2023 Poderoso Awards
First Annual National Latinx Philanthropy Awards
ABOUT THE AWARDS
These are the first national awards for Latinx Philanthropy and Fundraising. Latinx philanthropy and fundraising are largely invisible in the philanthropic landscape despite the fact that the Latinx community is 20% of the US population and growing.
Poderoso means “powerful”, these awards will highlight the power Latinx have inside our own communities. The donors and fundraisers who win the Poderoso Awards are examples of the growing power of Latinx giving and fundraising.
We need awards like the Poderoso Awards to highlight Latinx activism, giving, and nonprofits.
These awards are unique in several ways:
These awards will work to raise the profile of the Latinx Individual Donor in the US today. We do this to change the culture of Latinx-focused nonprofits, and to develop a new culture and expectation around fundraising and giving. If we highlight givers, fundraisers, and annual donors we create a new community of fundraising for Latinx-focused nonprofits today.
These are the first national awards for Latinx Philanthropy and Fundraising. Latinx philanthropy and fundraising are largely invisible in the philanthropic landscape despite the fact that the Latinx community is 20% of the US population and growing.
Poderoso means “powerful”, these awards will highlight the power Latinx have inside our own communities. The donors and fundraisers who win the Poderoso Awards are examples of the growing power of Latinx giving and fundraising.
We need awards like the Poderoso Awards to highlight Latinx activism, giving, and nonprofits.
These awards are unique in several ways:
- We focus on individual donors, not corporate donors.
- We give an award for large Major Gifts and much smaller, but no less important everyday, loyal consistent donors and volunteers.
- We give an award for fundraising, because that's the engine of giving and is underrecognized.
- These awards are virtual so that all can attend.
- There is no cost to attend and no cost to make a nomination
- Each Awardee will have a $1,000 gift made in their honor to the organization that nominated them. The Major Donor will designate which organization will get their honorary gift.
These awards will work to raise the profile of the Latinx Individual Donor in the US today. We do this to change the culture of Latinx-focused nonprofits, and to develop a new culture and expectation around fundraising and giving. If we highlight givers, fundraisers, and annual donors we create a new community of fundraising for Latinx-focused nonprofits today.
AWARDS CEREMONY AGENDA
Introduction and Welcome
Diana DeJesus-Medina, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Somos El Poder
Founders Remarks & Introduction
Armando Enrique Zumaya, Founder, Somos El Poder
Keynote: "Finding Our Own Latinx Power"
Dolores Huerta, National Community Activist
Award Winning Donors and Fundraisers
Introduction and Welcome
Diana DeJesus-Medina, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Somos El Poder
Founders Remarks & Introduction
Armando Enrique Zumaya, Founder, Somos El Poder
Keynote: "Finding Our Own Latinx Power"
Dolores Huerta, National Community Activist
Award Winning Donors and Fundraisers
Dolores Huerta, born in 1930, emerged from a background of community activism, shaped by her father's union involvement and her mother's entrepreneurial spirit. Raised in a culturally diverse community in Stockton, California, Dolores's mother, Alicia, instilled values of kindness and inclusivity. Dolores's journey as an organizer began with the Stockton Community Service Organization, and in 1962, she co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with César Chávez. Her lobbying efforts led to significant legislative victories, including the Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975. Dolores also played a pivotal role in women's liberation within the farm workers' movement and embraced non-violence as a guiding principle. Despite personal sacrifices and physical assaults, she remained committed to social justice. At 89, she continues her advocacy through the Dolores Huerta Foundation, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and civil rights contributions. Dolores has received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Her life exemplifies the transformative power of grassroots democracy and the enduring impact of organized activism.
 Founder of Somos El Poder
Armando Enrique Zumaya
Armando Zumaya has been in fundraising for 38 years in a variety of roles that have given him a unique perspective on all aspects of development offices, fundraising culture and Latinx in the US nonprofit world. He founded Somos El Poder because of his experiences of his long career in development, his success in teaching fundraising and a deep pride in his Chicano heritage.
He is a noted expert on Latino Major Giving and all aspects of fundraising with the Latinx community. He has direct experience raising five, six and seven figure gifts from Latinx. He lectures and writes about the Latinx experience in the nonprofit world. His work includes direct experience raising five, six and seven figure gifts from Latinx in the US. He is an active development officer. |
 Board Chair- Diana DeJesus-Medina
Diana DeJesus-Medina joined LatinoJustice in 2009 to guide the organization’s fund development strategy and informs organizational planning. Before joining the LJP team, Diana served as the national director of affiliate services at Family Promise, where she oversaw and implemented organizational development services, including strategic planning and board training, for more than 100 affiliates.
