Recognizing Champions of the Latinx Immigrant Community

March 20, 2026
11:30-1:30
National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque

Join us on March 20, 2026, for Encuentro’s third annual Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon, celebrating seven leaders who have made a significant impact on our Latinx immigrant community.

This event honors those who plant seeds of hope, nurture growth, and demonstrate transformative leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Each Tree of Life award recognizes the vital role honorees have played in fostering community vitality!

Sponsorship Opportunities Await!

Each year, Encuentro’s Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon uplifts champions whose leadership, generosity, and advocacy strengthen the Latinx immigrant community across New Mexico.

For the 2026 Tree of Life Awards, 23 nominations were submitted by members of the community. Nominations were reviewed by a five-member selection committee using clearly defined criteria aligned with each award category.

Selected honorees were notified in December and will be formally recognized at the Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon on March 20. Together, they represent the strength, vision, and collective care that allow our community—and Encuentro—to continue to grow and flourish.

 

Roots of Resilience Honoree
Recognizing exceptional leadership.

Ted Martinez, son of a Mexican immigrant, has dedicated his life to improving opportunities for Latinos and immigrants. In 1986, he became president of TVI (now CNM), expanding programs for immigrants. From Albuquerque’s first Hispano school board member in 1968 to volunteering with Tucson Samaritans, he has championed bilingual education, access, and humanitarian aid throughout his life.

Leaves of Service Honoree
Recognizing individual contributions

Pauline is a bilingual mental health therapist and nationally recognized trainer who empowers professionals and communities addressing complex child abuse and trauma. She brings decades of expertise working with Native American communities and individuals with disabilities, fostering culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Her dedication to education, advocacy, and wellness has shaped countless professionals and strengthened vulnerable populations.

 

Branches of Unity Honoree
Recognizing collaboration

Bonnie is Executive Director of Enlace Comunitario, where she advances wellness, cultural pride, and healing while leading programs that have served over 15,000 clients. A passionate advocate for women, Latinos, and survivors of domestic violence, she brings decades of leadership in nonprofit strategy, community engagement, and systemic change, transforming vision into action across New Mexico and the border region.

 

Seeds of Change Honoree
Recognizing advocacy, policy, and civic action

Elsa is an immigrant justice leader driven by racial and economic justice. She has spent decades organizing in New Mexico, winning college access and driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants, advancing worker protections, and limiting law-enforcement collaboration. Inspired by New Mexican families, she supports and empowers grassroots movements.

 

Blossoms of Innovation Honoree
Recognizing innovation

Ana López is a prevention professional specializing in domestic violence and sexual assault education. She leads Enlace Comunitario’s Promotora Program, Promotoras de Bienestar Familiar, and Voces Unidas, designing culturally responsive, trauma-informed programs that empower Latina immigrant women, strengthen families, and foster community well-being. Ana combines program leadership, mentorship, and evidence-based prevention education to promote healing, inclusion, and long-term social change.

 

Fruits of Generosity Honoree
Recognizing organizational contributions

Founded in 1930 by Will Keith Kellogg, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is a major U.S. philanthropy dedicated to ensuring all children can thrive. It partners with communities in the U.S., tribal nations, and abroad, focusing on high-poverty regions including Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, New Orleans, Mexico, and Haiti, worldwide impact.

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Senator Gerald “Jerry” Ortiz y Pino dedicated decades to public service and advocacy for New Mexico’s Latinx and immigrant communities. From his early work in child welfare and social services to 20 years in the State Senate, he championed health, education, and community development. Jerry’s leadership created opportunities, promoted equity, and strengthened the well-being of families across New Mexico.

Limited Sponsorship available!

Are you ready to honor these CHAMPIONS?

Confirm sponsorship by February 16, 2026 to guarantee benefits.

CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORHIPS OPPORTUNITIES

Individual Tickets sales will open on February 16, 2026

For more information contact Julia Cusatis

at [email protected]

or call (505) 247-2920

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