La Raza Historical Society Honors Legacy and Leadership at Annual Awards Dinner

November 18, 2025

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley brought our community together for an inspiring evening of remembrance, recognition, and cultural pride. Their annual awards dinner shined a spotlight on four extraordinary Latino leaders whose work in health, education, advocacy, and storytelling continues to uplift families across the Santa Clara Valley and beyond.

The celebration filled the Mexican Heritage Plaza with music, gratitude, and a deep sense of propósito—a reminder of the responsibility we share to protect our history, elevate our voices, and stand with those doing the hard work on the front lines. From heartfelt tributes to calls for continued action, the night reaffirmed the power of community and the importance of preserving La Raza’s legacy for future generations.

Below, we share a closer look at this meaningful gathering and the remarkable individuals celebrated.

 

SAN JOSE, California — On Saturday, September 20, 2025, La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley (LRHS SCV) hosted its annual awards dinner, bringing together elected officials, academics, business leaders, and community members to celebrate the contributions of four distinguished Latino figures whose impact resonates across the Santa Clara Valley and beyond.

Held at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, the event was a vibrant celebration of cultural pride, community resilience, and visionary leadership paving the way for future generations. Honorees included:

• Dolores Alvarado, a leader in community health and a champion for human rights
• Ysabel Duron, a cancer survivor, patient advocacy leader, and award-winning journalist
• Reymundo C. Espinoza, community health advocate and former CEO of Gardner Health Services
• Francisco Jiménez, professor emeritus at Santa Clara University, educator, scholar, and acclaimed author

The evening began with a spirited performance by Mariachi Tapatío, belting out some of Mexico’s most beloved songs. The music stirred deep pride among guests—a pride in their cultural heritage and shared identity.

LRHS SCV President Jesús Orosco opened the program with a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for an evening of celebration and reflection. He then introduced the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies, Rosanna Alvarez, who also serves as LRHS SCV’s Board Vice President. With her quick wit and vibrant sense of humor, Alvarez captivated and uplifted the room of 200 guests, weaving together moments of joy, pride, and community connection.

Each honoree delivered an eloquent acceptance speech, expressing heartfelt pride and gratitude for the recognition of their life’s work. Yet a shared sentiment echoed throughout the evening: deep concern for the persistent challenges facing our communities—especially the most vulnerable—and a clear call to action, affirming that the work is far from over.

In light of the recent fire at the Mexican American Community Services Agency (MACSA) Youth Center—an event deeply felt by many in our community—the LRHS SCV Board of Directors honored the organization’s executive director, the late Esther Medina. Ana Lilia Soto, Director of LRHS SCV, shared personal reflections on working alongside Ms. Medina at MACSA, highlighting her unwavering leadership and dedication to ensuring vital programs were accessible to those who needed them most. Esther Medina was a deeply respected force in the community, whose tireless efforts made a lasting impact on thousands of lives. In attendance was Ms. Medina’s only grandson, Cooper Burton.

The event served as a joyful reunion for many of San José’s most respected community leaders, with uplifting energy filling the room. It sparked a renewed commitment among attendees to support the mission of LRHS SCV—to preserve and illuminate the countless contributions of La Raza to the cultural and civic life of this valley.

LRHS SCV is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to collecting and preserving oral histories and cultural artifacts, with the goal of sharing the rich legacy that the Latino community has brought—and continues to bring—to this region. The organization plans to open its doors at La Casa de La Raza at History Park San José by the summer of 2026.

 

 

 

 

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