The Aztec Awards to recognize Latino figures who advocate for the communities they represent

The Mexican-American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) will present its 57th annual Aztec Awards on Friday, Oct. 24, recognizing the leadership in labor, community service, entertainment and sports. 

The celebration, which will take place at the Beverly Hilton, include L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis, actor George Lopez and boxer Saul “Canelo” Alvarez as some of the honorees.

MAOF President and CEO Dr. Ciriaco “Cid” Pinedo said that this year in particular, the Aztec Awards are extremely important and critical because in the midst of all the chaos and negativity towards the immigrant and Latino population, they are highlighting the hard work many of them are doing. 

“This event really helps to shine a light on Latino leaders and leadership that inspire, who uplift and create opportunity,” he said. “Positive images and positive narratives matter.” 

Pinedo said by promoting the work of these honorees, younger generations and those who are still in their career building mode can see themselves reflected in their journeys and stories.

 The selection process

Pinedo said a committee composed of board members are in charge of selecting the honorees, whether it is an entity, organization or an individual who has proven they can uplift the community in general.

Canelo was selected not just because of his championship legacy, but because outside of the ring he is a philanthropist and has done a lot to uplift communities and provide much needed resources. In the case of George Lopez, he has provided opportunities for diversity behind and in front of the camera.

Teresa Romero, president of the United Farmer Workers (UFW) will receive the Labor Rights Award for being a staunch advocate and a voice for the farmworkers. Alfred Frajio, founder of Somos Law Group, a firm dedicated to social justice, will receive the Community Service Award.

This year, Supervisor Solis will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifetime of service, beginning as a community college trustee and building a political career at the federal, state and county levels. 

Last year, the Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Castulo de la Rocha, president and CEO of AltaMed Health Services, who will present the award to Solis at this year’s ceremony. 

Other past recipients include activist Dolores Huerta, former astronaut Jose Hernandez, actors Angelica Maria and Edward James Olmos and companies such as AT&T and SoCal Gas. 

The beginnings

MAOF’s mission is to provide for the socio-economic betterment of the greater Latino community of California, while preserving the pride, values and heritage of Mexican American culture.

Among  the programs MAOF offers are job training, family services and early childhood education as well as senior lifestyle development.

The awards were initiated by MAOF founder Dionicio Morales, who recognized there was a need for more positive Latino representation and recognition of those individuals and organizations supporting the Latino community. 

“We're a resilient community. We want to work, we want to contribute and sometimes we just need that extra hand, or that opportunity, that access to be able to get that foot in the door and then we can shine after that,” said Pinedo. 

Since then the objective continues. MAOF wants to demonstrate that when Latinos get in positions of influence, of power and of authority, they can help others navigate those systems. This will ensure that the under-resourced communities are being represented and taken care of.

“We're not afraid of work, we're not afraid of hard work, and we're not afraid of sacrifices, but we just need that first step to be able to get in the door and then do what we know we can do,” he said.

For more information on the Aztec Awards visit: https://maofaztecawards.org/