverside and completed post-doctoral work at Boston University.
Arturo Vargas
NALEO Educational Fund
CEO
September 16, 2022
Arturo Vargas is the CEO of NALEO Educational Fund, a national nonprofit organization that strengthens American democracy by promoting the full participation of Latinos in civic life. He also serves as the CEO of NALEO, a national membership organization of Latino policymakers and their supporters. Vargas has held these positions since 1994.
Vargas is a nationally recognized expert in Latino demographic trends, electoral participation, voting rights, the Census, and redistricting.
Vargas holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in history and Spanish from Stanford University.
CEO
September 16, 2022
Arturo Vargas is the CEO of NALEO Educational Fund, a national nonprofit organization that strengthens American democracy by promoting the full participation of Latinos in civic life. He also serves as the CEO of NALEO, a national membership organization of Latino policymakers and their supporters. Vargas has held these positions since 1994.
Vargas is a nationally recognized expert in Latino demographic trends, electoral participation, voting rights, the Census, and redistricting.
Vargas holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in history and Spanish from Stanford University.
Danny Trejo
Actor, Author, Entrepreneur
November 18, 2022
Danny Trejo is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable, prolific and beloved character actors. Famed for his ultra-baddie roles in series like AMC’s "Breaking Bad," FX’s "Sons of Anarchy," and director Robert Rodriguez’s global, billion-dollar Spy Kids and Machete film franchises, Danny is also a successful restauranteur. He owns seven locations of Trejo’s Tacos, Trejo’s Cantina and Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts in the Los Angeles area, and is expanding his Trejo’s Tacos franchise nationwide.
November 18, 2022
Danny Trejo is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable, prolific and beloved character actors. Famed for his ultra-baddie roles in series like AMC’s "Breaking Bad," FX’s "Sons of Anarchy," and director Robert Rodriguez’s global, billion-dollar Spy Kids and Machete film franchises, Danny is also a successful restauranteur. He owns seven locations of Trejo’s Tacos, Trejo’s Cantina and Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts in the Los Angeles area, and is expanding his Trejo’s Tacos franchise nationwide.
Dr. Adela de la Torre
San Diego State University
President
September 17, 2021
Dr. Adela de la Torre became the ninth president of San Diego State University in 2018, following a distinguished career of more than three decades as an accomplished economist, public-health researcher and higher-education leader in California and Arizona. Under her leadership, SDSU has consistently ranked among the top institutions in the nation for applications received and has set new records in enrollment and national rankings, now serving nearly 40,000 students each year. It also has reached new heights and broken records with its athletic success, regional expansion, and economic and community impact.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, President de la Torre is the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and daughter of a single mother who taught in public schools for 40 years. She holds a deep appreciation for cultural traditions, the importance of family and hard work, and for the transformative power of education.
Adela
She earned her bachelor’s degree in the political economy of natural resources from the University of California, Berkeley, where she also earned master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural and Resource Economics.
President
September 17, 2021
Dr. Adela de la Torre became the ninth president of San Diego State University in 2018, following a distinguished career of more than three decades as an accomplished economist, public-health researcher and higher-education leader in California and Arizona. Under her leadership, SDSU has consistently ranked among the top institutions in the nation for applications received and has set new records in enrollment and national rankings, now serving nearly 40,000 students each year. It also has reached new heights and broken records with its athletic success, regional expansion, and economic and community impact.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, President de la Torre is the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and daughter of a single mother who taught in public schools for 40 years. She holds a deep appreciation for cultural traditions, the importance of family and hard work, and for the transformative power of education.
Adela
She earned her bachelor’s degree in the political economy of natural resources from the University of California, Berkeley, where she also earned master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural and Resource Economics.
Antonia Hernández
California Community Foundation
President & CEO
November 12, 2020
Nationally regarded for her expertise in immigration, civil rights and philanthropy, Antonia Hernández
has spent more than four decades advocating for social justice and improving the lives of underserved
communities in Los Angeles County and beyond.
Since 2004, she has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of California Community
Foundation, one of Southern California’s largest and most active philanthropic organizations, which
has served Angelenos for over a century. The Foundation partners with more than 1,800 individual,
family and corporate donors and holds assets of more than $2.6 billion. During her tenure, California
Community Foundation has granted over $3.4 billion, with a focus on health, housing and economic
development, education, immigration programs.
Previously, Hernández was president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and
Educational Fund (MALDEF), a national nonprofit litigation and advocacy organization dedicated to
protecting the civil rights of the nation’s Latinos through the legal system, community education and
research and policy initiatives.
Hernández began her legal career as a staff attorney with the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice
and worked as counsel to the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary before joining MALDEF
in 1981 as regional counsel in Washington, D.C.
President & CEO
November 12, 2020
Nationally regarded for her expertise in immigration, civil rights and philanthropy, Antonia Hernández
has spent more than four decades advocating for social justice and improving the lives of underserved
communities in Los Angeles County and beyond.
Since 2004, she has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of California Community
Foundation, one of Southern California’s largest and most active philanthropic organizations, which
has served Angelenos for over a century. The Foundation partners with more than 1,800 individual,
family and corporate donors and holds assets of more than $2.6 billion. During her tenure, California
Community Foundation has granted over $3.4 billion, with a focus on health, housing and economic
development, education, immigration programs.
Previously, Hernández was president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and
Educational Fund (MALDEF), a national nonprofit litigation and advocacy organization dedicated to
protecting the civil rights of the nation’s Latinos through the legal system, community education and
research and policy initiatives.
Hernández began her legal career as a staff attorney with the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice
and worked as counsel to the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary before joining MALDEF
in 1981 as regional counsel in Washington, D.C.
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