Since 1988, when President Ronald Reagan held a White House Rose Garden ceremony to commemorate the creation of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic Heritage Awards have grown into the most prestigious Hispanic honor and event in America; celebrating Hispanic pride, culture and accomplishment. Each year, the Honorees serve as a reminder through their uncommon achievements that no dream is beyond reach with hard work, vision and ganas.

After the latest Census Bureau recognized Hispanics as the largest minority in the country, the Foundation has strived to redefine the image of Hispanic Americans through the role models they promote. Under the leadership of Chairman Dr. Pedro José (Joe) Greer and President and CEO José Antonio Tijerino, the Foundation and the Hispanic Heritage Awards program provides an important service to the community by recognizing and celebrating the work of Hispanic Americans making a positive impact on the United States.

With an eye toward the future, the Honorees share the stage with the national recipients of the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards. These young leaders have demonstrated high levels of achievement in the classrooms and communities and are positioned as role models for their peers.

More than 35 top national Hispanic organizations host the Hispanic Heritage Awards and serve as the Honoree nominating committee. The ceremony is held annually in Washington, DC and boasts honorees like(follow links to bios) Dolores Huerta, José Feliciano, Rita Moreno, Sammy Sosa, Julia Alvarez, Carlos Gutierrez, Derek Parra, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Juan Marichal, John Leguizamo, Sandra Benitez, Ricky Martin, Isabel Allende, Sonia Manzano, Antonio Banderas, and Jaime Escalante. Diplomats, top ranking military officials, high level sponsors, politicians and business leaders are also in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of our outstanding honorees. Click here to watch our Honoree Videos. Click Here to search our Honoree Bios.

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