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César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta Community Leadership Awards

The César E. Chávez and Dolores Huerta Community Leadership Awards honors the lives and legacies of these notable civil rights and social justice leaders by recognizing people from Michigan State University that demonstrate cultural commitment to diversity, teamwork, collaboration, and leadership on MSU's campus.

Winners of these awards were recognized during the annual celebration of César Chávez and Dolores Huerta program coordinated by the MSU Commemorative Planning Committee.

 

 A group photo of representatives from the Moviemiento Cosecha organization pose in front of an event backdrop.

 

MSU Faculty of the Year
(Plantando Semillas Award)

This award is presented to an individual who has proven to be a pilar of light and knowledge in our MSU community, stands for inclusion and equity in education in building and transforming knowledge, and is focused on developing tomorrow’s leaders. The Faculty of the Year (FOTY) award honors faculty who are committed to excellence in the five main areas of faculty performance:

  • Teaching and Learning
  • Student Success
  • Professional Development
  • Leadership and College Service
  • Community Service and Creating a College-Going Culture

2025 Award Recipient

Alejandra Márquez poses for a photo with her award.Alejandra Márquez (Plantando Semillas Award)
Alejandra Márquez is an Assistant Professor of Spanish in the Department of Romance and Classical Studies at Michigan State University. Her research explores contemporary Latin American literature and culture, with a focus on Mexico, gender, and sexuality studies. She shares her passion for Mexican culture with students through literature, film, music, and podcasts.

 

 

MSU Staff of the Year
(Chávez Humanitarian Award)

This award is for an individual who exemplifies the spirit of community, values education, and has a strong commitment to helping others achieve greatness. The nominee is a staff member at MSU that aids and serves as a resource for students and the greater MSU community. A badge of honor that recognizes a staff members’ efforts and contributions toward propelling the University’s vision.

2025 Award Recipient

Aleida Martinez poses for a photo with her award.Aleida Martinez (Chávez Humanitarian Award)
Aleida Martinez is a proud Texas native from El Valle, raised in a Migrant-Seasonal Farm working family and the daughter of immigrant parents. Committed to education, student success, and women's empowerment, she earned a bachelor’s degree, a teaching certificate in postsecondary education, and a master's in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education at Michigan State University. She serves as the Student Services Coordinator of the College Assistance Migrant Program, which supports students from migrant and seasonal farm working backgrounds. In 2013, she co-founded Mujer A Mujer, a women empowerment group that provides a space for mentorship, leadership, and personal growth among women.

 

MSU Student Organization of the Year
(Cosechando Raices Award)

This award is presented to a registered student organization that has distinguished itself during its first two years of existence on campus. Also, envisioned, planned, and advocated for MSU to become a Sanctuary Campus, which demonstrates their spirit of advocacy, inclusiveness, collaboration, diversity, development, and leadership.

2025 Award Recipient

Representatives from C.R.U. pose for a photo with their award.Culturas de las Razas Unidas (Cosechando Raíces Award)
Culturas de las Razas Unidas (C.R.U.) is the Michigan State University Council of Racial & Ethnic Students (CORES) Hispanic/Latiné student organization. C.R.U. is an organization that houses and supports many of the Chicanx/Latine organizations on campus for political, social, cultural, and academic issues that address the Chicanx/Latinx student community at MSU. C.R.U. also serves as a cohesive voice of the Hispanic/Latiné community by advocating for issues that affect the Hispanic/Latiné community at MSU.

 

MSU Student (Aguila Award)

This award is presented to an individual who has shown courage, dedication, and a commitment to make MSU a better place who also exudes a spirit of inclusiveness, equality, and cultural commitment to diversity. Demonstrated leadership and impact through formal or informal roles within the University, and/or community. Academic excellence through research, honors, continuing education, certifications, presentations, publications, and/or participation in professional organizations.

2025 Award Recipients

Karissa Zarate poses for a photo with her award.Karissa Zarate (Aguila Award)
Karissa Zarate is a CAMP Scholar majoring in Spanish and minoring in Chicano/Latino Studies. She proudly represents her migrant farm-working family from Pharr, Texas. She works to uplift the Latinx community by creating spaces for connection, advocacy, and empowerment. Karissa served as the chair for the 29thAnnual Día de la Mujer Conference, leading one of MSU’s largest events honoring and empowering Latinas. She also serves as an undergraduate teaching assistant at the Spanish Writing Center, supporting students with Spanish language acquisition and academic proficiency. Additionally, she is a founding member of La Casa Living-Learning Community, a residential program for Spanish language learners. With a deep passion for language and education, Karissa aspires to become a Spanish professor using her experiences to support and inspire future generations of Migrant and Latinx students.


Sofia Mireles-Gonzalez poses for a photo with her award.Sofia Mireles-Gonzalez (Aguila Award)
Sofia Mireles-Gonzalez is a first-generation student and graduating senior majoring in Journalism with a minor in Chicano/Latino Studies. Growing up along the U.S.-Mexico border, she discovered her interest in immigration and bilingual reporting and has dedicated her time at MSU to covering stories that impact the Latino community. In 2024, Sofia became an alumna of the Latino Reporter with the NAHJ where she published her first Spanish-language article examining the spread of misinformation among Latinx communities during the 2024 Presidential Election. Beyond journalism, Sofia has been an active leader in the Latino community at MSU, serving as a CAMP Ambassador, a site leader for the IEM Study Abroad Program, a CCDH Planning Committee member, an active member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated, and as the current chair for the 30th Annual Día de la Mujer Conference.

 

Community Member (Guerroro/A Award)

This award is presented to an individual that has shown courage, leadership, and selflessness in their fight for social justice to keep the Hispanic Culture/Heritage alive. An individual that enthusiastically empowers others and has the upmost dedication to working alongside the Latino community. This person has created a legacy of impactful service and is an outstanding inspiration for future generations. 

 

2025 Award Recipient

Lorena Aguayo-Márquez poses for a photo with her award.Lorena Aguayo-Márquez (Guerroro/A Award)
Lorena Aguayo-Márquez is an educator, community organizer, and advocate committed to equity, belonging, and expanding opportunities for all. With over 25 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to developing transformative strategies that foster systemic change. As the Community Impact Manager at WGVU Public Media, she leads initiatives that amplify diverse voices, foster engagement, and create lasting impact. Born in Mexico and raised in Chicago in a hardworking immigrant family, Lorena takes immense pride in her roots. Her lived experience fuels her advocacy, ensuring that historically underrepresented communities, especially Latino and non-English speaking populations, have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

 

 

Community Organization
(Orgullo del Pueblo Award)

This award recognizes an organization for its valuable contribution to the Latino community. This organization has demonstrated their commitment to fostering partnerships, support/promote businesses, provided resources, and guidance to the Latino community. This organization also serves as a voice in advocating for and promotes the community needs. 

 

2025 Award Recipient

Representatives from Movimiento Cosecha pose for a photo with their award.Movimiento Cosecha (Orgullo del Pueblo Award)
Movimiento Cosecha is a nonviolent movement seeking to win permanent protection, dignity, and respect for the millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States. The name "Cosecha," which means "harvest" in Spanish, pays homage to the country's rich history of farmworker organizing and acknowledges the hardships faced by undocumented workers who play a crucial role in feeding the nation. Movimiento Cosecha Michigan is dedicated to securing permanent protection for all undocumented individuals. Through sustained public pressure, mobilizations, and direct actions, Movimiento Cosecha has demonstrated the power of grassroots organizing in reshaping local policies.