The year 2025 strengthened Denver’s communities, highlighting stories that reflect unity, hard work, legacies left for future generations, education achieved within our community, DEN growth and other positive stories.
In early 2025 LaVozColorado highlighted the giving AARP volunteer work by Ruth Sanchez. A longstanding community leader, Sanchez is part of AARP Colorado’s El Comité, a sector of AARP Colorado volunteers who work to advocate for or assist Colorado’s older Latino residents. Sanchez and other members like LaVozColorado Publisher, Pauline Rivera, served on a community advisory committee that helped create the “El Movimiento: The Chicano Movement in Colorado exhibit at the History Colorado Center.
Another brilliant Latina, Renee Ferrufino was selected as the first Latina President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Colorado. Ferrufino brings invaluable knowledge and experience to the position. Latino musician, Joshua Trinidad was featured regarding his talent as a renowned horn player as he continues to expand his career.
Proudly DEN was featured for record-breaking flight/passenger data surpassing other national/international airports and record growth.
Our year would not be complete without honoring the great Cesar Chavez for his work via the United Farm Workers Union along with his right-hand, Dolores Huerta. Our special edition on Earth Day reminded people that Earth Day is an everyday occurrence in an effort to save our environment.
Celebrating its 36th year, the ongoing annual Cinco de Mayo Festival drew thousands of attendees in celebration of culture, food, music and relevant entertainment at Civic Center Plaza hosted by NEWSED. The annual event represents the symbolic victory of Puebla’s soldiers over the French Army.
Also featured in late spring in LaVozColorado was Oscar Agueda who impressed his educators, classmates and the community by graduating from high school and CSU Pueblo, simultaneously.
Featured in mid-summer were our Student of the Week weekly winners for year 2024-2025. One scholarship winner was selected Zia Esquibel, a Denver North High School graduate who is now attending the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Our late July Special Edition on Older Adults offered resources which are important to older adults with a focus on health, scams, and care.
In mid-August, our Special Edition on Education provided education venues, scholarship information and early to continued education information for Colorado students and other residents. August also marked the passing of community advocate, Margaret Atencio.
In mid-September through mid-October LaVozColorado highlighted Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring area nonprofits like El Museo de Las Americas and our local staple NEWSED. Individuals dedicated to valuable nonprofits, like Sharon Vigil and the New Beginnings Annual Christmas Basket sponsored by New Beginnings Ministries and Zee Ferrufino (KBNO CEO) whose ongoing support of the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital helps children dealing with cancer were also featured.
In October LaVozColorado featured the Su Teatro performance of the Rudolfo Anaya masterpiece, ‘Bless Mi Ultima’ whose content and characters bring to life New Mexico’s heritage. Also featured was Dia de Los Muertos event on the Auraria Campus
On veteran’s day we provided a list of events, restaurants and other venues who honor our military (active/inactive) by offering meals, entry and discounts throughout the city. Also honored was the late educator, Lena Archuleta. A local library was named in her honor for the many years of her work in education and community.
Also honored late year by the Colorado’s Women’s Chamber of Commerce was the Honorable Christine M. Arguello for her overall work in advancing the education of students pursuing a legal career.
2025 was capped off by the many holiday events throughout the state. The food and merriment included, green/red chile, tamales, empanaditas, biscochitos, posole and enchiladas that remain a holiday staple within our Hispanic heritage.
Aside from all the calorie intake, may 2026 bring health and happiness to our communities!
