CHCI Announces its 2018 Medallion of Excellence Honorees To Be Honored at 41st Annual Awards Gala

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) and CHCI Chair Congressman, Rep. Joaquín Castro are proud to announce the 2018 Medallion of Excellence Honorees, Jorge Ramos and Michele Bobadilla. On September 13, these remarkable leaders will be recognized at CHCI’s 41st Annual Awards Gala taking place at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.

CHCI’s highest honor, the Medallion of Excellence, is bestowed upon individuals who are positive Hispanic American role models and whose extraordinary careers, civic leadership, and service contribute to the greater American society.

“One of the most respected Latino journalists of our time, Jorge Ramos relentlessly speaks out against social injustice across the country at a time when we so desperately need,” said Rep. Castro. “Similarly, Michele Bobadilla shines as an education advocate and civil rights activist that constantly paves the way for young Americans to achieve their dreams. Both these individuals challenge us to embrace a common humanity and have dedicated their lives to making powerful contributions to the Hispanic community and to our greater nation. They embody CHCI’s core principles, and I am honored to recognize them on our 41st annual awards gala.”

“It is an honor to recognize Jorge Ramos and  Anna Michele Bobadilla for their commitment to social justice, equality, and for being champions of the American Dream for all. We celebrate their courageous leadership and extraordinary careers,” said Domenika Lynch, CHCI President and CEO.

The 2018 CHCI Medallion for Excellence in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, Music, and Sports will be awarded to Jorge Ramos.  Since 1986, Ramos has served as Noticiero Univision’s leading anchorman. He is considered one of the most respected journalists of our time.

An immigrant and father of two, Ramos is a role model to the Hispanic community as one of today’s most eloquent, credible and powerful voices of Hispanic America. Ramos has received a plethora of accolades, including the Maria Moors Cabot Prize, eight Emmy Awards for excellence in journalism, the Burton Benjamin Memorial Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Founders Award for Excellence in Journalism from the International Center for Journalists and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Ramos has also been featured in Time Magazine’s “25 Most Influential Hispanics in the United States” list, TIME 100 and in Newsweek’s Power 50 list of political and media figures.

“I am very honored to receive the CHCI Medallion of Excellence. This is a great opportunity to talk about our achievements as a community, to destroy stereotypes and to give voice to the voiceless,” expressed Jorge Ramos.

The 2018 CHCI American Dream Medallion of Excellence in Education, Science, Medicine, or Civil Rights will be awarded to Anna Michele Bobadilla, the University of Texas Arlington Senior Associate Vice President for Outreach Services & Community Engagement, and Assistant Provost for Hispanic Student Services.

For nearly 40 years, she has been an advocate, educator, and community volunteer, opening doors to higher education for thousands of students.

Bobadilla is a renowned community leader and education champion. She established the Society of 100 Endowed Scholars’ Fund, has raised over $4.7 million as chair of the Stars on the Rise Scholarship Program, and is currently serving as co-chair of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship program and chair of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, University Partnerships Initiative.

A native Dallasite, Bobadilla, believes passionately in the power of people to effect change. “Live your life with purpose! Don’t just take the seat at the table, be prepared. Understand the responsibility you have assumed will require you to be the voice for others,” said Bobadilla. “It will take courage, confidence, and character.”

For more details on the gala or for sponsorship information, please contact development@chci.org.

About CHCI

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. Established in 1978, by Hispanic Members of Congress to ensure a diverse and inclusive leadership pipeline, CHCI is comprised of Hispanic/Latino Members of Congress, nonprofit leaders, and corporate executives guiding the Institution’s mission forward. For more information or to get involved visit CHCI.org. Be sure to follow CHCI on social: @CHCI.