'Sí Se Puede' Awards

2024 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 19th Annual César E. Chávez & Dolores Huerta “Sí Se Puede” Awards

Dolores and Cesar standing

The Recuerda a César Chávez Committee (RCCC) presents the 19th annual César E. Chávez Sí Se Puede Award and the Dolores Huerta Sí Se Puede Award to two individuals who exemplify the ideals of César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta by making meaningful contributions to our communities in the categories of leadership, service, justice, education, and ethics. A Si se Puede Legacy award will be presented to an individual for their lifelong commitment to the legacies of César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta. A Posthumous Si Se Puede Award is available to award an individual that committed their life, passion, and dedication to the service of their community in the spirit of “Si se Puede”!

We encourage you to nominate a community member that meets the nomination criteria for the Sí Se Puede Awards.

Nomination Process:
Your nomination must include a short essay illustrating the nominee’s qualifications within the below criteria. Please include your name and contact information, in addition to the contact information of your nominee.

Nomination Criteria:
The recipient of the award should exemplify the following characteristics:

  • Demonstrate leadership in his or her community:
    The nominee demonstrates leadership in his or her community: Has a history of organizing that engages and empowers the community by motivating and mobilizing others toward an understanding of, and quest for, human rights and social justice for all people.
  • Demonstrate a sustained commitment to service in their community:
    The nominee demonstrates a sustained commitment to service in their community: Advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice through volunteering and working with the underprivileged and underrepresented. Have a history of organizing that engages and empowers the community by motivating and mobilizing others toward an understanding of, and quest for, human rights and social justice for all people.
  • Demonstrate dedication to the legacy of César Chávez and Dolores Huerta:
    The nominee exemplifies nonviolent philosophy in the struggle against injustice and the fight for peace and dignity in his or her community. Have a demonstrated willingness to sacrifice for the good of others.
  • Demonstrate their contribution towards education within their communities:
    The nominee educates the community. Examples are lecturing, mentoring, workshops, educational materials.
  • Demonstrate their contribution towards ethical behavior within their communities:
    The nominee demonstrates ethical behavior consistent with Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta

E-mail nominations to: rcccabq@gmail.com

All nominations must be received no later than March 8, 2024 - 5pm

Awards will be presented at the 31th Annual César Chávez Day Festival on Saturday, April 13, 2023, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, NM.

The mission of the Recuerda a César Chávez Committee (RCCC) is to educate our youth and communities about the legacy, life and work of the great American civil rights leader, César Chávez. We do this by promoting his universal values and timeless vision for a better world and engaging our communities in the spirit of service.

The mission of the Recuerda a César Chávez Committee (RCCC) is to educate our youth and communities about the legacy, life and work of the great American civil rights leader, César Chávez. We do this by promoting his universal values and timeless vision for a better world and engaging our communities in the spirit of service.

Past Award Winners:

18th Annual - 2023

2023 Dolores Huerta ¡Sí Se Puede! Award:
Roberta Rael

2023 Cesar Chavez ¡Sí Se Puede! Award:
Travis McKenzie

2023 ¡Sí Se Puede! Legacy:
Linda  M. Lopez, NM State Senator

2023 Posthumous ¡Sí Se Puede! Award:
Reyna Luz Juarez

17th Annual - 2022

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Lorenzo Candelaria

16th Annual - 2021

Laura Keif Shaffer

Dr. Christina Salas

Ismael Camacho

Karina Zavala (Student Award)

15th Annual - 2020

Jessica Cano

Rosendo Najar

14th Annual – 2019

Sylvia Ledesma

Ivan Olay

13th Annual – 2018

Michael Casaus

Dr. Dely Alcantara

Student Winner: Melina Juarez

12th Annual - 2017

Enrique Cardiel

Rosa Cervantes

11th Annual – 2016

Carlos Marentes

Alicia Marentes

10th Annual – 2015

Richard Moore

Sally-Alice Thompson

9th Annual – 2014

Arturo Sandoval

Sophia Martinez

8th Annual – 2013

Mike Swisher

Alma Rosa

Silva Bañuelos

7th Annual – 2012

Delbert Carrillo

Eleanor Chavez

6th Annual – 2011

Bennie Medina

Maclovia Sanchez de Zamor

5th Annual – 2010

L. Pablo Trujillo

Kelley Burns

4th Annual – 2009

Chuy Martinez

Rachel LaZar

3rd Annual – 2008

Cheo Torres

Josie Marrujo

2nd Annual – 2007

Emil Shaw

Lucille Cordova

1st Annual – 2006

Eduardo Hernandez-Chavez

Ysaura Bernal