2023 ALVA AWARDS RECIPIENTS - WASHINGTON, D.C.
FAMILIA AWARD: Mr. Robert E. Bard, Ms. Lupita Colmenero & Family
Criteria: A Latino family that has demonstrated collective commitment to military service and support to military members and veterans. Of particular interest would be those that have had a historic contribution.
Honoree: Mr. Robert E. Bard, Ms. Lupita Colmenero & Family
Narrative: Mr. Bard and Mrs. Colmenero embody the Familia Award spirit through their resilient journey and unwavering dedication to service and legacy preservation. Mr. Bard took the reins at LATINA Style Inc. after the passing of his partner, Anna Maria Arias, transforming it into a respected publication. He and Mrs. Colmenero initiated a program supporting Latina service members.
Under their leadership, LATINA Style Inc. thrived, impacting over 600,000 professional Latinas, empowering them to achieve their potential. Mr. Bard is a renowned diversity and inclusion expert with a focus on Hispanic women's journey.
Their two-decade leadership gave rise to five signature programs, including the LATINA Style Business Series, LATINA Style 50 Awards, and Distinguished Military Service Awards. Their support for military service members led to recognition of 278 Hispanic women, four men, and 21 academy cadets.
Advocates for diversity and inclusion, they engage with organizations like MALDEF and received the Admiral Farragut Hispanic Diversity Champion Award.
The power of their united family, with Mrs. Colmenero leading El Hispano News and founding the Parents Step Ahead Foundation, exemplifies community service.
In recognition of their exceptional commitment to service, empowerment, and unwavering support, we are honored to present Mr. Bard and Mrs. Colmenero with the Familia Award. Their contributions align perfectly with the award's spirit.
VETERAN ENTREPRENEUR AWARD: Jeffrey Vigil
Criteria: A Latino Veteran Business person (entrepreneur or corporate representative) that exemplifies solid business ethics and efforts to support fellow Latino Veteran business people.
Honoree: Jeffrey Vigil
Narrative: Jeffrey Vigil, a proud Latino veteran, exemplifies business ethics and unwavering support for fellow Latino veteran entrepreneurs. Enlisting in the U.S. Navy in June 1981 fulfilled his lifelong dream. Navy service instilled discipline, teamwork, and duty as his entrepreneurial cornerstones.
Post-service, transitioning to civilian life was daunting, but Jeffrey's determination prevailed. Leveraging his military experience, he launched a business matchmaking software, My Business Matches (MBM), connecting small businesses with exclusive national and global opportunities, including contracts, partnerships, and funding sources. MBM bridged the gap for underrepresented Latino veterans and small businesses in the business world.
Jeffrey's journey from marine to entrepreneur positioned him as a natural mentor for fellow Latino veterans, guiding them through entrepreneurship complexities and personal development.
His legacy as a marine-turned-entrepreneur and advocate empowers countless Latino veterans and the broader small business community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Graciela Tiscareño-Sato
Criteria: A Latino Veteran that has dedicated themselves to community service, helping others, and servant leadership. Community service should be definable and measurable.
Honoree: Graciela Tiscareño-Sato
Narrative: Graciela, a bilingual combat aviation veteran, has been a dedicated advocate for Latino veterans and their families since 2010. She's an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and Spanish-language airshow announcer/performer. Her impact on the Latino community is unparalleled, serving at airshows, schools, and conferences nationwide.
In 2012, Graciela responded to the needs of Latina student veterans at Towson University by creating the "AUTHENTIC Personal Branding for Student Veterans & Spouses" workshop. She's coached over 6,000 veterans, helping them develop compelling personal brands for successful transitions to civilian life. Her methods have led to numerous success stories, with veterans securing employment and thriving in their careers.
With 13 years in business, Graciela is the embodiment of a successful Latina veteran entrepreneur. She founded Gracefully Global Group, a publishing firm known for the Captain Mama children's aviation book series. As the first Latina USAF aviator to earn an Air Medal in combat operations, she designed the series to provide maximum representation of Latino servicemembers. Her mission is to promote the positive visibility of Latino veterans' contributions to the USA.
Graciela's unwavering commitment and innovative work make her an exceptional role model and advocate for Latino veterans and their families.
MILITARY SERVICE AWARD: SEAC Ramón "CZ" Colón-López
Criteria: A Latino whose service on active duty distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.
Honoree: SEAC Ramón "CZ" Colón-López
Narrative: SEAC Ramón "CZ" Colón-López is the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the most senior enlisted service member, by position, in the United States Armed Forces, and the principal military advisor to the Chairman on all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, utilization, health of the force, and joint development for enlisted personnel.
