20 Years of Serving the Heart of the Community: Corazon’s 20th Anniversary Gala
15-20 min. read
Roxana Barranco, Fuerza Coordinator, collects information from those who have pledged to donate.
CICERO, IL - Corazon’s 20th Anniversary Gala, Fuerza Unida, was a celebration of resilience, transformation, and the unwavering spirit of hope. The milestone event unfolded with purpose, reflecting a legacy of hard work within the community.
Eat Baila Travel
Kevin spreads laughter as Jenny looks on from the podium.
Guiding the proceedings were Jenny and Kevin of Eat Baila Travel, two distinguished individuals who emerged from Corazon’s youth programs to become influential figures. Their trajectory served as a compelling testament to the potential for positive change inherent in Corazon’s programs.
“Cicero and Chicago will always be special to us,” said Jenny.
“You know what makes Cicero special? Its people,” stated Kevin.
Inspiring Vision and Dedication
Alexis Martinez addresses the crowd in a heartfelt speech.
Integral to Corazon’s journey towards positive change stands Alexis Martinez, Board of Directors Chairperson. During the Gala she took the stage, delivering a speech that resonated deeply with attendees, offering insight into the core values that have propelled Corazon’s mission forward. Her words were more than an address; they were a call to action.
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“As a product of teen pregnancy growing up in Cicero, I understand the challenges and sacrifices that come with growing up in a low-income community to young parents. I understand the need for wanting a safe space where you can ask hard questions or learn about resources you didn't know we're available to you. I understand what it's like to have people have to pre-determine your future because statistics show you're more likely to fail.
I am here to remind youI am here to remind you through every challenge there is a change through failure. There is a lesson to be learned for every non-supporter. There's someone rooting for you even through a pandemic, you are still standing strongly.
So what's next? We have the mobile testing van and can make STI testing easier and more accessible. The new computer lab will be opening for immediate use and our Fuerza center will be getting much needed TLC. Long-term goals including increasing our staff and moving into a larger building, where we’ll be able to provide multiple services simultaneously and increase our participant capacity, while being easily accessible for everyone.
How will we get there? Spread the word Corazón. Partner with us. Donate money, resources, skills. More importantly, ask about us and engage with us. Raise your hand and keep it up. If you’re a current or former youth participant, if you’re a current or former board member, if you’re a current or former staff member. Each person whose hand is raised can share their experiences with you.”
Championing Partners and Progress
Vanessa Melgoza and Miguel Carrillo eagerly present the ‘Partner of the Year’ Award.
The spotlight then turned to Vanessa Melgoza, Director of Health Services, and Miguel Carrillo, Health Education Coordinator, who took the stage to bestow the ‘Partner of the Year’ Award — an accolade that holds profound significance in Corazon’s narrative of shared progress. The deserving receipient, CALOR, embodies the essence of meaningful collaboration in community health initiatives.
Celebrating Youth Empowerment
Montcerrat (Monse) Sanchez looks proudly at Arkelys Hernandez.
Following the Partner of the Year Award, Monse Sanchez, Director of Youth Programs, stood before the audience, poised to present the ‘Youth of the Year’ Award. The recipient, Arkelys Hernandez, embodies the promise and resilience that Corazon strives to cultivate in every young individual it touches.
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“This youth always wanted to be a part of any movement we were having, and was also the person to hype up whatever the youth were doing. He also asks questions and wants to stay in the loop.
He’s currently the president of the Youth Council, and actually applied to be Vice President, but he had such a phenomenal interview that was offered to be President. Once he took the position, he’s made it his mission to be a spokesperson for all the youth, and to grow in his leadership position.
It’s why the staff and youth voted for him to be Youth of the Year, because of his constant persistence to be kind, be a leader for the youth, and represent the organization.
It is with great pleasure that I present this award to Arkelys Hernandez.”
Recognizing Exemplary Service
Esteban Rodriguez elaborates on long-standing/critical individuals and partners.
As the evening’s crescendo approached, Esteban Rodriguez, Executive Director, stepped forward to bestow honors upon individuals and organizations who have left indelible marks on Corazon.
Honoring Decades of Commitment
United Way of Metro Chicago humbly accepts the first award for ‘Decades of Commitment’.
The inaugural ‘Decades of Commitment’ Award found its first worthy recipient in the United Way of Metro Chicago. Not only does United Way have an expansive legacy of leadership in Chicagoland, but locally, their impact resonates profoundly throughout the Cicero Community Collaborative.
Most recently, the United Neighborhood Equity Fund brought an abundance of unrestricted resources for Corazon to use at its discretion. The agency has set these resources aside into a dedicated professional development budget for staff, allowing Corazon to cultivate the best minds and talents to serve the community with verve and vigor.
Sylvia Puente accepts the second ‘Decades of Commitment’ Award.
The final ‘Decades of Commitment’ Award found its rightful recipient in an individual of the highest caliber. Sylvia Puente, CEO of the Latino Policy Forum, has been granted the Ohtli Award, Mexico’s highest recognition of those service the Mexican community outside of Mexico, and has been ranked by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanics in the U.S.”
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“It’s a no brainer she was interested in supporting an organization in Cicero 20 years ago; after all, the town of Cicero currently has the highest Hispanic/Latin [sic] percentage in the state of Illinois, with 90% of it’s residents originating from Mexico.”
A Lifetime of Setting the Bar High
As the evening reached its apex, a moment of profound recognition awaited.
Anna Padron-Sikora, a stalwart advocate for Corazon, dedicated over 15 years to the Board. She brought with her a wealth of experience and a distinct passion for community advancement.
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“When Anna found out about the Gala, she dropped what she was doing and began working like she’s always done, inviting and securing donations. It’s safe to say Anna’s passion, love, respect, and buy-in towards Corazon has not changed.
As the longest-serving Board member, we thank you for setting the bar so high.”
Alexis Martinez then bestowed her with a lifetime acknowledgement as an Honorary Board Member.
Adam Alonso, the visionary who laid the groundwork for Corazon in 2003, embarked on a journey of purpose-driven transformation. His foresight and dedication have been the cornerstone upon which Corazon has flourished.
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“Adam Alonso was my first mentor. He brought me in as a youth worker, providing tutoring and academic support for first-through-third graders. He guided me on how to work with youth, how to approach youth, and how to run amazing programming.
Now, he’s guiding me on how to approach funders. What a circle of life.
Without Adam, Corazon wouldn’t exist, period. That means the lives of thousands of youths would have been completely altered…and not in a good way. Because of Adam’s vision, youths in these communities have a safe space to go daily, they have trusting adults that have their best interest in mind, and are given resources and tools to become someone they could only dream of being.”
Alexis then presented him with the same lifetime acknowledgement as an Honorary Board Member.
A Pledge for the Future
In a fitting finale to the Gala, attendees united in a powerful gesture, lifting their paddles high — contributing not just funds but a resounding vote of confidence in Corazon’s mission. This gesture, a symphony of generosity, will reverberate for years to come.
Capturing Moments: Fuerza Unida
Corazon extends a very special thanks to Arturo Manjarrez, whose keen eye and skilled lens beautifully captured the essence of the night. We are grateful for your dedication and talent in immortalizing this gigantic milestone.