LOS ANGELES – MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) recognized the contributions of three Latino leaders at its Los Angeles gala on Thursday for their commitment to uplifting the Latino culture and to protecting the civil rights of the Latino community.

“In the immediate aftermath of an election that presents a real potential future threat to civil rights, this was an important gathering of friends and allies,” said Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF president and general counsel.  “I think most folks felt reinvigorated and re-committed to the fight by the event, with the inspiration of three incredible honorees.”

U.S. Representative Grace Flores Napolitano, CA.-31, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement –  Excellence in Government Service Award. Elected in 1998, Napolitano is the highest-ranking California member and Hispanic member of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, where she serves as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, which oversees EPA’s Clean Water Act and US Army Corps of Engineers water programs. A committed conservationist, Napolitano also serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources. Her work on behalf of California includes working to secure billions to fix crumbling roads, bridges, and transit systems, including in the Los Angeles region. Representative Napolitano is also known for her work on mental health. Her 2001 pilot program providing mental health and suicide prevention services on-site in four schools has expanded to 35 K-12 schools throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Southeast LA County. The program serves as a model for H.R. 3713, the Mental Services for Students Act.

“For 26 years, it has been the greatest honor and privilege to represent my constituents in Congress, working and fighting daily for progress for a better life for them and their families, for California, and our nation,” Napolitano said. “From creating good-paying jobs, ensuring access to clean water, and delivering safer, faster commutes, to serving our veterans and their families, helping at-risk youth, and increasing the access and availability of mental health services nationwide, I have been proud to champion these causes for our Hispanic community and all Americans. I did not do it alone; thank you to my mentors, friends, colleagues, and dedicated staff. On behalf of my constituents, colleagues, friends, staff, and loving, supportive family, I am incredibly humbled and honored to accept this Lifetime Achievement Award, and I thank God for his guidance, and MALDEF for continuing to protect and defend the rights of all Latinos living in the United States.”

Leticia Saucedo, Professor of Law at U.C. Davis School of Law, was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement – Excellence in Legal Service Award for her long career protecting the legal rights of workers and immigrants. Saucedo, an expert in labor, employment, and immigration law, has focused her work on the impact of employment and labor laws on the conditions in low-wage workplaces, and on the responses of immigrant workers to their conditions. She has been a visiting professor at Duke Law School and a research scholar with the Chief Justice Warren Institute on Race, Ethnicity and Diversity at U.C. Berkeley. A former Maldefian, Saucedo began her career as a Fried Frank MALDEF fellow, and worked in the MALDEF San Antonio office for several years before moving on to academia. She also served as MALDEF’s National Senior Counsel from 2021 to 2023 before returning full time to teaching.

“It’s been my great honor to be affiliated with MALDEF all these years,” Saucedo said. “As an academic, I look forward to continuing to work with MALDEF in pursuing justice on behalf of the Latino community.”

Native Angeleno and celebrated artist, Robert Vargas, was presented the Excellence in the Arts Award. Known for his large-scale murals, including a recently completed one honoring the late Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, Vargas’ bold, colorful portraits decorate the city’s landscape from downtown to Hollywood and extends beyond his hometown where it has been showcased on buildings, in galleries, exhibits and museums across the world. In addition to his mural work, Vargas teaches and mentors aspiring young artists, emphasizing the importance of self-expression and creativity. His commitment to social impact is evident in his involvement with community-driven projects and initiatives aimed at uplifting underrepresented voices.

“My sincere gratitude to MALDEF for honoring me with this ‘Excellence in the Arts’ award at the Los Angeles Gala,” Vargas said.  “It was a beautiful night, and I feel more aligned than ever to effect change and bring community together through my creative process.”

MALDEF recognizes the significant contributions of these outstanding leaders and their dedication to advancing civil rights for all. The event draws notable government and community leaders from California and around the nation.