Honoring Works and Achievement in North Carolina’s Latino Community for 27 Years

RALEIGH, NC-2022: The Diamante Arts & Cultural Center will honor twelve community leaders and organizations at the 2022 Latino Diamante Awards. The 27th annual award show will take place virtually on October 29th, 2020 at the Cary Arts Center in Cary, NC.

“We are extremely proud to honor so many leaders and advocates of the Latino community in our state,” said Lizette Cruz Watko, founder and Executive Director of the Diamante Arts and Culture Center. “It is because of the support of the community that we have been able to recognize the work of hundreds of community heroes,” added Cruz Watko.

These statewide awards began in 1996, to honor individuals and organizations that are making significant contributions to the Latino/Hispanic/Latinx population of North Carolina by recognizing their achievements and work in the community.

“Presenting these awards, is the highlight of our year (at Diamante),” said Roberto Perez, Board Chair of Diamante Arts and Cultural Center. “We hold an immense amount of gratitude to the community for their continued support and helping Diamante to honor over 250 adults and youth these past 27 years”, added Mr. Perez.

THE 2022 LATINO DIAMANTE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO:
Art & Culture – Ikorma Martinez (Hillsborough)
Business – German Garcia-Fresco (Chapel Hill)
Community Involvement – Margarita Ramirez (Nebo)
Education – Hispanic League (Winston Salem)
Health & Science – Andrew Herrera (Raleigh)
Latino Advocate – Ana Maritza Robles (Charlotte)
Jaime León Youth Award – accompanied by a $1,000 stiped towards college expenses.
Luis Fernando Morales (Charlotte)
Ricardo Zeferino-Rodriguez (Pinetops)
DACC Volunteer(s) of the Year – Samuel y Constantino Mendez (Cary) 
Lizette Cruz Watko Award – Julio Ruiz (Greensboro)

Except for the Jaime León Youth award, honorees of the Latino Diamante Award are nominated by their peers in a public nomination process administered by a selection committee separate from the governing board of the organization. The Lizette Cruz Watko Awards and the DACC Volunteer of the year are selected by the DACC Board of Directors.

The Latino Diamante Awards will take place on Saturday, October 29st, 2022. Guests will be welcomed with a Tapas Reception beginning at 5:4pm. Starting at 6:45 pm there will be a pre-show presentation featuring a documentary celebrating the 25th anniversary of the organization. The awards show will begin at 7:00pm. Aside from recognizing the honorees, the 2022 award ceremony will feature entertainment by Gabriel Bravo, Melody Shanahan, El Viento Canta, Huepa Cultural Arts, and duo Joe & Larry.

This event is supported in part by Food Lion, Town of Cary, Wells Fargo, United Arts Council, First Citizens Bank, Duke Energy, Bojangles and many others. For more details about the Latino Diamante Awards please visit www.diamanteacc.org.

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