Celebrating Latino Excellence: Highlights from the 2025 UnidosUS Capital Awards

The UnidosUS Capital Awards recognized outstanding Hispanic trailblazers for their contributions to the community. Here’s a look at the unforgettable moments from the event. 

The 2025 UnidosUS Capital Awards took place the night of February 25 during the Changemakers Summit, a three-day gathering that brought together advocates from across the country.  The Capital Awards gala honors individuals and organizations whose exceptional contributions reflect UnidosUS’s mission to improve the well-being of Latinos and inspire positive change. As we gathered to celebrate the achievements of our community, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of our community and the ongoing work needed to ensure the progress of future generations. Wells Fargo and GEICO served as presenting sponsors of the 2025 UnidosUS Capital Awards.  

Public Service Award — National Skills Coalition 

The National Skills Coalition (NSC) was awarded the Public Service Award for its extraordinary work in advancing economic mobility and workforce equity. For over two decades, NSC has advocated for inclusive policies that expand access to workforce training and educational opportunities. Their efforts have led to life-changing opportunities for people of color, including Latinos, across the nation. 

“At National Skills Coalition we believe in a future where every worker, including Latino workers, across industries, backgrounds and experiences, is guaranteed skills training, good jobs and economic prosperity.” – Robert Espinoza, CEO, National Skills Coalition 

Watch Robert Espinoza’s remarks here:

Celebrating bipartisan efforts — The Dignity Act 

 A special recognition was given to U.S. Representatives Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) for their tireless efforts in advancing the Dignity Act, a groundbreaking bipartisan approach to immigration reform. Their collaboration on this vital legislation not only exemplifies the power of finding common ground but also underscores a broader lesson: when we set aside political divisions and embrace our shared values, real, meaningful change is possible. As they took the stage together to accept their awards, their remarks resonated with the message that true progress can only be made when we prioritize negotiation, actively listen to one another and seek solutions that transcend partisan lines. Their joint commitment to reforming immigration is a clear signal that, even in a deeply polarized political climate, collaboration remains essential — especially on issues that deeply impact the Latino community and our nation’s future. 

“I knew that I came into public service after years of being in the world of journalism, I knew that we needed to come do something big and bold and it was time for the Republicans to do something for our community.” – María Elvira Salazar, U.S. Representative (R-FL) 

“While it was a challenge for María and I to come together, and to bring people along with us, we need more members of both parties to join in our effort.” – Veronica Escobar, U.S. Representative (D-TX) 

Watch their joint remarks here: 

Our president’s speech 

UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía delivered a powerful address, where she emphasized the ongoing challenges the nation faces, particularly in a shifting political climate. 

She urged the need for unity and compassion to overcome the current challenges. 

“This is not the first time our nation has been divided, and it’s not the first time our community has been threatened. But this feels different … We need to understand what is really going on and ensure that our community is treated humanely and with dignity and respect. We must also work hard to ensure that the efforts to erase the lines of inclusion do not, in fact, rebuild the walls of exclusion … For our nation to function and flourish we need each other.” – Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS 

You can watch the full speech here: 

A memorable evening 

The Capital Awards ceremony was hosted by Erika Gonzalez, reporter at NBC4 Washington, and the evening included a heartfelt Invocation by Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. The ceremony also featured keynote addresses by the Honorable Mayor of Washington, DC, Muriel Bowser, and Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).