Latino Community Development Agency

We are honored to announce that Eduardo Sanchez, Chairman of Lopez Dorada Foods, will serve as our 2024 LCDA Luncheon Keynote Speaker. Lopez Dorada is headquartered in Oklahoma City, with operating plants in Oklahoma City and Ponca City, Oklahoma, Cherokee, Iowa and Reidsville, North Carolina. Ed’s primary focus is positioning Lopez Dorada for expansion into new products and international markets with an emphasis on food service and retail, as well as growing business with the company’s existing customer base. Sanchez came to Lopez after serving as President of the Latin America and Canada Group for McDonald's Corporation. He was responsible for supervising the company's operations, planning, development and expansion in those geographies. Prior to this post, he served as President of McDonald’s Spain and Portugal. Sanchez was born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States as a child in 1966. He has an MBA from Sussex University in Brighton, England. Ed and his wife Jody have two adult children. Today is the LAST DAY TO BUY TICKETS to our LCDA's 33rd Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon! Don't miss it! https://lnkd.in/gaRxh5b6

Congratulations to our 2024 LCDA Member of the Year - Gabriela Herrera Gabriela Herrera has been a vital member of the SafeCare LCDA Program for nearly 14 years. With a background in psychology, Gabriela helps onboard new providers and ensures the integrity of the program’s curriculum. Her leadership and dedication have positively impacted countless families in the Latino community. We will honor Gabriela for her unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to our organization and the community we serve at our LCDA's 33rd Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon Wednesday, September 11th, 11:30am at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Individual tickets are now on sale- https://lnkd.in/gaRxh5b6

Congratulations to our 2024 LCDA Board Member of the Year - Dr. Ronald Grant, Ed.D. A man whose contributions to education and the Hispanic community in Oklahoma City are truly remarkable. Ronald currently serves as the Senior Director of Finance at Metro Tech, where his nearly two decades of experience in public education have made a significant impact. His career has spanned roles as a teacher, principal, and administrator, and he is deeply committed to advancing educational opportunities for all. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ronald has been a steadfast supporter of the Latino Community Development Agency, serving as our board treasurer and contributing his expertise to help guide our financial strategy. We will honor Ronald at our LCDA's 33rd Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon Wednesday, September 11th, 11:30am at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Individual tickets are now on sale- https://lnkd.in/gaRxh5b6

Celebrate Salvador's 40th Birthday with us! This 21+ event is a perfect opportunity to support the LCDA while enjoying a festive evening in honor of our President and CEO. Don't miss out--RSVP today!

Congratulations to our 2024 LCDA Family of the Year - The Lezama Family Twenty-five years ago, Ileana Lezama, a young Mexican immigrant in Oklahoma City first learned about the LCDA when she was expecting her first child, seeking support through the WIC program. This initial connection helped her gain confidence in breastfeeding and provided the tools to nourish herself during a crucial time. As the years passed, LCDA became an integral part of the Lezama family’s life. From their first experiences with WIC and the "Clinica de la Amistad" pediatric clinic, to the Tony Reyes Child Development Center, Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, summer camps, and educational workshops, LCDA was there to support the family every step of the way. In the last decade, the Lezama family has continued to engage with LCDA through public health educational programs like HIV testing, Familias Saludables, and the Diabetes Prevention Program. Through these programs, Ileana achieved a healthier lifestyle, losing around 40 pounds and setting a powerful example for her family. They are a testament to the power of community support and the impact that a caring organization can have over generations. We will honor the Lezama Family at our LCDA's 33rd Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon Wednesday, September 11th, 11:30am at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Individual tickets are now on sale- https://lnkd.in/gaRxh5b6

We are honored to announce Nancy Galvan will serve as Honorary Chair of our LCDA's 33rd Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon. Nancy is a true pillar of the Latino community in Oklahoma. In 1989, Nancy established Oklahoma City’s first Latino radio station, KZUE La Tremenda, which just celebrated its 35th anniversary this year. Through her station, Nancy has tirelessly advocated for those in need, from organizing relief efforts for disaster-stricken communities to ensuring that over 300 individuals have been able to return to their home countries for burial. Nancy’s deep commitment to her roots and her relentless pursuit of helping others have made her a beloved figure not only in Oklahoma but across the region. Her work exemplifies the power of media to bring about positive change. We will honor Nancy at our LCDA's 33rd Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon Wednesday, September 11th, 11:30am at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Individual tickets are now on sale- https://lnkd.in/gaRxh5b6

