Nebraska’s Latino community honors leaders, artists, and educators during the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Awards in Omaha.
Honoring Community Builders
Among the honorees was Rocio Granados Trejo, owner of Coffee Alley, who received the 2025 Small Business of the Year Award — Omaha’s first Mexican-inspired coffee shop — recognized for creating a welcoming space where language and culture bring people together. “Community is what drives us,” she said, reflecting on the importance of belonging and cultural pride.
The Emerging Leader of the Year Award went to Eric Lopez, a paralegal and community advocate known for his work with the Heartland Worker Center, support for Dreamers, and involvement in civic events such as Cinco de Mayo. “Our community will always be here, and we will continue to make sure we have a place in this country,” Lopez said.
The five organizations recognized this year with the Nonprofit of the Year Award – ACLU of Nebraska, Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, Completely Kids, Heartland Workers Center, and HOPE- Esperanza. Photo by Tar Macias / Hola Nebraska
Education, Art, and Leadership
Susana Lara, an educator at South High School, was honored as Educator of the Year for her unwavering commitment to students and families. “Education has never been about us — it’s about our students and helping them thrive,” she said, emphasizing the transformative power of teaching.
The Artist of the Year Award went to Hugo Zamorano, a muralist whose vibrant works appear across Omaha and beyond. Zamorano, who represented the city internationally in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, reflected on how art and community are intertwined: “When the community recognizes your work, it enriches life. It reminds me why I do what I do.”
Community leadership was also celebrated, with Ricardo Castro, a prominent real estate professional and mentor, named Community Leader of the Year. His decades-long commitment to supporting Latino entrepreneurship and providing mentorship to new business owners was widely applauded.
Ricardo Castro, a prominent real estate professional and mentor, accepting the Community Leader of the Year Award. Photo by Tar Macias / Hola Nebraska
Advocacy and Collaboration Recognized
This year’s Nonprofit of the Year Award was shared by five organizations — ACLU of Nebraska, Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, Completely Kids, Heartland Workers Center, and HOPE-Esperanza. These groups were recognized for their collaborative response to immigration raids and for supporting families through legal aid, rights education, and emergency planning.
“Our work is urgent, especially when fear and misinformation threaten our community,” one representative said. “Collaboration and grassroots leadership allow us to transform lives — one family at a time.”
A Celebration of Resilience and Hope
The evening also paid tribute to immigrant women who were detained during a June 10 immigration raid. Their resilience was met with a standing ovation, and speakers urged the audience to see beyond the stigma of detention and recognize their humanity, strength, and dreams for a better future.
The program concluded with remarks from Latino candidates running for public office, who spoke about education, equity, and building a stronger community. The night ended with a festive dance performance by the Hispanic Arts Center of Omaha Dance Company and traditional Mexican treats, a fitting close to an evening defined by unity, resilience, and celebration.
“The immigrant spirit gives us the strength to keep pushing forward,” Commissioner Garcia said. “Together, we are strong, we are beautiful, and we will continue to thrive.”
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