CHCI 2020 Hispanic Heritage Month Events

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Hispanic Heritage Month offers a meaningful opportunity to recognize the influence and achievements of Latino communities across the nation. Each year, organizations host a wide range of events designed to highlight the contributions of leaders in public service, business, the arts, and civil society. These gatherings create space for reflection on cultural identity while also inspiring continued engagement in issues that matter to Latino communities. The annual observance has grown into a nationwide moment of celebration, dialogue, and forward-looking conversation about identity, equity, and shared progress throughout the wider American experience.

Leadership conferences held in alignment with the theme of collective voice and shared power bring together a diverse lineup of national leaders, elected officials, and policy influencers. Participants gather in both in-person and virtual settings to engage in interactive discussions, thought-provoking plenaries, and collaborative sessions on the most pressing topics facing the Latino community. These programs are designed to encourage dialogue across sectors and to amplify perspectives often underrepresented in mainstream policymaking spaces. The result is an environment where attendees can build networks, exchange ideas, and develop strategies that strengthen community impact at local and national levels.

Annual awards galas during Hispanic Heritage Month offer a chance to pay tribute to distinguished individuals whose vision and expertise have shaped their fields. Honorees are recognized for excellence across private and public sectors, including advocacy, education, media, and nonprofit leadership. Such ceremonies highlight the breadth of Latino achievement while inspiring future generations to pursue their own ambitions. By celebrating accomplished role models, these events reinforce a powerful narrative of resilience, creativity, and contribution that resonates far beyond the audience gathered in the room, reaching communities throughout the nation during the broader heritage observance.

Professional development opportunities linked to Hispanic Heritage Month programming extend the impact of these gatherings well beyond ceremonial moments. Conferences often include workshops, mentoring sessions, and resources designed to support career advancement and civic engagement. Attendees gain access to tools and insights that help them navigate leadership pathways, sharpen their advocacy skills, and connect with peers who share a commitment to community advancement. This focus on growth reflects an understanding that heritage celebration is most meaningful when paired with tangible opportunities that empower individuals to take on greater roles in shaping the future.

Community engagement during Hispanic Heritage Month also takes shape through media programming, public discussions, and coalition-building efforts. News outlets, cultural institutions, and advocacy groups collaborate to spotlight stories that reflect the diversity and richness of Latino experiences. Advisory councils and partner organizations work together to ensure programming reflects the priorities of those most impacted by policy decisions. Through these collaborative efforts, heritage month becomes more than a commemorative period; it becomes a platform for sustained dialogue, for inclusive storytelling, and for advancing a shared vision of opportunity and representation across society.

CHCI’s 43rd Annual Awards Gala will pay tribute to some of our community’s most distinguished leaders, recognize our resilience during the current challenges facing the nation, highlight Hispanic Caucus Members in Congress, and showcase the emerging leaders in CHCI’s leadership programs. The Gala is CHCI’s premier event during Hispanic Heritage month, and the largest and most prominent gathering in our community bringing Latinos from across the country together, including Members of Congress, industry leaders, community advocates, non-profit leaders, and students.

#CHCIHHM20

Join us at our all virtual special event to recognize our accomplishments and support our future at the 43rd Annual Awards Gala on September 21 at 5:45 pm EDT.

CHCI’s mission is to develop the next generation of Latino leaders by providing opportunities for educational attainment and leadership development. This mission, instilled by our founders, guides our every decision as we strive to put more young Latinos on the pathway to the American dream. Our Awards Gala honors this mission and will pay tribute to some of our community’s most distinguished leaders, recognize the contributions of essential workers on the front lines this year, highlight Hispanic Caucus Members in Congress, and showcase the emerging leaders in CHCI’s leadership programs.

Chair's Private Gala Gathering (Invitation Only): 5:00 pm - 5:45 pm

43rd Annual Awards Gala Pre-Show: 5:45 pm - 6:00 pm

43rd Annual Awards Gala: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

43rd Annual Awards Gala Program

43RD ANNUAL AWARDS GALA HOST

CHAIR'S PRIVATE GALA GATHERING HOST

43RD ANNUAL AWARDS GALA HONOREES

José Andrés

American Dream Medallion of Excellence in Education, Science, Medicine or Civil Rights

Isabel Allende

Medallion of Excellence in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, Music or Sports

Hon. Julián Castro

CHCI Chair's Award

Rep. José E. Serrano (NY-15)

CHCI Legacy Award

SPECIAL GUESTS

Alicia Menendez

Anchor, MSNBC

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Major General Angie Salinas

U.S. Marine Corps (Ret)

CEO, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas

SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTERS

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (NV)

U.S. Senate

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (CA-12)

Speaker

U.S. House of Representatives

Assistant Speaker Rep. Ben Ray Luján (NM-39)

U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20)

CHC Chair

U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-7)

CHC First Vice Chair // CHCI Chair

U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16)

HHM Co-Chair

CHCI Advisory Council Member

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40)

Member of Congress

U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Darren Soto (FL-9)

HHM Co-Chair

CHCI Advisory Council Member

Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-7)

Member of Congress

U.S. House of Representatives

Marco A. Davis

President & CEO

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

ENTERTAINMENT FINALE

Bomba Estéreo was founded in Colombia in 2006 by musician Simón Mejía and singer Li Saumet. Together, they created a unique project that would become one of the most attractive music groups in the world. Throughout its career, Bomba Estéreo has toured all over the world, playing the stages of some of the most important music festivals, clubs and venues, and attracting millions of people to its eclectic avant-garde fusion of electronic and Caribbean sounds.

Bomba Estéreo has been nominated to The GRAMMYs two times with their albums ‘Amanecer’ and ‘Ayo’, and has also been nominated to six Latin GRAMMYs, where in 2015 the band performed ‘Fiesta’ at the ceremony’s main show with Hollywood star Will Smith. In 2017, Bomba Estéreo was invited to tour as support for Arcade Fire’s Everything Now World Tour doing 13 shows together across Europe, USA and Latin America. In 2018, Bomba Estéreo reached the worldwide Top 500 most listened on Spotify. They are currently working on their new album.