-T EVENT HONORS LATINO ACCOMPLISHMENT
Activists, teachers, volunteers among those acknowledged at first annual awards fete
Written by
Elizabeth Aguilera
Leslie Padilla Williams (center) was named teacher of the year at Thursday night’s event. Sean M. Haffey • u-t
SAN DIEGO A woman who rescues human trafficking victims, sisters who turn a market into a community hub, and a respiratory specialist who takes his message of healthy lungs to kids.
These individuals were part of a select group honored Thursday during U-T San Diego’s first annual San Diego Latino Champions Awards. The event was held at the Hall of Champions at Balboa Park and emceed by Vic Salazar.
“It brings to our young people hope, daring and courage to go forward. It is empowering,” said Ed Martinez, of the San Ysidro Health Center, who was named Civic Leader of the Year.
The event grew out of one of U-T San Diego’s core missions, to celebrate the diversity of San Diego including the vibrant Latino population.
“Our focus is on the creative accomplishments and achievements of our community and building a better community,” said Jeff Light, editor at U-T San Diego.
The other award winners:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Marisa Ugarte, of the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition, for her work on behalf of trafficking victims.
Volunteer of the Year: Isaac Zamora, UC San Diego Medical Center respiratory therapist.
Teacher of the Year: Leslie Padilla Williams, founder of Hola Language Services.
Business of the Year: Lola’s Market, owned by Ophie Escobedo and Connie Trejo.
Young Luminary Award: Jacqueline Luis, who works in the counseling office at Cuyamaca College.
In addition, five $500 adult education and literacy scholarships were presented to Judith Garcia, Maria Teresa Garcia, Jesus Pacheco, Marlene Barrales Manning and Sonia Grajales.