Farmworker Community Leadership Awards

The Farmworker Community Leadership Awards recognize people from Michigan State University who demonstrate cultural commitment to diversity, teamwork, collaboration and leadership on MSU's campus.

Winners of these awards are recognized during the annual celebration of Farmworker Appreciation program coordinated by the Farmworker Appreciation Commemorative Celebration Planning Committee.

 

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 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

2026 Award Recipient

Ignacio Acevedo (Plantando Semillas Award)
Originally from Cholula, Mexico and of mestize descent (Hñähñu, Binnizá, and european), Ignacio Acevedo is an Associate Professor in the community psychology PhD program at Michigan State University, where he also serves on the faculty of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies, Chicano/Latino Studies, and Latin American and Caribbean Studies programs. His research and action with U.S. Latine communities have included developing and implementing community health initiatives, and evaluating and consulting on educational access initiatives, including MSU’s College Assistance Migrant Program. He is a lifetime member of both the Society of Indigenous Psychologists (SIP) and the National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA). He has served as Associate Editor of the Journal of Latinx Psychology and is a recipient of NLPA’s Distinguished Early Career Award. Dr. Acevedo is a Co-Director of MSU’s International Engagement in Mexico program. His current research focuses on adolescent sociopolitical development (e.g., how to promote community engagement) and on the promotion of Indigenous languages and cultural practices (with a particular focus on Hñähñu language and culture).

 

MSU Staff of the Year
(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.

2026 Award Recipient

Samantha Luna Simmons (Humanitarian Award)
Samantha Luna Simmons was raised in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas and graduated from Edinburg North High School. She later attended Michigan State University, where she engaged in numerous committees, projects, and campus roles that strengthened her commitment to community. During her undergraduate years, Samantha joined the College Day program as a student facilitator. After graduating from MSU, she served as interim coordinator before becoming the program’s permanent coordinator, and she now holds the role of Assistant Director. With nearly 22 years of experience at MI GEAR UP, Samantha has helped build a program rooted in strong relationships with students and families. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to educational access and ensuring that programs like MI GEAR UP receive the support necessary to continue serving the Lansing community.

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.

2026 Award Recipient

Culturas de las Razas Unidas (Cosechando Raíces Award)
Culturas de las Razas Unidas is honored to accept this year’s Cosechando Raices Award. As the largest and most historical Latino organization on campus, our leadership team recognizes the importance of continuing a foundation of advocacy on campus. Although countless things have been thrown our way this year, we have persevered through unity and support from our student body. C.R.U will always reinforce the importance of Latino voices on campus. Then, now, and tomorrow.

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.

2026 Award Recipient

Alexis Jiselle Gonzales (Aguila Award)
Alexis Jiselle Gonzales is a sophomore at Michigan State University, pursuing a major in Human Resources and Labor Relations with minors in Business Administration and Public Health & Epidemiology. As a daughter and granddaughter of past farmworkers, she is passionate about educational equity and community empowerment. As a first-generation college student, she has transformed her challenges into purpose through service-learning and global engagement activities. Currently, she is the President of International Engagement Volunteers, leading fundraising and outreach efforts that have exceeded record goals to support educational programs in underserved communities abroad. She also participated in the DDLM 30 Fundraising Committee, helping to create a space where women feel empowered and recognized. Guided by faith and resilience, Alexis is committed to creating opportunities for others and honoring the sacrifices that paved her journey.

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. 

2026 Award Recipient

Farmworker Legal Services (Orgullo del Pueblo Award)
Farmworker Legal Services (FLS) is a growing and nationally recognized non-profit law office and the statewide division of the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP). FLS fights for justice and dignity alongside the farmworker community through systemic, multi-forum community engagement, outreach, and direct legal representation of farmworkers in their civil legal matters. FLS currently has 10 full-time staff positions based out of our Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Ypsilanti offices and hires around 8 seasonal advocates each summer. FLS attorneys litigate complex wage and hour, multi-party employment, discrimination, and human trafficking cases in Michigan state and federal courts and provide a full range of civil legal services to Michigan’s eligible population of farmworkers and their dependents in matters such as: housing, T or U-visa applications for victims of employment-based crimes, workers’ compensation, public benefits, workplace health and safety, and unemployment administrative proceedings.

For over 25 years, FLS has: 

• Conducted outreach to farmworkers at their housing sites to ensure they have access to information about their rights and the laws in Michigan; 
• Distributed Farmworker Calendars full of important information about Michigan laws impacting agricultural workers and helpful local resources; 
• Presented and trained community partners on the unique barriers and specialized legal needs of farmworkers; 
• Offered technical assistance, general information, and referrals to community partners; 
• Staffed the Farmworker Hotline, providing technical assistance and a seamless intake process for low-wage agricultural workers with civil legal questions; and 
• Represented farmworkers in cases involving unlawful recruitment fees, wage theft, substandard housing or working conditions, retaliation, and other exploitative schemes that impact their ability to escape violence and poverty.