Hosted by Latino Connection, the 11th Annual Latino Ball will take place on Saturday, September 28 at the Hilton Harrisburg. As the highlight of this prestigious cultural celebration, the Lo Mejor de lo Mejor (best of the best) Awards will recognize three individuals as Community Leader, Humanitarian, and Workforce Champion for their efforts and achievements toward the betterment of their communities.
“Every year we raise the bar on the experience we aim to deliver through the sights, sounds, tastes, and energy we aim to create through this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration. And every year it exceeds all expectations,” says George Fernandez, CEO of Color & Culture and Latino Connection. “It is truly an honor to be able to elevate Latino culture while giving our incredible award winners a platform for their life-changing work.”
The LMLM Awards were founded in 2013 when Fernandez partnered with TheBurg magazine to create an opportunity to honor businesses and corporations for their ongoing efforts to provide excellent customer service to Latinos in South Central Pennsylvania. LMLM has since grown into a statewide celebration, becoming what is now known as the Latino Ball, the region’s largest and most prestigious Latino event.
This year’s winners make up an impressive class of influencers and leaders whose work is creating equitable opportunities and forward-thinking change. The Humanitarian Award recipient is Rev. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation. The Community Leader of the Year is Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Representative of the 129th Legislative District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The Workforce Champion is Rafael Torres, Founder of Working to Empower People for Advancement (WEPA) Center.
Rev. Lorina Marshall-Blake
“Jefferson Health Plans is proud to sponsor the Latino Ball and celebrate the incredible achievements of this year’s Lo Mejor de lo Mejor Award recipients,” said Denise Napier, CEO, Jefferson Health Plans. “This event highlights the strength, resilience, and vibrant culture of the Latino community, and we are honored to be part of it. Together with Latino Connection, we are committed to advancing health equity and ensuring that all communities have access to the care and resources they deserve.”
Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz
The award recipients will be honored and given the opportunity to share remarks with attendees. The event will also feature vibrant décor, a decadent menu, and unique entertainment inspired by this year’s theme: Spain. More information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be found by visiting https://latinoball.org.
Rafael Torres
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