MANA de Imperial Valley celebrated their 25th Anniversary at their annual Las Primeras Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser Friday.
The Las Primeras Award is presented each year to three Latina women who are first in their field in their achievements and have gone above and beyond in serving the community. This years honorees included the Honorable Monica Lepe-Negrete , Esther Sanchez-Banda and Veronica Avila Platero. The Honorable Monica Lepe-Negrete is an Imperial County Superior Court Judge , Esther Sanchez-Banda , a trustee on the Brawley Elementary School District Board and is currently serving as President of the Hidalgo Society , the first woman to serve in that role. Veronica Avila Platero is Branch Manager and Senior Officer for Prime Lending , she was honored for her many contributions to community organizations.
In addition to recognizing the Las Primeras honorees , the MANA board also presented Legacy Awards to the Honorable Ruth Montenegro and Grace Alvarez Sesma for their exemplary leadership , strong community involvement and having a significant impact on improving the lives of Latinas.
