The Latin American Association (LAA) is holding the 36th Annual Compañeros Awards Luncheon on April 16 at the Georgia Aquarium, honoring those who have contributed to the state’s Latino community.
The luncheon recognizes the dedication of individuals and groups who uplift and empower the Latino community through resilience, collaboration, and leadership.
Awardees are Delta, corporate partner of the year; Hispanic Corporate Council of Atlanta, volunteer of the year; Carlos Pagoaga of the Coca-Cola Foundation and Jason Cuevas of the Georgia Power Foundation, Community Award winners; Maria Jose Manzaba, Angel Ortiz Heart of the LAA Award winner; Bridgette Sanchez-Garcia, Future Leader Award winner; and Paula Arcia, Inspiration Award winner.
The youngest award recipient, Sanchez-Garcia is a senior at North Atlanta High School. She maintains a 4.0 grade point average and works as a program supervisor for the Empower Society ATL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to lifting up Latinx and immigrant communities.
The LAA said the luncheon “promises to be an inspiring celebration of the achievements that continue to shape the future of Latino families in Georgia.”
Founded in 1972, the work of the LAA improves the lives of 30,000 individuals every year with locations in Brookhaven, Dalton, and Norcross. The LAA works to lower the barriers to economic mobility and prosperity that Latino immigrants face as they adapt and integrate to life in the United States, according to a press release.
From stabilizing families in times of crisis to adjusting immigration status, from offering adult English classes to placing job seekers with employers, from guiding youth on a path to success to elevating women entrepreneurs, the LAA’s trusted bilingual staff works diligently to ensure Latino immigrants have a chance at social and economic equity, their website states.
