La Voz Colorado strived to highlight local Latinos who are making a difference in our communities in 2022.
Among those featured in our community section this year included community leaders, business owners, veterans, and other Hispanic/Latinos who deserve to have their story told. Look back at the year at Colorado’s communities.
James Mejía shifts to MSU Denver
James Mejía — who spent time working with former Denver Mayors John Hickenlooper and Wellington Webb — was named Metropolitan State University of Denver’s chief strategy officer. His new role requires him to coordinate implementation of the university’s strategic plan and to sup- port its leadership in assessing programs, partnerships and projects by guiding strategic, inclusive and data informed decision-making processes.
Mejía was named Community Leader of the Year by 9News and the Denver Chamber Leadership Foundation in 2009. He was also president and COO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and finished third in the 2011 Denver mayoral election race — the city’s closest mayoral race in history. He also penned front page stories for La Voz about major community issues for a few years.
NEWSED honors Chicano student movement
NEWSED Community Development Corporation’s Civil Rights Awards paid homage to the Chicano student movement — an effort by activists in Denver, Boulder, Northern Colorado, and other parts of the state who worked to help minorities enroll in college and mobilize.
NEWSED honored activists, professors, and others at its Nov. 10 event. Among those who were recognized include Ricardo Falcón, Priscilla Falcón, Los Seis de Boulder, UMAS y MeChA, and Aquetza Academic Summer Program/ Jason Romero. The nonprofit organization promotes business development in Denver, conducts economic development in low-income communities, and provides affordable housing options to low to moderate-income families and individuals.
Generations of Hispanic American family proud of military service
In honor of Veteran’s Day, La Voz highlighted the Covarrubias family, who have provided decades of service in the military.
Phil Covarrubias served in the Air Force as a jet mechanic and crew chief on a jet fighter. He was inspired to join the military because he wanted to serve and had three uncles who were paratroopers and members of the Army and Navy.
Covarrubia’s sister, Delores Covarrubias, spent 33 years in the Navy while his son, Phil Covarrubias Jr., was a marine in the 1980’s. Meanwhile, his grandson Nicholas Covarrubias is also serving as a marine.
Covarrubias, Covarrubias Jr., and Covarrubia’s grandson were honored by the American Legion veteran’s organization in November.
A taste of New Mexico comes to Denver
Denver Northside native Ervin Lucero fell in love with New Mexican food when he moved to Albuquerque for six years. When he returned to Denver in 2021, he was ready to bring that food to those who want authentic New Mexican cuisine.
Over the summer, Lucero opened up Nana’s Cocina Authentic New Mexican Cuisine at Plaza 38, located at 3550 W. 38th Ave. The restaurant serves green and red chilies made from red chili pods from New Mexico. Other dishes include a New Mexican hamburger, Navajo tacos, frito pies, burritos, biscochitos and much more.
Thanks to the many organizations featured in Unique Gifts for the holidays beginning in late November who provide services to the community. La Voz strives to highlight those who are overlooked. Our readers’ ideas and contributions to our efforts are always welcomed.
