(Las Primeras Gala was held recently)...The Gala honored 3 local women.

Maria Bastidas, Caroline Treadway-Jaime, and Helen Palomino. They received the 2026 Las Primeras Awards for their leadership, service and impact in the community. The celebration also highlighted MANA's continued investment in the next generation: more than $37,000 in scholarships were awarded to more than 60 Imperial Valley Students in 2026 alone., adding to more than $331,000 in scholarships awarded throughout MANA de Imperial Valley's 33 year history. On October 10th, MANA will continue the conversation through Citizen Latina: Elevate your voice, bringing youth, elected officials, advocates and community members together at Imperial Valley College to discuss civic participation, representation and how individuals can become more engaged in their communities.. MANA says Las Primeras honors women who opened doors, while Citizen Latina helps prepare the voices who will walk through them next.