RSVP for Centro Annual Celebration

media release: Centro, the leading non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of Latinx in Dane County, proudly announces its 41st Annual Celebration. Scheduled to take place for the first time at Calli, Centro’s new home, on December 7, 2024, at 5:30p, we invite to a night when we honor determination, esperanza (hope), resistance, and celebrate our connectedness to one another, qualities that make us resilient and strong. 

Centro was founded in 1983 by community volunteers. Ilda Conteris Thomas, who began as Centro’s first Executive Director led a space centered on supporting the emergent needs of Cuban refugees. Since then, Centro has played a pivotal role in advocating for an equitable, thriving, supportive community for all Latinx, the fastest-growing minoritized group in Dane County and Wisconsin. The Annual Celebration has evolved over the years, from banquet to community gala. This year the event celebrates the organization’s relevance in the community, with guests who have uplifted the agency and its mission. More than ever, Centro is unwavering in our commitment to advancing the future of our community with hope, care and love.  

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Wine, Mezcal, and Mocktails (Optional: Purchase a cheese and charcuterie board for two)

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Community Awards Program (Heavy hors d'oeuvres served)

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Music and Dancing

An event where the community, allies, and Centro supporters come together, expect surprise musical guests, and as always, the Community Awards presentation, recognizing the wisdom within our community. This year we recognize five distinguished awardees, individuals who have displayed exceptional dedication to Dane County and Wisconsin.  

Ilda Conteris Thomas Award: Named after Centro Hispano of Dane County's founder, this award represents someone who, with humility and values aligned with Centro's mission, ensures a strong Latinx voice. This year's recipient is Reverend Carmen Porco, CEO of Housing Ministries of Wisconsin.

Roberto G. Sanchez Award: This award honors an individual who has demonstrated leadership in advancing educational and career opportunities for Latinx in Dane County, WI. This year’s recipient, Lesli Vázquez Vargas, has demonstrated such leadership throughout the community, for many years, including in her role as the heart of the Roberto Sanchez Scholarship Program. 

Mario Garcia Sierra Young Dreamer Award: Given to a young person who has achieved their educational and personal goals while significantly contributing to the community through leadership, this year’s winner is Cayana Amaguana Cachiguango, Program Manager at the Tenant Resource Center (TRC). 

Marcus S. Miles Volunteer Award: Named in honor of community photographer Marcus S. Miles, this award is presented to a volunteer who has significantly contributed to advancing Centro's goals and mission through their talents and expertise. This year's recipient is Theodore “Teddy” Chadwich, partner attorney at Fernandez Chadwick & Crouse. 

Centro Visionary Award: Given to an individual who consistently strives for Centro's greater vision of a thriving Latinx community in Dane County, WI, and is deeply committed to the agency's role in advancing this vision across multiple sectors. We are so excited to celebrate our friend and partner, Mayor of Fitchburg, Julia Arata-Fratta.