Congratulations to our 2024 LCDA Guardian Angel Award honoree - Hilda de Leon Xavier Hilda de Leon Xavier is an outstanding professional whose commitment to uplifting others is evident in every aspect of her work. Over the past 20 years, she has served as a community organizer, tirelessly advocating for the rights and well-being of minorities in our state. Hilda’s passion for empowering others is matched only by her creativity and leadership. As the pageant Director of Miss Guatemala Oklahoma, she has hosted and organized numerous events and fashion shows, raising funds for undocumented immigrants and bringing attention to critical issues facing our community. In addition to her work as an organizer, Hilda has shared her rich cultural heritage through multicultural, folkloric, and indigenous dance performances at hundreds of events across Oklahoma. Her efforts have raised awareness and fostered a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that make up our community. We will honor Hilda at our LCDA's 33rd Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon Wednesday, September 11th, 11:30am at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. We are currently accepting table commitments and individual tickets are now on sale! https://lnkd.in/gaRxh5b6

Congratulations to our 2024 LCDA Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree (posthumously) - Dr. Thuong Van Nguyen A man whose life story is a powerful testament to resilience, sacrifice, and service. After arriving in the United States from Vietnam with the hope of a better life, Dr. Nguyen faced the challenge of learning a new language and navigating a new culture. Undeterred, he pursued his dream of becoming a licensed physician, all while his wife worked tirelessly to support their family. Once licensed, Dr. Nguyen opened his own medical practice in Oklahoma City, with a mission to serve lower-income families who had little to no access to healthcare. Driven by his commitment to connect with his patients, he learned Spanish, becoming fluent and earning the endearing nickname 'El Chinito' within the Hispanic community. His dedication to providing care to those in need has touched countless lives, and his legacy continues as his children now run the practice he built from the ground up. We will honor Dr. Nguyen's legacy at our LCDA's 33rd Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon Wednesday, September 11th, 11:30am at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. We are currently accepting table commitments and individual tickets are now on sale! https://lnkd.in/gaRxh5b6

Congratulations to our 2024 LCDA President’s Award Honoree - Francisco Ibarra A man whose journey over the past 20 years embodies the spirit of hard work, dedication, and commitment to community. Through his leadership as the first President of Supermercados Morelos, which began as a single store in Oklahoma City in 2003, has grown to 11 locations across Tulsa and Oklahoma City, serving as a cornerstone for the Hispanic community in our state. Francisco’s success is not just measured by the growth of his business but by the impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals. Whether it’s through creating jobs, supporting local initiatives, or maintaining a family-run business that honors the values passed down by his parents, Francisco’s leadership and vision have made a lasting difference. We will honor Francisco Ibarra at our LCDA's 33rd Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon Wednesday, September 11th, 11:30am at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. We are currently accepting table commitments and individual tickets are now on sale! https://lnkd.in/gaRxh5b6

Congratulations to our 2024 LCDA Partner Agency of the Year - Consulado de México en Oklahoma City Since its official opening on May 20th, 2023, the Consulate has played a vital role in providing essential services and assistance to the growing Mexican population in our state. As the 51st Mexican consular representation in the United States, the Consulate not only serves as a lifeline for Mexican nationals but also strengthens the ties between Mexico and Oklahoma in areas such as government, economics, culture, and tourism. Our partnership with the Consulate has been immensely valuable. Since July 2023, through our joint efforts at the health service window, we have been able to educate and connect nearly 10,000 individuals to critical services and resources that they might not have accessed otherwise. We will honor Head Consul Edurne Pineda and the Mexican Consulate of Oklahoma City, at our LCDA's 33rd Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon Wednesday, September 11th, 11:30am at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. We are currently accepting table commitments and individual tickets are now on sale! https://lnkd.in/gaRxh5b6