A Celebration
to Remember

Amigos, Música, & Champions of the Immigrant Community

Our Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon 2026

The energy from this year’s Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon was truly inspiring. This gathering brought together over 330 people to celebrate
our collective impact and the contributions of seven spectacular honorees.

To follow are highlights from the day—moments that capture the spirit, connections, and multi-sector ecosystem that fuels our missions, shapes immigrant justice in our state, and makes Encuentro’s Tree of Life event so special.

Congratulations
to our 2026 Honorees

This year, seven outstanding community leaders were honored with Encuentro’s Tree of Life Award; a recognition of their incredible contributions and the many ways they help

our community flourish and grow.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Gerald “Jerry” Ortiz y Pino

Former NM State Senator

Seeds of Change Award

Elsa López

Program Manager, NMWomen.org

Fruits of Generosity Award

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Accepted by Chamiza Pacheco de Alas

Director of New Mexico Programs

Roots of Resilience Award

Ted Martinez

Retired Community Leader

Blossoms of Innovation Award

Ana López

Promotora Program Manager, Enlace Comunitario

Branches of Unity Award

Sara Yvonne “Bonnie” Escobar

Executive Director, Enlace Comunitario

Leaves of Service Award

Pauline Lucero

Owner, Corazón Training & Consulting

“Los Trinos”, the talented duet

of Chuy Martinez & Otilio Ruiz, brought warmth and joy with their beautiful live music.

The first ever Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Speaker of the House Javier Martinez to Gerald “Jerry” Ortiz Y Pino for his decades of public service.

One of the most moving moments of the afternoon came as our Executive Director, Andrea Plaza, shared a heartfelt message while presenting

the Roots of Resilience Award to Ted Martinez—a lifelong champion

for educational access and opportunity.

 

Guille Morales shared a powerful testimonial about how Encuentro’s educational programs and the sense of belonging she feels as an Encuentroler@s, have profoundly impacted her life.

Mariachi San José from Albuquerque High School took the stage, enriching the celebration with cultural richness and tradition by recognizing the 90th birthday of honoree Ted Martinez with Las Mañanitas.

 

 

In times like these, creating beauty is an act of resistance.

An original painting by local artist Jade Leyva was unveiled; “Encontrando Vida” (Finding Life) captures the spirit of our community and will be the visual identity of this annual event moving forward.

This piece reflects the journey of finding life through community—where roots hold our histories, branches reach toward possibility, and each bloom represents hope, resilience, and belonging.

 

 

A heartfelt gracias to our staff, volunteers, students, and amigos who made this event such a success! 2026 Tree of Life Sponsors

 

 

2026 Tree of Life Sponsors

We are so grateful for the sponsors whose generosity make this event

– and Encuentro’s work – possible!

The Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon is more than a celebration— it’s a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together to uplift, support, and create lasting change.

 

Your support helps nurture the roots of opportunity, strengthen the branches of resilience, and ensure that immigrant families continue to thrive.