Throughout her career, Diana has worked with myriad non-profit teams, including the YWCA of Brooklyn and the American Folk Art Museum, to strengthen organizational resources and capacity. A Brooklyn native and New Jersey resident, Diana volunteers with several nonprofit organizations and is an avid baker. |
Award Winning Donors & Fundraisers
Poderoso Award Winning Donor: Major Latinx Donor
Tom Chavez
Entrepreneur, Founder, and Investor
For over two decades, Tom Chavez has dedicated his career to leveraging data, decision science, and AI to tackle complex challenges. Notably, he was the CEO and co-founder of Krux, acquired by Salesforce in 2016, and Rapt, acquired by Microsoft in 2008. These ventures yielded a remarkable 17.5x return for investors and significant wealth for employees. Tom, also an investor in various ventures, co-authored "Data Driven: Harnessing Data and AI to Reinvent Customer Engagement" with former Salesforce colleagues.
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tom holds a B.A. in Computer Science and Philosophy from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Engineering-Economic Systems and Operations Research from Stanford University. Currently residing in San Francisco, he actively supports non-profits focused on education, immigration, and entrepreneurship through board memberships. Together with his sister and wife, Tom co-founded the Chavez Family Foundation, a philanthropy investing in projects at the nexus of education, immigration, and entrepreneurship—a testament to honoring his parents' legacy and values.
Entrepreneur, Founder, and Investor
For over two decades, Tom Chavez has dedicated his career to leveraging data, decision science, and AI to tackle complex challenges. Notably, he was the CEO and co-founder of Krux, acquired by Salesforce in 2016, and Rapt, acquired by Microsoft in 2008. These ventures yielded a remarkable 17.5x return for investors and significant wealth for employees. Tom, also an investor in various ventures, co-authored "Data Driven: Harnessing Data and AI to Reinvent Customer Engagement" with former Salesforce colleagues.
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tom holds a B.A. in Computer Science and Philosophy from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Engineering-Economic Systems and Operations Research from Stanford University. Currently residing in San Francisco, he actively supports non-profits focused on education, immigration, and entrepreneurship through board memberships. Together with his sister and wife, Tom co-founded the Chavez Family Foundation, a philanthropy investing in projects at the nexus of education, immigration, and entrepreneurship—a testament to honoring his parents' legacy and values.
Poderoso Award Winning Team: Outstanding Fundraising Team
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Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) Fundraising Team
The CHIRLA fundraising team is composed of the following team members:
The CHIRLA fundraising team is composed of the following team members:
- Angelica Salas, Executive Director
- Julio Martinez, Director of Development
- Sharon Park, Deputy Director of Development
- Daisy Pizana, Grant Writer
- Marco Amezcua, Individual Giving Manager
- Rosemary Gutierrez, Donor Engagement & Events Coordinator
- Michelle Rincon, Development Coordinator
Poderoso Award Winning Donors: Outstanding Loyal Donors
Harriett Swennes
Retired History Teacher, and Peachtree Church volunteer and donor of LaAmistad.
I am a former middle school teacher and software developer, and I am a mother and grandmother and wife of 50+ years. After retirement I searched for a meaningful volunteer opportunity and I found LaAmistad in 2002 which was in its infancy right at my church! I then volunteered for 19 years in various grades and positions (it was pure pleasure) until health problems and family responsibilities forced me to bow out. I still have contact with some of the students, one of which works at LaAmistad (Ramiro Juarez), and I continue to keep in touch with all that is going on in LaAmistad. What a blessing this program has been for the children and their families, for Peachtree Presbyterian Church, and for me!
Retired History Teacher, and Peachtree Church volunteer and donor of LaAmistad.
I am a former middle school teacher and software developer, and I am a mother and grandmother and wife of 50+ years. After retirement I searched for a meaningful volunteer opportunity and I found LaAmistad in 2002 which was in its infancy right at my church! I then volunteered for 19 years in various grades and positions (it was pure pleasure) until health problems and family responsibilities forced me to bow out. I still have contact with some of the students, one of which works at LaAmistad (Ramiro Juarez), and I continue to keep in touch with all that is going on in LaAmistad. What a blessing this program has been for the children and their families, for Peachtree Presbyterian Church, and for me!
Ramona Moreno Winner
Presenter on Mental Health Disorders, Award Winning Author, and independent publisher of bilingual books.
Embracing her gift of retirement after 30 years in the book publishing industry and 12 years as a Family Advocate with her local Mental Wellness Center, Ramona now volunteers for Santa Barbara County NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), travels for pleasure, and explores different art mediums that bring joy to herself and others. Through her publishing company, Brainstorm 3000, Ramona published four award winning, bilingual books for children that served as a platform to share her own cultural experiences and speak on cultural diversity. Ramona’s award winning, bilingual book on mental illness was from her own family’s experience with mental illness. Ramona’s work with the Mental Wellness Center/Santa Barbara County NAMI allowed her to help family members navigate the mental health system, identify community resources, and support them while they provided care to individuals living with a mental illness. Ramona believes that in helping others, we help ourselves.
Presenter on Mental Health Disorders, Award Winning Author, and independent publisher of bilingual books.
