Press Release

Meet the Four Inspiring Arizona Educators Honored with the Esperanza Latino Teacher Award from Chicanos Por La Causa

Meet the Four Inspiring Arizona Educators Honored with the Esperanza Latino Teacher Award from Chicanos Por La Causa

Pictured: Alicia Nunez, Erika Acosta, Lilian Williams, Margaret Gallego, Gabriel Robles, Delma Herera

Phoenix — For 26 years, Chicanos Por La Causa has recognized more than a hundred teachers who inspire hope for future generations. After careful evaluation of many outstanding nominees throughout Arizona, Chicanos Por La Causa is proud to announce their 2024 Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards honorees:

  • Lilian Williams, Heatherbrae Elementary – Phoenix
  • Gabriel Robles, Carl Hayden High School – Phoenix
  • Margaret Gallego, Robinson Elementary – Tucson
  • Erika Acosta, Ash Fork Middle School – Ash Fork

Lilian, Gabriel, Margaret, and Erika were selected for their passion, leadership, and positive impact. Each honoree will receive a $5,000 cash award and a stipend of $2,500 to their respective schools.

“This year’s Esperanza Award winners come from unique experiences but are united in their dedication to student’s success beyond education,” said Alicia Nuñez, CPLC President and CEO. “Lilian, Gabriel, Margaret, and Erika prove that being a teacher is more than a job. They are role models changing the trajectory of the next generation’s future. One class, one child, one life at a time.”

Established in 1998, the Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards is the only awards program in Arizona that specifically recognizes Latino teachers whose passion positively impacts the learning environment and inspires future generations.

Lilian, Gabriel, Margaret, and Erika were honored at an awards ceremony. The Esperanza Awards are presented by Cox Communications and SRP in collaboration with Amazon, Arizona Bank & Trust, HUB, and Southwest Airlines.

To learn more about the Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards and this year’s honorees, visit https://cplc.org/esperanza [cplc.org]