SEAC Colón-López enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1990. He has held assignments in U.S. Air Forces Europe, Air Combat Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Education and Training Command, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Special Operations Command, and Air Forces Central Command. He has deployed numerous times in support of operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Resolute Support, Inherent Resolve, and to several other classified locations. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for United States Africa Command.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS INCLUDE:
Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal with Valor and oak leaf cluster Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Medal with oak leaf cluster
Aerial Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
ROLE MODEL AWARD: Hon. Carlos Del Toro
Criteria: A Latino Veteran who exemplifies the core mission and values of ALVA to help Latino Veterans, recognize their contributions to our nation, conduct themselves with the highest levels of integrity and ethics, and embrace the diversity of our community.
Honoree: Hon. Carlos Del Toro
Narrative: The Role Model Award goes to
the Hon. Carlos Del Toro (Secretary of the Navy)
The Honorable Carlos Del Toro was sworn in as the 78th Secretary of the Navy August 9, 2021. As Secretary, he is responsible for over 900,000 Sailors, Marines, reservists, and civilian personnel and an annual budget exceeding $210 Billion. His priorities include securing the training and equipment successful naval operations demand and addressing the most pressing challenges confronting the US Navy and Marine Corps – China’s naval ambitions, climate instability, Covid’s ongoing impact, and strengthening a naval culture of inclusiveness and respect.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Del Toro immigrated to the U.S. with his family as refugees in 1962. Raised in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City, he attended public schools and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. Secretary Del Toro was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer upon his graduation in 1983.
His 22-year naval career included a series of critical appointments and numerous tours of duty at sea – including First Commanding Officer of the guided missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84); Senior Executive Assistant to the Director for Program Analysis and Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense; and Special Assistant to the Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget – where he helped manage the budgets of DOD, the U.S. Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the Peace Corps.
After retiring at the rank of Commander, Secretary Del Toro founded SBG Technology Solutions, Inc. in 2004. As its CEO and President, he supported defense programs across a host of immediate and long-term Department of Navy issue areas, including shipbuilding, AI, cybersecurity, acquisition programs, space systems, health, and training.
2022 ALVA AWARDS RECIPIENTS - WASHINGTON, D.C.
FAMILIA AWARD: Coronado Family
Criteria: A Latino family that has demonstrated collective commitment to military service and support to military members and veterans. Of particular interest would be those that have had a historic contribution.
Honoree: The Coronado Family
Narrative: The Familia Award goes to The Coronado Family led by retired Air Force Colonel Gil Coronado have made their mark in our country as a military family. Helen Coronado served as Chief of Staff to Raul Yzaguirre at NCLR for 18 years; retired Army Colonel Troy Coronado served two tours of duty in Afghanistan and he and Gil are the only father/son team in the Army Officers Candidate School Hall of Fame.
Elaine Coronado is the President of Argus Events and for 27 years has helped minority nonprofits tell their stories. Todd and Troup Coronado are attorneys and both graduates of Notre Dame University. Colonel Coronado served as Base Commander in Torrejon AFB in Madrid and also held overseas assignments to Germany and Panama. Upon his retirement from the military he was nominated by Bill Clinton as the first Hispanic Director of the Selective Service System. Due to his leading lobbying efforts, Colonel Coronado is considered the Father of Hispanic Heritage Month.
VETERAN ENTREPRENEUR AWARD: Jean Kay Ibañez-Payne
Criteria: A Latino Veteran Business person (entrepreneur or corporate representative) that exemplifies solid business ethics and efforts to support fellow Latino Veteran business people.
Honoree: Jean Kay Ibañez-Payne
Narrative: The Veteran Entrepreneur Award goes to Jean Kay Ibañez Payne. Born in the United States, Jean Ibañez Payne was raised in Colombia, South America. Jean returned to the United States to finish high school and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1992, serving as a Yeoman until 1996. While in the Navy, Jean learned English, completed her bachelor’s degree, and began her master’s degree finishing shortly after she left the Navy. In 1996, she began her nearly 30 years of experience in workforce training, communications, marketing, diversity, program management, and risk management.
In 2006, she moved to Virginia to join a Fortune 200 utility company of over 14,000 employees where she focused on Energy Trading, but her passion for people led her to Diversity and Inclusion efforts. She managed the entire Diversity and Inclusion program for the company which operated across multiple cultures in 14 states and four business units.
Her passion for helping others with language needs and increasing awareness and efforts around Diversity and Inclusion led her to take a huge leap of faith in 2014 when she founded TIVC. TIVC’s mission is to “Help People Work Better Together.” TIVC’s vision is to create the foundation for Human Enterprise Optimization by aligning organizational culture with strategic objectives through core competencies in Organizational Culture Optimization; Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion; Training & Development; and Strategic Communications. Customers now span the Departments of Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Treasury, several smaller Federal agencies, and commercial clients.
As TIVC grows, so has Jean’s commitment to empowering a diverse workforce and supporting Veterans and Latino businesses and entrepreneurs. TIVC is a V3 Certified company and Jean regularly volunteers her time, energy, and expertise to support the Latino Coalition and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Please join me in congratulating Jean for receiving the Veteran Entrepreneur Award.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Eddie Cabrera
Criteria: A Latino Veteran that has dedicated themselves to community service, helping others, and servant leadership. Community service should be definable and measurable.
