CHCI to Honor the “Pope’s Favorite Nun” Sister Norma Pimentel, America’s Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, and Comedian The Kid Mero at 46th Annual Awards Gala

CHCI to Honor the “Pope’s Favorite Nun” Sister Norma Pimentel, America’s Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, and Comedian The Kid Mero at 46th Annual Awards Gala

Washington, D.C. – September 8, 2023 – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) and its Chair, Representative Adriano Espaillat, are proud to recognize the 2023 Medallion of Excellence Award honorees, humanitarian and immigrant rights advocate Sister Norma Pimentel, Cesar Millan, one of the most sought-after authorities in the field of dog behavior and rehabilitation, and trailblazing comedian Joel Armogasto Martinez, The Kid Mero.

Sister Pimentel will be honored for her leadership and humanitarian efforts in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley with the 2023 American Dream Medallion of Excellence in Education, Science, Medicine or Civil Rights. Cesar Millan will be honored for his exemplary representation of Latinos in entertainment with the 2023 Medallion of Excellence in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, Music, and Sports. The Kid Mero will be honored with the 2023 Chair’s Medallion award for his commitment to accurately representing Latinos in TV through his work as a comedian, writer, and producer.

The Medallion Award is CHCI’s highest accolade and one of the most prestigious honors in the Latino community awarded to positive role models whose extraordinary careers, civic leadership, and service contribute to the greater American society.

“Giving of ourselves in service to others, breaking barriers, and making a difference in society, are aspirations we each should strive toward. Sister Norma has brought light and hope to hundreds of thousands of migrants who come to our country with dreams of a better life, while Cesar Millan and The Kid Mero have shown firsthand what it takes to overcome obstacles to be recognized as leaders in their respective fields and in modern pop culture,” said CHCI Chair, Rep. Adriano Espaillat. “We are beyond proud to celebrate these three Latino leaders from diverse backgrounds for their humanitarian efforts, achievements, and contributions they make to our community during the 46th Annual Awards Gala.”

“Our 2023 Medallion Award honorees are exemplary leaders who have left a lasting impact not just on the Latino community, but also on the nation and world,” said Marco A. Davis, CHCI President and CEO. “All three of these honorees are true icons who have paved the way for the next generation of Latino leaders, and we are grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge their contributions and unwavering support to the Latino community.”

The 2023 CHCI American Dream Medallion in Education, Science, Medicine, or Civil Rights will be awarded to Sister Norma Pimentel.

Norma Pimentel, a Sister with the Missionaries of Jesus is the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Named to TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020, Sister Pimentel has devoted more than three decades to supporting migrants seeking refuge in the United States. Born in Brownsville, Texas to parents from Matamoros and Chiapas, Mexico, she has led humanitarian campaigns on the US-Mexico border, welcoming migrants to the United States and providing comfort and resources to those seeking freedom and independence. Sister Pimentel’s selfless work has brought her international attention with Pope Francis highlighting her work and compassion at the border during a 2015 papal broadcast, earning her the unofficial title of “Pope Francis’s favorite nun.” She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Pan American University, a Master’s degree in Theology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.

The 2023 CHCI Medallion of Excellence in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, Music, and Sports will be awarded to Cesar Millan.

Born in Culiacán, Mexico, Cesar Millan became a household name, following his long standing show “Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan.” With more than 25 years of experience and with his new TV show, “Better Human, Better Dog,” Cesar Millan is a 3x Emmy-nominated, internationally acclaimed star of several hit TV series broadcast and streamed in over 120 countries. A New York Times #1 best-selling author and accomplished global public speaker, Millan is also an entrepreneur with an innovative product line including his widely popular and exclusive training courses under his Training Cesar’s Way brand. Millan is one of the most sought-after authorities in the field of dog behavior and rehabilitation. He is the only world-renowned celebrity dog behaviorist and has taken it to another level with his mission through the Cesar Millan Foundation for better humans, better planet. Millan is committed to spreading his message of calm, confidence, love, and joy in everything we do. For Millan, life should only be natural, simple, and profound, which is what you will find at his ever growing 43-acre paradise, the Dog Psychology Center in Santa Clarita. By understanding animals and nature, he has enabled himself to see humanity and understand all of its facets and complications. He’s learned so much about man by studying our best friend.

The 2023 CHCI Chair’s Award will be awarded to Joel Armogasto Martinez, The Kid Mero.

Joel Armogasto Martinez, professionally known as the Kid Mero is a Dominican-American comedian, writer, and producer from the Bronx who launched his career on Twitter. Mero previously co-hosted Showtime’s WGA award-winning late-night talk show DESUS & MERO for four seasons. He also co-wrote the New York Times bestselling life advice book God-Level Knowledge Darts: Life Lessons from the Bronx, which was released by Random House in September 2020. Elsewhere in television, Mero has lent his voice to Comedy Central’s CRANK YANKERS, ABC’s BLACK-ISH, Netflix’s NEO YOKIO, and Disney’s STAR VS. THE FORCES OF EVIL. On the film side, Mero starred in Netflix’s VAMPIRES VS. THE BRONX. He currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and four kids.

###