Washington, DC – This Hispanic Heritage Month, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute celebrates its Annual Leadership Conference and 40th Anniversary Awards Gala honoring notable artists and community leaders, while also rallying all Latino voices and organizations to promote civility and unity.

This year’s events will take place at Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center and at the Washington Marriott Marquis and will feature talented artists and distinguished notables such as Orange is the New Black actress Jackie Cruz, iHeartLatino's Enrique Santos, and J'dez CEO and YouTube star Jackie Hernandez along with activists Tamika Mallory, Bob Bland, and Carmen Perez who will be speaking and emceeing throughout the events.

Special guest and award-winning artist, Paulina Rubio, will also be taking center stage and performing at the sold out #CHCI2017 Awards Gala entertainment finale.

In addition, CHCI will proudly honor Lin-Manuel Miranda and Cástulo de la Rocha as CHCI’s Medallion of Excellence recipients, as well as Sandra Cisneros as the 2017 Chair’s Award recipient celebrating their unparalleled accomplishments, civic leadership, and service to the greater American society.

“I am honored to receive the Medallion of Excellence from CHCI,” remarked Lin-Manuel Miranda. “Their commitment to developing the next generation of Latino leaders in public service, private enterprise, and social awareness inspires me. I believe their mission is crucial to the success of the Latino community and our country.”

“Lin-Manuel has inspired many Americans through his work and advocacy, and he has challenged us to embrace our common humanity along the way,” said Congressman Joaquín Castro, Chairman, CHCI. He continued, “Cástulo has spent a lifetime dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable and accessible healthcare to underserved communities.”

“Lin-Manuel Miranda and Cástulo de la Rocha have both made powerful contributions to our nation and changed countless lives. We are honored to recognize them, especially as we celebrate CHCI’s 40th anniversary,” said Castro.

“I’m honored to be recognized by CHCI for the work AltaMed does to improve the well-being of our Latino communities in Southern California,” noted Cástulo de la Rocha. “Regardless of immigration status, every person in our nation deserves access to the quality health care they need to live long and prosperous lives. AltaMed has been committed to the needs of underserved communities for more than four decades and continues to expand its services for our growing and changing community.”

The CHCI 2017 HHM events will address the importance and responsibility of bringing together the Latino community to acknowledge our social, economic, and civic contributions throughout American history and prepare us to defend the American Dream.

While this year’s gala is sold out, you still have the opportunity to support the next generation of Latino leaders by attending the 2017 Leadership Conference or donating.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the conference:  Please contact Stefania Yanachkov at syanachkov@chci.org or 202-548-8790 for more information.

Interviews requests with select honorees, participants, and organization leadership will be available.  If interested, please reach out to the media contact for the interview and onsite press credentials application.