Honoree: Eddie Cabrera
Narrative: The Community Service Award goes to Eddie Cabrera. Col Cabrera led as founder and President the HVLA for the last six years. His unimpeachable stewardship is responsible for the public's awareness of the calamitous situation that Hispanic careers faced in the Department of Defense. His dedication to the cause is responsible for highlighting that Hispanic leadership at the Department had developed into a recognized limiting factor. Due to his leadership, the lack of recruiting, mentoring, educating, and advancing the career of Hispanics became a cause "célebre" among the Latino community.
Recognizing the need, he also formed alliances with other Hispanic civic organizations such as LULAC, ALVA, and other military groups. The hard work resulted in the open door policy that government organizations have granted the HVLA. Thanks to his direct involvement, the HVLA communicates directly with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Office of Personnel and Readiness of DoD, and the military Services. There is no doubt that personnel programs recently announced at the Department which concern diversity, equity, and inclusion are in part the result of the civic engagement by HVLA. The recent announcement of the creation of a Defense Advisory Council for Diversity and Inclusion (which includes three HVLA members) is due in large part to Cabrera's influence as a significant civilian community contributor.
After six years of flawless leadership and management, Col Cabrera has stepped down from the presidency but continues to serve HVLA as the CFO and the Latino community with an enviable dedication and purpose.
Please join me in congratulating Eddie for receiving the Community Service Award.
MILITARY SERVICE AWARD: RDML Dennis Velez
Criteria: A Latino whose service on active duty distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.
Honoree: RDML Dennis Velez
Narrative: The Military Service Award goes to Rear Admiral Dennis Velez. Velez was inducted into the Puerto Rico Military Hall of Fame in November 2021 and was the recipient of the Navy League’s 2016 John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership.
Velez serves as Commander Carrier Strike Group 10, and George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, where he leads the efforts of approximately 4,790 Sailors aboard through six ships, nine aviation squadrons, and three staff commands. The strike group's mission is to champion its ships and squadrons and ensure the Sailors and systems are ready to answer our nation's call. Velez and his team are currently on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by the U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., ally, and partner interests. Additionally, two of the ships under Velez’s command are deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet area of operations, where they are conducting maritime security operations.
Admiral Velez is a Senior mentor and Role Model for the ANSO and Hispanics Inspiring Student Performance and Achievement. As a member of ANSO, he has mentored and supported the careers of hundreds of Latino Officers and Enlisted personnel, supporting ANSO professional development Symposiums and events for over a decade. As a HISPA supporter and Role Model, Admiral Velez established a strong support relationship with HISPA. His direct involvement resulted in over 30 role models from the US Navy, engaging hundreds of students in classrooms across five states, and much-needed funding support to HISPA’s mission through a formal Memorandum of Agreement.
Please join me in congratulating Admiral Velez for receiving the Military Service Award.
ROLE MODEL AWARD: Larry Romo
Criteria: A Latino Veteran who exemplifies the core mission and values of ALVA to help Latino Veterans, recognize their contributions to our nation, conduct themselves with the highest levels of integrity and ethics, and embrace the diversity of our community.
Honoree: Larry Romo
Narrative: The Role Model Award goes to Larry Romo. Larry honors the service and sacrifice of our members and all Latino Veterans throughout history. He was appointed by Congress in March 2021 to serve as one of eight National Leaders on The Naming Commission. He was the only Latino to serve on the Commission to make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense to rename bases that were named after individuals who voluntarily served for the Confederacy. The Commission recommended that Fort Hood be renamed Fort Cavazos and the Secretary of Defense approved the recommendation.
As the American GI Forum National Commander, he initiated a review by the US Army Human Resource Command for Private Marcelino Serna, a Mexican immigrant serving in the US Army, to be considered posthumously for the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War I. Award decision should be announced soon.
Larry has worked with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, National LULAC Veterans Group, the American GI Forum, ALVA members, and Latino community and military leaders. Larry currently serves as the American GI Forum National Legislative Chairman. He submitted sixteen resolutions in September dealing with military and veteran issues to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for their review and future policy implementation consideration.
Larry visited at his own expense, "The Bunker" in Tijuana, Mexico, and met with deported veterans and their families. Larry helped formulate a plan to stop deporting veterans, and providing a website with information to help deported veterans know about the tools to help them get repatriated back to the United States
Larry served as the United States Selective Service System Director ensuring he set the highest standard for all employees regarding integrity and ethical behavior. Larry is a member of the America250 Veterans Committee. The committee's task is the produce ideas to use during the year 2026, to plan various events on how to highlight the contributions of our military and their families since the birth of the nation. 2026 is the 250th birthday of the United States. Larry produced the wonderful idea to have an America 250 Hispanic Veterans Event and Gala during the last half of the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month that has been approved by America250 Committee. Money made on event will go to the National Museum of the American Latino.
Please join me in congratulating Larry for receiving the Role Model Award.