Throughout LaVozColorado’s 50 years in existence, we have been right by Colorado’s side, providing Colorado’s Latino community with important news. From profiling community leaders to covering organizations and non-profits, LaVozColorado has aimed to highlight the diverse stories and contributions that enrich Colorado’s cultural tapestry. We have endeavored to be a platform for voices often unheard, and we have documented the growth and evolution of our state, showcasing the everyday heroes who make Colorado their home. Here are just some of the stories that LaVozColorado has documented the past 50 years.
Remembering Latino and Latina community leaders gone before us
We remember the late Paco Sanchez who provided news and music over the airwaves and brought top entertainment to the famous GAO and Mexican cinema to the Holiday Theater. We honor Bernie and Dora Valdez, community activists who helped to establish bylaws for LARASA, formed to improve the life of Latinos, develop research, provide services, and address economic conditions that Latinos faced. The organization later transformed into CLLARO, with the same goals in mind. Valdez was also co-founder of the Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF). Who can forget the incomparable educator, Lena Archuleta who went from teaching roles to principal and advocating for Latinos, or the spunky but sincere John Ortiz, who was part of the Coors operation In Golden advocating for the Latino community, like the then American GI Forum, Mile High Chapter, the late journalist and on-air talent, Sherri Vasquez, the late Joe Ulibarri whose Ulibarri Construction Company acquired one of the first Hispanic contracts at DIA, or the late Joe Jiron who led the operations of Brothers Redevelopment, Inc. in its early days, then led by MaryAnn Shing and now led by Jeff Martinez. With fond memories we recall the first Hispanic General Manager at KDVR, Channel 31, George Sandoval, or who can forget the talented Leo Cardenas or the gifted educators David Mejia and Frank Lucero.
While there are so many great leaders gone before us, we remember the late Frank Solis, and the civil rights advocates, Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales, his wife Geraldine Gonzales, Richard Castro and more. Recalling the political saavy of the late Paul Sandoval who advocated for betterment of his community We have covered the political career of the late Val Vigil who served on Thornton’s City Council ad as Mayor pro-tem.
Media contributors
Long remembered are those leaders in media who represented our Gente in front of or behind the camera or told our stories when mainstream media would not. They include, former Denver7 General Manager, Cindy Velasquez Peña, first female general manager at a Denver TV station, long-time news anchor, Anne Trujillo, gifted reporter, Lance Hernandez, and the late and great sportscaster, Gary Cruz. Butch Montoya played a large role in the 9Newsroom as did community affairs pros, Lynn Valencia and Elaine Torres at CBS4. Our hats off to Michelle Griego at CBS4 with her winning media experi- ence and we honor the on-air and master of ceremonies, of Luis Canelas.
Colorado Politics
We continue to cover Denver’s ever-changing political scene to include Denver City Council members, Colorado representatives and state senators, and others who have shaped and contributed to our state over the past 50 years. Through it all LaVozColorado has been there to keep our readers informed.
Notable leaders in Denver and Colorado we have cov- ered include former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, and his wife Wilma who both tirelessly work for communities of color, the Honorable Christine Arguello, former State Senator Polly Baca, former councilwoman Judy Montero, current City Clerk & Recorder, Paul Lopez, former city councilwoman at large, Deborah Ortega, Councilwoman Romana Martinez, and others like newly appointed Denver City Council President Amanda Sandoval.
Outside of politicians, LaVozColorado has also highlighted others who play an important role in the city. Elena Mendoza, Executive Director at Latinas First Foundation here to take the organization to the next level. The incomparable Rosemary Rodriguez and Romaine Pacheco.
Carlos Martinez who has taken The Latino Community Foundation to a new role, the ever-present Juana Bordas original cofounder of Mi Casa, Juanita Chacon and Mescha Rhoades who both founded the Latinas First Foundation. We honor the work of siblings Pat Cortez, a former Wells Fargo Executive, a leader in support of so many community efforts and recently retired Angela Cortez of AARP communications director distinction.
Keeping Latinos/Latinas informed about health, education, veterans and other issues
Each year, LaVozColorado makes it a focal point to address health in our communities and inform our readers about resources available through special editions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, LaVozColorado informed readers about the inequities Latinos and Latinas faced. We made sure to cover the importance of vaccinations and inform readers about how the virus was impacting local businesses and others. Outside of the pandemic, LaVozColorado covers other crucial health related topics, including the importance of heart health, and other issues like education, immigration, the economy, veterans and more. Decorated and long-standing veteran George Autobee continues his contributions to community and Latino research and advocates for Veterans. We honor the ever-involved community leader Don Mares, CEO of the Colorado Trust Foundation who continues his work on behalf of community. Another extraordinary champion of community, James Mejia, supported Latino issues throughout his career and is now Chief Strategy Officer at MSU-Denver. Pat Salas’ never-ending work in education continues.
Reporting on the nonprofits and organizations that serve our community
LaVozColorado is proud to cover key nonprofits and other organizations in the state that serve our communi- ties, from Servicios de la Raza led by Rudy Gonzales to LAEF, to NEWSED we’ve partnered with annually with the Cinco de Mayo Festival at Civic Center to covering stories about Su Teatro, El Museo, Mi Casa, the Latinas Initiative, Water World, the Denver Scholarship Foundation, the Denver Dumb Friends League, Volunteers of America, the Better Business Bureau, the Denver Public Library, the Colorado Trust Foundation, the former Hispanic Annual Salute led by Dan Sandos to the incomparable duo Rob and Lola Salazar who head the Salazar Family Foundation, uncluding CLLARO led by Dr. Michael Cortes.
Our apologies if we’ve missed a name or two. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives for 50 years! We look forward to continuing our journey together, amplifying the stories that matter, and serving as a beacon of information and connection for years to come.
