The CHCI 47th Annual Awards Gala brought together more than 2,500 influential leaders, visionaries, and changemakers from across the country to celebrate Latino excellence and leadership. CHCI welcomed President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., to address the Gala audience – one of the largest Latino gatherings in the country.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the CHCI Annual Awards Gala at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Emceed by political strategist and CNN commentator Maria Cardona, the 47th Annual Awards Gala celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of Latino leaders.

Representation Matters: CHCI Board Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) welcomes guests of the Annual Awards Gala.

This year’s event was a testament to the incredible contributions made by the Latino community. With a dynamic lineup of speakers and honorees, the night was filled with inspiration, recognition, and a shared commitment to advancing progress for Latinos everywhere.

Other featured speakers included key leaders from Congress, such as CHCI Board Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (NY).

Rep. Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) is presented the CHCI Legacy Award by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08).

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (NV) also addressed the audience, alongside Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), and CHC Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44). Together, they emphasized the pivotal role that Latino leadership can play in shaping the nation’s future.

Rep. Grace Flores Napolitano (CA-31) receives the CHCI Legacy award at the Annual Awards Gala from Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

Kicking off the evening’s honors,  Lili Estefan and Raul De Molina hosts of  “El Gordo y la Flaca,” received the Chair’s Award. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) and Rep. Grace Flores Napolitano (CA-31) were recognized with the Legacy Award for their careers in public service and contributions to the Latino community.

American “Actrivist” Rosario Dawson delivers inspiring remarks following the presentation of her Medallion of Excellence award.

The Mexican musical group Los Tigres del Norte and award-winning actress and activist Rosario Dawson were both honored with Medallion of Excellence Awards for their extraordinary achievements.

In the alumni excellence category, Miryam Granthon-Gerdine was named the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus and Arizona State Senator Flavio Bravo was honored as the 2024 CHCI Young Alumnus at a ceremony earlier in the day.

Los Tigres del Norte take a bow as they accept the CHCI Medallion of Excellence.