#United States #New York City #Latino Leaders #El Diario #EL Awards

El Diario Hosts Its 21st Annual EL Awards Ceremony

On October 10, 2025, El Diario, the foremost Spanish-language daily newspaper in the United States, is set to hold its 21st Annual EL Awards ceremony. Aiming to recognize and honor impactful Latino figures, the event will pay tribute to 21 extraordinary men who serve as exemplary role models for today's youth. This underscores El Diario's persistent mission to amplify voices within the Hispanic community and shine a light on individuals who contribute positively to society.

The EL Awards ceremony will take place at The Harvard Club in New York City, running from 12 PM to 3 PM. The honorees, selected through community nominations followed by a rigorous editorial review by El Diario's team, will also be featured in a special Sunday supplement on October 12, 2025.

In addition to the EL Awards, El Diario is excited to announce the introduction of its 'Mujeres Destacadas' program, set to commence in January 2026. This initiative aims to recognize the outstanding contributions of Latinas across the tri-state area.

Rafael Cores, the Senior Vice President of Hispanic Content at El Diario, remarked, "This year's honorees embody inspiration and resilience. They include educators molding future leaders, artists and chefs enhancing our cultural landscape, community advocates making impactful changes, and journalists committed to truthful reporting. Each of these individuals personifies the spirit of our community and serves as a beacon of hope for the next generation. They show that no challenge can undermine the collective strength of a united community."

Among the notable honorees for the 2025 EL Awards are:

• - Dr. Erick Alfonso: Superintendent of Belleville Public Schools and CEO of ALIGN Consultant Group.
• - Felipe Ayala Jr.: CEO of The Village NY and Academic Advisor at Bronx Community College.
• - Isidro Cancel: Deputy Supervisor for the Town of Haverstraw.
• - Gregory Carballada: President and CEO of Azar Design, CO.
• - Dennis Carrion: Founder of Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC.
• - Ricardo Cosme-Ruiz: Special Advisor for New York City and Downstate Justice Initiatives.
• - Eddie Cuesta: Executive Director of Dominicanos USA.
• - Nelson Figueroa: Co-Host of Sports Nation Nightly, PIX 11.
• - David Guzman: Corporate Comptroller, NYC Health & Hospitals.
• - Arturo Martinez: Entertainment Executive.
• - Carlos Medina: Entrepreneur and President/CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.
• - Gary Merson: General Assignment Reporter for Noticias Univision 41.
• - Jonathan Monsalve: President/CEO of The Osbourne Association.
• - Nelson J. Ortiz: Director of Apex Accelerator at LaGuardia Community College.
• - Carlos Rivera: Interim Associate Dean of Student Development and Enrollment Management at Hostos Community College - CUNY.
• - Michael Roca: Executive Director of Cross-Cultural Center of Excellence, Omnicom Media Group.
• - Richard Sandoval: Chef, Founder, and CEO of Richard Sandoval Hospitality.
• - Edgar Santana: Executive Deputy Secretary to New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
• - Fer Da Silva: Visual Artist and Painter.
• - Sergio Trujillo: Tony Award-winning Broadway director and choreographer.
• - Carlos Velazquez: Chief Executive Officer of Police Athletic League Inc.

GMC serves as the title sponsor for this prestigious event, demonstrating its commitment to honoring the remarkable contributions of the honorees and the excellence they inspire.

Since its inception in 1913, El Diario has evolved into a major player in Latino media, merging with El Diario de Nueva York in 1963 to become a leading bilingual news source. It now operates across print, digital, and multimedia platforms, making strides in reaching the Hispanic audience effectively.

The EL Awards continue to set the standard for recognizing exceptional individuals who uplift and inspire their communities, enhancing the vibrancy and richness of Latino culture in the U.S. As the ceremony approaches, excitement builds around what promises to be an inspiring celebration of commitment, service, and leadership within the Latino community.