(Photo courtesy of Northgate Market.)
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Northgate González Market gave back to Southern California communities through scholarships, donations and by honoring 12 local leaders whose dedication and service inspire others at the company’s annual JUNTOS Awards.
As part of the program, each honoree selected a nonprofit of their choice to receive a $2,000 donation, amplifying the impact of their work. “At Northgate Market, giving back to our communities isn’t just part of what we do—it’s at the heart of who we are,” said Oscar Gonzalez, co-president of Northgate Market. “We are proud to support leaders and students alike, helping to strengthen families, education, and wellness across Southern California.”
2025 JUNTOS Awards Recipients and Benefactors:
Gaddi Vasquez, former U.S. Ambassador, donated to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
Dr. Eduardo Reyes, superintendent of the Chula Vista Elementary School District, donated to the Chula Vista Elementary School District.
Brad Rumble, principal at Esperanza Elementary, donated to Nature Nexus Institute.
Dr. Cynthia McCloud, ExecuLeadership, LLC and USC Marshall School of Business, donated to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Orange County.
Marlene Peña-Marin, artistic director of Relámpago del Cielo Folklórico Group, donated to Relámpago del Cielo.
Herlinda Ramirez-Machado, CSJ, sister at St. Joseph of Orange, donated to Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.
Lizette Carbajal, vice president of Community Relations & Communications for Telemundo 52 and NBC4, donated to Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation.
Paul Stump, assistant fire chief, County of Los Angeles Fire Department, donated to the Kevin Wovjeck Explorers for Life.
Monish Laxpati, MD, founder and medical director at Alinea Medical Imaging, donated to YMCA of Orange County.
Salvador Vargas, national trade marketing director at Novamex, made a donation to Nueva Esperanza.
Denise Favala, Mexican food creator for Northgate González Market, split her donation between Olivewood Gardens and Cubs PTA.
In addition to the awards, Northgate Market awarded scholarships to 312 high school and college students through the Familia González Reynoso Foundation. A few of the schools represented include Cal Poly Pomona, UCLA, Cal State Long Beach, UC Berkeley, USC, Yale University and Cal State Fullerton, among others.
Founded 20 years ago, Northgate Market’s charitable programs have also helped provide food donations to families at drive-thru food banks across Southern California during these challenging times.
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