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Denver Library Celebrates Latino Leadership

Contributed by: M. Celeste Jackson on 4/4/2008

DENVER- On Saturday, Apr. 5, the Denver Public Library will present the 2008 Latino Leadership Awards to Patricia Barela Rivera and Mr. Salvadore (Sal) Carpio Jr., in the category of Cesar Chavez Leadership Hall of Fame. Rosa Linda Aguirre will receive the Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award.

The 7th annual awards presentation event begins at 10 a.m., and will be held at Denver's Woodbury Branch Library located at 3265 Federal Blvd. This event is free and open to the public.

Cesar Chavez Hall of Fame Award Winners (2): Patricia Barela Rivera and Mr. Salvadore (Sal) Carpio Jr.
Patricia Barela Rivera is an established leader in the areas of business, government and advocacy. Earlier this year, she retired from her distinguished career as the District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Under her leadership, the Colorado District flourished, and received several awards, including the Administrator's Award for Excellence for the Greatest Increase in Emerging Markets.

Prior to directing the Small Business Administration, Rivera served as director for Citizen Advocacy and Outreach at the State Level. She also managed the Governor's Advocate Office, which is the primary constituent services office for the State of Colorado. In that capacity, she oversaw statewide community-based outreach programs and special projects. Additionally, she managed the Governor's Diversity Plan - the nation's first plan deployed at the state level.

Her dedication to service is dynamic, having served on numerous boards including the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Kempe Foundation, in recent years.

Over the years, her contributions to community have yielded accolades including the "Excellence in Community Service," presented by the Colorado House of Representatives, "Bernie Valdez Self Sufficiency Award" and "Life Time Achievement," presented by the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce.


Mr. Salvadore (Sal) Carpio Jr., previously served as executive director of the Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver. During his nearly 20 years of leadership, he directed the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) to meet the housing needs of Denver's low-income and moderate-income families, children, disabled and seniors populations. The legacy of his leadership has positively impacted Denver's Latino population and the Rocky Mountain region for years to come. Carpio's accomplishments during his tenure with DHA are far-reaching. He is credited with developing partnerships with social service agencies and educational institutions to provide upward mobility, self-sufficiency and homeownership programs for pubic housing residents. Programs including early childhood education, Head Start, after-school tutoring, mentoring, secondary and post-secondary educational opportunities, employment and training programs as well as independent living and programs for seniors all grew and improved due to his dedication and vision for the communities they served.

A leader, dedicated to serve to community, Carpio was first elected to Denver City Council, representing District 9 in 1975. For 12 years, he represented one of Denver's most racially, ethnically and economically diverse neighborhood communities. In addition to his council post, he served as Council President from 1978 - 1979, and chaired numerous Council Committees, including the Budget and Finance Committee five times. Carpio brought to his work a clear understanding of the dynamic needs of Denver's neighborhoods, along with proven leadership and consensus-building skills. Carpio's vast community experience and myriad involvements span over 30 years and have served him well throughout involvements with the Advisory Committee on Hispanic Education for Denver Public Schools, Latin American Education Foundation, and in coaching baseball and basketball programs for an area parochial school.


Lena Archuleta Community Service Award Winner (1)
Rosa Linda Aguirre, co-owner of Rosalinda's Mexican Café. Aguirre established herself in Denver's business community as co-owner of Rosalinda's Mexican Café. Aguirre's community involvements span 25 years and have made her a fixture in Northwest Denver.

Located in Denver's Highlands neighborhood, Rosalinda's has provided free holiday meals to the homeless and continues to support various community organizations each year. Aguirre co-chairs and supports Padres Unidos, a parent organization serving northwest Denver. Community Service honors to her credit include:

* City and County of Denver Unsung Hero Award presented by Mayor Wellington E. Webb
* Mayor's Latino Advisory Community Award, presented by Mayor Webb
* Martin Luther King Jr. Business and Social Responsibility Award, among others


Award Categories:

1. Cesar Chavez Leadership Hall of Fame award -- celebrates the induction of two individuals (one man, and one woman) into the Cesar Chavez Leadership Hall of Fame. Named for Cesar Chavez, a national Hispanic leader who served the Latino community and helped Latinos gain recognition for their contributions to the nation, this award is presented to Latinos who have mad a major contribution to and / or achievements in Denver's Latino community. The recipients must be
Latinos whose contributions in a particular field positively impacted the total community.

Past Recipients of DPL's Cesar Chavez Leadership Hall of Fame award include: Ruben Valdez (2002), Lena L. Archuleta (2002, Manuel "Sam" Sandos (2003), Polly Baca (2003), Rudolfo "Corky" Gonzales (2004), Mary Baca (2004), The Honorable Roger Cisneros (2005), Rosemary Rodriguez (2005), Senator Ken Salazar (2006), Rev. Lucia Guzman (2006), Secretary Federico Pena (2007), Flora Rodriguez Russel (2007).

2. Named for former Denver Public Library Commissioner, long-time educator and civic leader Lena L. Archuleta, the Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award is presented to Colorado Latinos who have taken an active role in the community and positively impacted the cultural life of the community through his or her involvement with the Denver Public Library or another civic institution.

Past Recipients of DPL's Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award include: Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award include Lena L. Archuleta (2002), Olibama Lopez Tushar (2003), Beverly Martinez (2004), Carlos Fresquez (2005), Anthony J. Garcia (2006) and Magdalena Aguayo (2007).

For event details, please contact Frank Fresques at 720-865-1182. To schedule a media interview, please contact Celeste Jackson at denverlibrarypr@aol.com or call 303-880-4503.


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

M. Celeste Jackson

Denver , CO

M. Celeste Jackson has posted 24 stories and 0 comments since joining on 7/23/2007. M. Celeste Jackson 's average story rating is 5.
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