DENVER - Deanna Lucero, a loan guarantee specialist with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), received the second annual Region VIII Cesar E. Chavez Leadership Award March 21, 2006.

At the Cesar E. Chavez Leadership Award ceremony, sponsored by the Hispanic Employment Program (HEP), Ms. Lucero was recognized for her contributions at work and in the community. At HUD, the 25-year federal employee processes home loans for Native Americans under the Section 184 Loan Guarantee Program. She is an active HEP member and demonstrated her leadership abilities as HEP's manager for two years.

Ms. Lucero is well known for her volunteer work. She served two years as a board member of Holy Trinity Elementary School and is a volunteer for El Centro Su Teatro, a cultural arts organization providing art and educational services. Ms. Lucero started by taking tickets or serving refreshments and then was elected Secretary to the Board of Directors. For the past two years she served as Chairman of the Board. Ms. Lucero serves as a liaison to the community, raises funds and increases public awareness of El Centro Su Teatro.

HUD's HEP members Carla Martinez and Don Benavidez, along with Chairwoman Ramona Elizalde, organized the annual event to recognize Cesar E. Chavez, the founder and leader of the United Farm Workers Union.

# # # # #

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.