Honorees

The annual gala honors accomplished leaders that serve as an inspiration to the Latino community. These trailblazing individuals demonstrate a strong commitment to the advancement and empowerment of the Latino community within their careers and communities.

The Institute commemorates these honorees through the following awards: Excelencia Award, Magno Award and Humanitaria/o Award. To nominate a future honoree, please send an email to [email protected] with the individual's name and a summary of why you are nominating them.

We thank and celebrate the individuals and corporations who have been recognized by the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute:

2024

Esperanza Award : Victor Cruz
NFL Superbowl Champion and Analyst

Magno Award : Deborah Visconi
President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Deborah Visconi

Viva Award : Sara Peña
Director of External Affairs and Founder of Boys to Leader Foundation

Alumni Impact Award : Adrian Orozco '19
NJ Political Director, Service Employees International Union 32 BJ

2022

His Eminence, Joseph Cardinal Tobin
Archbishop of Newark

Mariano Rivera
Former New York Yankee Relief Pitcher, Thirteen-time All-Star and Five-time World Series Champion

Dr. Ramon Tallaj
Founder and Chairman of SOMOS COMMUNITY CARE

2019

Jeffrey Martinez
Territory Executive, Executive Vice President
PNC Bank

Stacie de Armas
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
Nielsen

Claudia Romo Edelman
Founder and Diplomat
We Are All Human Foundation

2018

Arlene Quinones Perez
Partner
DeCotis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Giblin

Ernie Diaz
EVP, Head of Distribution
TD Bank

2016

Lillian Rodriguez Lopez
Director, Latin Affairs (Former)
The Coca-Cola Company

Eduardo Martinez
President
The UPS Foundation

Bernie Williams
New York Yankees All-Star

2015

Roberto Llamas
Executive Vice President & Corporate Officer
Univision

Carlos Rodriguez
President & Chief Executive Officer
ADP

2014

Maria Elena Salinas
Emmy Award Winning Journalist

Mario J. Paredes
Chief Executive Officer
SOMOS

2013

Javier Farfan
Head of Music, Entertainment, and Culture Marketing (Former)
PepsiCo

Perla Capriles
Philanthropist

2012

Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas
Program Director, Culpeper Arts & Culture
Rockefeller Brothers Fund