The Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will honor Hispanic and multicultural businesses and leaders, including a former city councilwoman, for their vision and community impact this weekend at the fifth annual La Vida celebration.
The La Vida celebration will take place Saturday at the Country Club of Colorado, 125 Club House Drive. The winners of the Excelencia Business Awards were announced ahead of the celebration.
“The Excelencia Business Awards recognize more than just achievement — they honor perseverance, leadership and a deep commitment to our community,” Joe Aldaz, president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber, said in a news release. “We are especially proud to introduce the Alma de la Comunidad Award, which will stand as a legacy of unity and service in our city.”
This is the first year of the Alma de la Comunidad award, which will be presented to former City Councilmember Yolanda Avila. Avila represented Colorado Springs’ southeast side for eight years.
Avila was struck by the area’s struggles and looked for ways to effect change. She was first elected to an at-large seat in 2015 and won the District 4 seat in 2017. On the council, she ensured her district received a fair portion of road improvements made possible by the 2C sales tax and the Pikes Peak Rural Transit Authority, according to previous coverage by the Gazette.
The Alma de la Comunidad award will be granted once every five years, the news release said, and recognizes a person, business or organization that has been a “vital part of the Colorado Springs community for 20 years or more.”
The phrase means “soul of the community.” But Aldaz said the phrase goes far deeper in Latino culture, meaning “the living heart and spirit of the community, someone whose influence and service have left a lasting imprint for generations.”
“The recipient must demonstrate a sustained commitment to uniting people from diverse backgrounds in pursuit of a common good, exemplifying collaboration, inclusivity, and service that strengthens and uplifts our entire community,” the release said.
The awards will be presented as part of the La Vida celebration, hailed by the chamber as a celebration of culture, community and connection.
Other honorees are:
