Maryland, October 14, 2026 — The Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus recognized outstanding leaders and organizations serving Maryland’s Latino and immigrant communities during its 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Awards Gala, a celebration of Hispanic heritage, culture, leadership, and community impact.
The evening highlighted the vital role of mutual aid and community-led efforts in strengthening communities through collective care, resource sharing, and solidarity. By bringing people together to meet immediate needs, support immigrant and Latino families, and relationship building, mutual aid efforts demonstrate the power of communities. Featured speakers included U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Maryland House Speaker Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, and the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives Special Secretary Y. Maria Martinez. There were also amazing dance performances by Dominican Republic and Bolivian artists.
Among this year’s honorees were recognized for their dedication to service, leadership, and the well-being of the communities they serve:
- PG-IRC — The Chairman’s Award – “Awarded in honor of exceptional leadership, courage, and dedication to advancing our community.”
- MoCo-IRC — Community Service Award – “This award is presented to an individual or organization providing meaningful service to the Latino and immigrant community in the state of Maryland.”
- Route 1 Mutual Aid — The Chairman’s Award – “Awarded in honor of exceptional leadership, courage, and dedication to advancing our community.”
However, mutual aid is not about recognition. It is about community. IRC volunteers, community members, and partners work alongside our families, friends, and neighbors to support one another, strengthen collective care, and end violence and injustice against immigrant communities. Also, mutual aid cannot be done in isolation. We sincerely thank all our partners who join us every day in this fight. And we thank families for trusting us to care and fight with them. None of us are alone in the work of community.
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Photo credits: Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus
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