Mark your Calendar:

Tickets for our Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon are NOW on sale!April 4, 2025

11:30-1:30
At the National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque, NM

These transformative leaders were selected after a rigorous nomination process and are being recognized for the significant impacts that they have made in the lives of immigrants by advancing social and economic justice.

 

Maria is a committed attorney and social worker from Albuquerque, New Mexico, currently serving as the Legal Director for the ACLU of New Mexico. She is known for her impactful legal work improving conditions for agricultural workers and advocating for civil rights. Maria is currently on the Board of the Center of Southwest Culture and is a former ten-year member and past president of Encuentro’s Board of Directors

Pat Bonilla is a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights and education with over 50 years of impactful service in the Albuquerque community. Pat is known for her compassion, fierce advocacy, and organizing tutoring for immigrants seeking citizenship. Beyond teaching, she volunteers with various organizations to support immigrants upon their arrival, and her commitment to fostering educational and career opportunities contributed to the founding of Encuentro.

Claudia Medina is a dedicated advocate for immigrant rights and the founder of Enlace Comunitario, where she has served for over 25 years. Her leadership has established vital support for Albuquerque’s immigrant community and contributed to the creation of organizations like El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos and Encuentro. Currently, Claudia serves on the boards of both Encuentro and Enlace. She is recognized for her resilience and compassion, championing essential rights for immigrants and inspiring future leaders through development programs.

Rachel Lazar is the co-founder and leader of El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos in New Mexico, advocating for immigrant rights and worker justice. Under her leadership, the organization has achieved significant milestones, including economic relief during the pandemic, paid sick leave for over 300,000 workers, and a $12 state minimum wage. A native New Mexican, Rachel is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities and has also founded other organizations like Enlace Comunitario and El CENTRO Poder y Acción.

Juan Abeyta is a social justice advocate who has spent his career promoting the rights and interests of underrepresented communities in New Mexico. He has played a key role in establishing and supporting various organizations and initiatives, including the United Mexican American Students organization at UNM and the Center of Southwest Culture.

 

Comcast is a global media and technology company providing Xfinity services to over 668,000 homes and businesses in New Mexico, with significant investments aimed at improving technology and community support. Their initiatives, including the Internet Essentials program and Lift Zones, focus on bridging the digital divide and enhancing economic mobility for low-income New Mexicans.

The Anderson Foundation has been a vital supporter of Encuentro, providing leadership development, capacity building, and resources for staff and program growth. They sponsored our HHA classroom and supportthe HHA Internship program through a challenge grant that ensures that low-income elders can access subsidized in-home care while ensuring fair wages for caregivers.

Let’s celebrate our vibrant community and recognized
those who have supported us along the way!
Seating is limited—buy yours now!

INDIVIDUAL TICKET: $100
Includes lunch and champagne toast.
TABLE SPONSORSHIP: $1,000Reserved table for 8 with lunch, champagne toast & a framed acknowledgement.

Each sponsorship funds Encuentro’s programs and initiatives to uplift our Latinx immigrant community and provide essential resources for education, community engagement and advocacy.

For more information contact Joseline Mendoza
at [email protected]
or call (505) 247-2920