Hispanic Chamber celebrates 30th with awards gala

At the Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber of Commerce gala and awards banquet, June 23, Jamila Gilbert of Virgin Galactic talked about the many things she saw from suborbital space on the recent Unity 25 flight.

“ But do you know what I didn’t see?” Gilbert asked the audience. “I didn’t see borders or boxes or barriers that people put themselves in.

“We can find ways to do it all together.”

The LCHCC celebrated its 30th anniversary at the gala, the first one held live since February 2020.

The green floral decorations, representing growth, set the visual mood for the event and the music of Mariachi Flores Mexicana set the aural mood.

Many of the gathered crowd at Hotel Encanto acted as if they hadn’t seen each other in more than three years, as guests frequently left their tables to visit friends at other tables.

Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, one of the early speakers at the event, recognized the guests visits, and commented, “It’s wonderful to see the connectivity each one of you brings.”

Synthia Jaramillo, senior vice president of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and former director of economic development for the City of Albuquerque, delivered the keynote address.

“The Latino community has the power to create sensational and lasting change,” Jaramillo said. “We wield the power for progress if we want it.”

LCHCC Board Chair Belia Alvarez reminisced briefly about the year 1993, when the chamber first began.

“Thirty years ago, the Dallas Cowboys were Super Bowl champions,” Alvarez said to some applause and cheering, as well as some jeering. “Through the pandemic we had many challenges and we recognized our weaknesses. As always, we welcomed all ethnic backgrounds and genders. Many of us are coming from a time of fallow fields. But we’ll never stop focusing on integrity, inclusivity and the relentless pursuit of excellence.”

2023 LCHCC AWARDS

Community Partner – New Mexico State University Properties- Learfield, Mike Pirolo

Nonprofit of the Year – Casa de Peregrinos, Lorenzo Alba Jr., executive director

Campion de Cultura/Heritage Cultural Award – Denise Chavez, author

Campion de Cultura/Heritage Cultural Award – Robert Palacios, Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference

Small Business of the Year – Rincon de Mesilla, Juan and Claudia Albert

Large Business of the Year – Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Community Hero Award – Mary Ann Galindo with Helping Hands, La Union

Community Hero Award – Ben Trujillo, State Farm Insurance, coach at Hatch Valley High School

Lifetime Achievement Award – Curtis Rosemond