The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) announces its annual NHMC Impacts Washington, D.C. Awards Reception honorees. Taking place on Thursday, September 26th and hosted by Claudia Uceda, Correspondent at TelevisaUnivision, the evening recognizes policymakers and leaders who are working to bridge the digital divide, enact policies that protect Latinx and other marginalized communities, and safeguard the democracy of the United States.

The NHMC Impacts Washington, D.C. Awards Reception will celebrate the voices that amplify NHMC’s efforts as it examines new ways for policy and advocacy to serve Latino audiences and other marginalized communities. This ranges from analyzing telecommunications policies and proceedings, to testifying before Congress and government agencies, to engaging with decision-makers, and even leading efforts in supporting programs that bring digital tools and services within reach for low-income families. NHMC will honor those who are working to preserve the media landscape as a place where we can share our stories and hold industries accountable for increasing diversity, eliminating divisive hate speech against members of our community, as well as fighting against censorship and the spread of information fraud.

“NHMC is honored to celebrate D.C.’s leaders and organizations that have made a lane for themselves throughout their careers,” said Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO, National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) “These honorees have been allies in our fight for increased visibility for Latinos in Capitol Hill and beyond, especially during a key moment for our community in current U.S. history. They exemplify what it means to leave a long-lasting impact on their respective institutions.”

Congressman Casar will receive an Impact Award for his devotion to improving the lives of millions of Americans, by raising wages and expanding safety protection rights for workers and immigrants, advocating for women’s rights and voters, prioritizing veterans’ and seniors’ programs, and tackling the climate crisis. Congresswoman Crockett will be honored with an Impact Award for her life-long commitment to public service, with the goal of serving justice and ensuring equality for all. Her leadership has resulted in the passing of landmark criminal justice reforms in the House, and has brought more accessibility and accountability to her office than ever before. Emilio Gonzalez will receive an Impact Award for his extensive career in technology and tech policy arenas - from serving as Special Assistant for Technology at the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Clinton Administration to his current position as Executive Director for Public Policy & Strategic Initiatives at Verizon. Janet Murguía will be honored with the Women in Leadership Impact Award for her dedication to bringing the American dream to Latino families throughout her career - from her time as President & CEO of National Council of La Raza to her current role as President & CEO at UnidosUS.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Minecraft Education will be honored with an Impact Award for their collaboration that helped establish the groundbreaking educational game series LatinExplorers: A Hispanic Heritage Journey. The project came to life with the help of its team of Latine innovators. LatinExplorers: A Hispanic Heritage Journey exemplifies the power of partnership in promoting positive representation of Latinos, providing valuable educational content, and giving Latine creators a seat at the table when developing video gaming programs.

Past honorees of NHMC’s Impacts Washington, D.C. Awards Reception include FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, FCC Chair Rosenworcel, FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya, Congressman Jimmy Gomez, Congressman Joaquin Castro, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Henry R. Muñoz III, Jacquelyn Puente, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congressman José E. Serrano, Congressman Tony Cárdenas, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Sports Journalist

EVP, Government Affairs

TelevisaUnivision

Director, White House Office of Political Strategy

President, MANA