WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) announced the recipients of the Washington, DC Regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards (see names below). Local high school seniors will be honored for their leadership in the classroom and community during a ceremony at AT&T Forum. 601 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001on January 13, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Now in its 21st year, this educational grant program honors Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories including: Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, Technology & Engineering. Youth Awards regions include Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Northern California, Washington, DC, and for the first time, Puerto Rico.

In each of the regions, three students (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) will be honored in every category. After the Youth Awards Regional Ceremonies conclude, one national recipient will be recognized in each of the categories and celebrated at the National Youth Awards Ceremony.

The Youth Awardees will receive grants for their education, or to fund an idea or community project to encourage “actionable leadership,” which is HHF’s call to action. Recipients will then be mentored by past Youth Awardees as they prepare to attend college and into their careers through HHF’s award-winning Latinos On Fast Track (LOFT) workforce development program. To follow the Youth Awards Ceremony online, use the hashtag #YA19. 

“We are thrilled to honor yet another outstanding class of Youth Awardees who will carry on the tradition of excellence from past recipients. There is no shortage of Latino talent across the United States. We are in good hands with these outstanding young leaders going forward,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “We are grateful to our dedicated sponsors who understand the importance of investing in the youngest and most dynamic segment of our population.”

2019 Washington DC Regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards Recipients

Business & Entrepreneurship, sponsored by T-Mobile

Gold – Victor Cavero

Silver – Oliver Wolcott

Bronze – Trevor Domínguez  

Community Service, sponsored by Colgate- Palmolive

Gold – Daniela Pereira Flores

Silver – Natural Taylor 

Bronze – Nina Sampogne

Education, sponsored by Southwest Airlines (Official Airlines of the Youth Awards)

Gold – Sylvia Sánchez

Silver – Clara Bonzi Teixeira

Bronze – Paul Velasco

Healthcare & Science, sponsored by CVS Health

Gold – Jaime Martínez

Silver – Marylin Fuentes  

Bronze – Nataly Solares Sarceno

Technology & Engineering, sponsored by BP

Gold – Benjamin Lorence

Silver – Sarai Morato

Bronze – Zoe Valladares

Additional partners of the Youth Awards include AT&T, Pepco, API, AFT, CapitalWire PR, CHCI, C&M, EsTiempo, Havas, IndieDesk, Vme, YWCA. HHF also partners with thousands of high schools, colleges, community organizations, and media outlets.

About Hispanic Heritage Foundation

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation – a nonprofit established in 1987 – inspires, prepares, and connects innovative Latino leaders in the classroom, community, and workforce to meet America’s priorities.  HHF also promotes cultural pride, accomplishment, and the great promise of the community through public awareness campaigns seen by millions.  HHF is headquartered in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles with satellite workspaces in New York, Chicago, Silicon Valley, San Antonio, and Miami. (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org). Follow HHF on Facebook and Twitter.