Awards synthesize our professional achievements in a symbolic way. In a strongly competitive culture like that of the United States, awards are an important encouragement, motivation, and honor bestowed for effort and a job well done. Some awards are losing prestige as they are devalued for diverse reasons: political leanings, loss of influence, undeserving award-winners, scandals, etc. Even so, some awards conserve their original function of rewarding hard work and excellence.
In this country we have various noteworthy Latino awards. One of these is the Spirit Awards. This award in particular recognizes those individuals that embody the over all spirit of the Hispanic community as well as its values and methods for reaching success and professional excellence. Winners of this prestigious award count increasing the understanding and acceptance of Latino values, cultures and diverse traditions through leadership and service among their achievements, in many cases having overcome great obstacles in their careers, to do so. The fight to overcome these obstacles changes them and creates better professionals and human beings at the same time, making these dedicated Hispanics into authentic leaders in their communities and professions.

The California Latino Legislative Caucus created the Spirit Awards in 2001 with the goal of celebrating and publicly recognizing the contributions of Hispanic Americans in American popular culture as well as to motivate the young people of California with real examples of success. In the 9th annual edition of these awards, the organizers have awarded Leslie Sánchez, an author and political analyst with this honor. She received the award in a special ceremony in the California Legislature this past 3rd of May. Senator Gilbert Cedillo ((D-Los Ángeles), president of the Latino Caucus and assembly member Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), vice-president, hosted the event.
Leslie Sánchez received recognition for her achievement in the media. During the ceremony the Honorable Rosa “Rosie” Gumataotao Ríos, Treasurer of the United States; Dr. Aliza A. Lifshitz, Editor in Chief of VidaySalud™; and the Honorable Frederick Aguirre of the Superior Court of California were also honored.
About Leslie, senator Cedillo comments: «Leslie Sanchez has shown tremendous leadership and a continued commitment to the Latino Community. Her remarkable accomplishments have been an inspiration and a true celebration of the Latino experience. She has become a role model for all Latinos and it is our honor to acknowledge her achievements with 2010 Latino Spirit Award».
In earlier editions, other noteworthy and deserving Latinos have also won this award, such as the musician Carlos Santana; boxer and philanthropist Oscar de la Hoya; activist Rigoberta Menchu-Tum; producer Moctesuma Esparza; the actor Andy García; and NASA astronaut Ellen Ochoa.
Awards like the Spirit Awards inspire everyday people to conquer new challenges and achieve extraordinary things. And this, in and of itself, is the best award of all.