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WASHINGTON, D.C – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation’s leading Hispanic leadership development and educational services organization, today announced it will present its 2014 CHCI Medallion of Excellence Awards to television anchor and host José Díaz-Balart and union activist Eliseo Medina at its 37th Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, October 2, 2014. With the themeBuilding Our Future, Together, CHCI celebrates its annual Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) events in Washington, D.C.on September 30-October 2, 2014, drawing more than 3,000 Latino leaders from across the country to its Public Policy Conference, Reyes of Comedy, and Annual Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.
“We are very proud to honor two of our community’s greatest leaders who are leading the way in their respective fields and for their efforts to positively impact change for our community and our nation,” said Rep. Rubén Hinojosa, CHCI Chair. “The significant professional achievements of our Medallion winners, José Díaz-Balart and Eliseo Medina, and especially their passion for giving back to the community, symbolize how far Latinos have come and the difference we are making in America.”
José Díaz-Balart, celebrating his 30th year in television broadcasting this year, is one of the most respected and experienced voices in U.S. Hispanic journalism. He is the News Anchor of “Noticiero Telemundo” and the Host of “Enfoque con José Díaz-Balart,” Telemundo’s current-affairs program focused on topics of interest to the Hispanic community. In May of 2014, Díaz-Balart was tapped by MSNBC to host its 10 a.m. hour from Miami. He also has a deep sense of civic service. He is an education champion for NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises and Content’s new nationwide pro-social campaign, Aprender es Triunfar, aimed at closing the Latino student achievement gap, especially in STEM education. See his full bio here
Eliseo Medina is described by the Los Angeles Times as "one of the most successful labor organizers in the country.” In 2013, he was one of the leaders of the Fast for Families movement where he fasted for 22 days on the National Mall in support of immigration reform. As the International Secretary-Treasurer of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Medina led the union's efforts to achieve comprehensive immigration reform that rebuilds the nation's economy, secures equal labor- and civil-rights protections for workers, and provides a path to citizenship. In 1996, Medina was elected to serve as international executive vice president, making history by becoming the first Mexican American elected to a top post at SEIU. See his full bio here.
CHCI’s Annual Medallion of Excellence awards are voted on the by CHCI Board of Directors and presented to an individual who conducts himself or herself in an exemplary manner and who serves as a role model and standard-bearer for the Latino community, particularly Latino youth. The individual must have at least a 15-year record of contributions and accomplishments in his/her field with solid leadership and community involvement. The qualifying factors are philanthropic and civic engagement through the initiation or support of programs that benefit the Hispanic community as a whole in the United States.
The 37th Annual Awards Gala will also feature a performance by legendary East Los Angeles Chicano rock band Los Lobos, celebrating its 40th anniversary of recording in 2014.
Important Dates
September 30-October 1
Public Policy Conference
September 30
Ready to Lead (R2L®)
October 1
14th Annual Reyes of Comedy
October 2
CHCI 37th Annual Awards Gala |
