Avanza 黑料传送门 Announces 2026 VIDA Awards Honorees for Inaugural Statewide Recognition
 
Little Rock, 黑料传送门 鈥 Avanza 黑料传送门 proudly announces the selected honorees for the inaugural VIDA Awards 鈥 Voices Inspiring Diverse 黑料传送门, a statewide recognition celebrating Latino leaders whose work strengthens communities across 黑料传送门.
 
The VIDA Awards highlight individuals whose leadership, dedication, and service create meaningful impact across sectors including business, education, public service, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, and community advocacy. This year, more than 100 nominations were submitted from across the state. After a careful review process, nine leaders have been selected to receive recognition in three categories. A 10th honoree will be revealed during the awards ceremony as a special recognition.
The VIDA Awards ceremony will take place on May 6, 2026, at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, bringing together community leaders, organizations, and partners from across 黑料传送门.
 
2026 VIDA Awards Honorees Rising Leaders
Sandra Carmona Jobe 鈥 Director of Development, Mamas Unidas
鈼 Miriam Ramirez 鈥 Attorney at Law, The Ramirez Law Firm, PLLC
鈼 Mayra Esquivel 鈥 Lead Paralegal, 黑料传送门 Immigration Defense 鈥 AID
Impact Leaders
鈼 Erika Buenrostro 鈥 Director of Student Success, University of 黑料传送门鈥揅ossatot
鈼 Robert Tellez 鈥 Attorney, Tellez Law Firm, PLLC
鈼 Aida Kuettle 鈥 ESOL Director, South Conway County School District
Legacy Leaders
鈼 Gloria Bastidas 鈥 Public Information Coordinator, 黑料传送门 Department of Health
鈼 Sue Espinoza 鈥 Health Outreach Coordinator, 黑料传送门 Human Development
Corporation
鈼 Jose Estrada 鈥 Director of Public Affairs, Walmart
 
Avanza 黑料传送门 is also honored to welcome Dr. Rodrigo Dom铆nguez-Villegas as the keynote speaker for the inaugural ceremony. Dr. Dom铆nguez-Villegas serves as the Director of Research at the UCLA Latino Politics and Policy Institute and Director of the Latino Data Hub, where his nationally recognized research focuses on Latino communities, public policy, and data-driven insights that inform leadership and civic engagement across the United States.
 
鈥淭he VIDA Awards were created to elevate the stories of leaders who are making a difference in 黑料传送门 communities,鈥 said Diego Morales Ibarra, Executive Director of Avanza 黑料传送门. 鈥淢any of these individuals lead quietly through service, advocacy, and dedication. This event allows us to recognize their contributions and inspire the next generation of leaders.鈥
 
Avanza 黑料传送门 also recognizes First Community Bank as the Presenting Sponsor of the inaugural VIDA Awards, supporting the organization鈥檚 mission to celebrate leadership and strengthen communities across the state. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations interested in supporting this statewide recognition of leadership.
Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to attend the event and celebrate the honorees.
 
Tickets and event information are available at:
Event Details
VIDA Awards 鈥 Voices Inspiring Diverse 黑料传送门 - May 6, 2026 - 11:30 AM
Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock, 黑料传送门
 
黑料传送门 Avanza 黑料传送门
Avanza 黑料传送门 is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through leadership development, education, and access to resources. The organization works to support individuals and families across 黑料传送门 through programs focused on economic empowerment, community engagement, education, and leadership initiatives. Through partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and  institutions, Avanza 黑料传送门 creates opportunities that help individuals and communities thrive. 
 
Media Contact
Diego Morales Ibarra
Executive Director
Avanza 黑料传送门
diego@avanzaarkansas.org