Embracing her gift of retirement after 30 years in the book publishing industry and 12 years as a Family Advocate with her local Mental Wellness Center, Ramona now volunteers for Santa Barbara County NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), travels for pleasure, and explores different art mediums that bring joy to herself and others. Through her publishing company, Brainstorm 3000, Ramona published four award winning, bilingual books for children that served as a platform to share her own cultural experiences and speak on cultural diversity. Ramona’s award winning, bilingual book on mental illness was from her own family’s experience with mental illness. Ramona’s work with the Mental Wellness Center/Santa Barbara County NAMI allowed her to help family members navigate the mental health system, identify community resources, and support them while they provided care to individuals living with a mental illness. Ramona believes that in helping others, we help ourselves.
Richard Rojas, Sr.
City of La Habra Community Services Commissioner, Independent Consultant, and Advisory Board, Director Emeritus of Latino Outdoors.
After completing a 32-year career with California State Parks — raising from the ranks of
journey-level Ranger to District Superintendent, Richard Rojas believes that public service doesn’t end at retirement. After retiring in 2008, he became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer assisting kids in foster care, served as founding member of the City of Goleta Parks & Recreation Commission, and currently serves as a City of La Habra Community Services Commissioner. He also continues to advocate for historic preservation, parks and open-space protection and youth-oriented community organizations. Richard and his wife Ophelia live in La Habra, CA.
City of La Habra Community Services Commissioner, Independent Consultant, and Advisory Board, Director Emeritus of Latino Outdoors.
After completing a 32-year career with California State Parks — raising from the ranks of
journey-level Ranger to District Superintendent, Richard Rojas believes that public service doesn’t end at retirement. After retiring in 2008, he became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer assisting kids in foster care, served as founding member of the City of Goleta Parks & Recreation Commission, and currently serves as a City of La Habra Community Services Commissioner. He also continues to advocate for historic preservation, parks and open-space protection and youth-oriented community organizations. Richard and his wife Ophelia live in La Habra, CA.
HOW THE AWARDS ARE DECIDED
The Board of Directors of Somos El Poder are the judges of each award. Each awardee will receive a trophy and be allowed to say a few words at the virtual presentation. We will survey the membership of Somos El Poder both organizations and individuals but we are also open to external nominations.
AWARDS CATEGORIES AND NOMINATIONS
Elevating our amazing Latino philanthropists!
NOMINATION PERIOD ENDED. Winners announced. Watch Virtual Ceremony >
MAJOR DONOR
Honoring an individual whose significant contributions have been instrumental in catalyzing impactful change within Latinx-focused causes.
The Board of Directors of Somos El Poder are the judges of each award. Each awardee will receive a trophy and be allowed to say a few words at the virtual presentation. We will survey the membership of Somos El Poder both organizations and individuals but we are also open to external nominations.
AWARDS CATEGORIES AND NOMINATIONS
Elevating our amazing Latino philanthropists!
NOMINATION PERIOD ENDED. Winners announced. Watch Virtual Ceremony >
MAJOR DONOR
Honoring an individual whose significant contributions have been instrumental in catalyzing impactful change within Latinx-focused causes.
- Demonstrated commitment to philanthropy within the Latinx community.
- Significant financial contributions with transformative impact on Latinx-focused causes.
- Nominations by individuals, organizations, or donors.
- Highlight nominee's positive change through giving in the Latinx community.
FUNDRAISERS
Celebrating the innovative and culturally informed fundraising by individual Latinx fundraiser or fundraisers fundraising for Latinx nonprofits, or teams of fundraisers, including Executive Directors, Development Officers, Board Members.
Celebrating the innovative and culturally informed fundraising by individual Latinx fundraiser or fundraisers fundraising for Latinx nonprofits, or teams of fundraisers, including Executive Directors, Development Officers, Board Members.
- Innovative fundraising strategies yielding significant results.
- Collaborative teamwork leveraging diverse skills and resources.
- Creative donor engagement through various channels.
- Successful campaigns leading to measurable fundraising growth.
- Nominations by individuals, organizations, or team members.
LOYAL DONORS
Acknowledging three individuals whose consistent and dedicated annual contributions have played a pivotal role in sustaining and advancing Latinx-focused organizations.
Acknowledging three individuals whose consistent and dedicated annual contributions have played a pivotal role in sustaining and advancing Latinx-focused organizations.
- Consistent and dedicated annual giving to Latinx-focused causes.
- Active involvement in volunteering, advocacy, or similar efforts.
- Nominations by individuals, organizations, or donors.
- Detail the history of annual giving, supported causes, and contribution frequency.
Promo Partners | Seguidores
Our Supporters Who Celebrate Latinx Giving and Fundraising
Our Supporters Who Celebrate Latinx Giving and Fundraising
“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own”
Cesar Chavez
"You can't wait for hope, you have to be hope!"
Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez
