NewsLETTER: OCTOBER 2023

Posted on by Marcos Olazabal

Recap of the Building the Beloved Community Gala 2023

We’re thrilled to share the highlights from our spectacular annual Building the Beloved Community Gala, which took place last Saturday, October 14, 2023. This event was a remarkable success, and it wouldn’t have been possible without your support.

An Unforgettable Evening: The gala was a night to remember, with attendees coming together to raise crucial funds for 43 programs and services that positively impact over 20,000 individuals and families across our region.

The Gala in a Glance:

  • Musical Magic: Banda Vagos set the stage on fire with their electrifying live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere that had everyone on their feet.
  • Networking and Connections: The reception was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to connect, share stories, and strengthen the bonds that make our community special.
  • Speakers & Presenters: Aneelah Afzali, Maria Casarez, Enrique Cerna, Pablo Cohen, Juan Flores, Veronica Gallardo, Fred Granados, Elisa Jimenez, Anika Lehde, Claudia Lendo, Daniela Lizarraga, Miguel Maestas, Jesus Mendoza, Mimi Santos and Estela Ortega.
  • Bidding Wars: Our silent and live auctions provided an exciting experience for all, with one-of-a-kind items and experiences up for grabs, all for a great cause.
  • Culinary Excellence: The three-course meal was a culinary delight, pleasing the palates of all who attended.
  • Honoring Remarkable Contributions: A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Roberto Maestas Legacy Awards, Roxana Norouzi, Executive Director of OneAmerica and Keith Tucker, Founder and Executive Director of Hip Hop is Gree, individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our beloved community.
  • 2023 Roberto Felipe Maestas Scholarship Recipients: We take great pride in recognizing the diligent efforts and unwavering dedication of 20 promising scholars who attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Federal Way and are part of our Hope for Youth and ELEVAR Case Management Programs: Angel Sanchez, Astrid Mejia, Celeste Guzman, Claudia Lendo, Crystal Morales, Edwin Hernandez, Erandy Loes Ramirez, Israel Vasquez, Jasmine Venegas, Jany Aguilar Ramirez, Joel Jesus Quinones, Kathia Toro, Keila Gaspar, Luz Seleni Chaves, Mariana Leos-Bravo, Mayra Aguirre, Nicolas Nava, Oscar Perez, Reyny Gonzalez and Valeria Perez-Cruz.
  • Mil gracias to our El Centro de la Raza team, as well as William Wright Photography.

Your Invaluable Support: We want to express our deepest gratitude to all the attendees, donors, volunteers, and sponsors who made this gala a tremendous success. Your support enables us to continue our mission of building a beloved community that benefits thousands of lives.

Stay Connected: We look forward to keeping you updated on the impact of your contributions and the progress we make throughout the year.

Thank you for being a part of this memorable night and for your unwavering commitment to our cause. Together, we are making a real difference in our community.

Warm regards,

El Centro de la Raza

El Centro de la Raza Program Table.
Banda Vagos Performed.
Guests Arriving to Seattle Convention Center | Summit Building.
KEXP Nonprofit Arts Organization and Radio Station Team
El Centro de la Raza’s Maria D. Miranda with guests.
Seattle City Council Member Teresa Mosqueda and guest.
Albina Cabrera – Latin Partnerships & Editorial Manager at KEXP, Host of El Sonido Radio.
Executive Director, Estela Ortega with Pedro M.
Estela Ortega with Maria D. Miranda and guest.
Estela Ortega with Banda Vagos Member
Latinos at Amazon Donation Presentation.
Latinos at Amazon Donation Presentation.
Executive Director, Estela Ortega with Albina Cabrera of KEXP.
Estela Ortega with Bill Ramos, State Representive 5th Legislative District.
Council Member Teresa Mosqueda and Estela Ortega
Estela Ortega visits the Si Se Puede Academy program table with GED Instructor, Nito Flores.
Fred Granados with Daniela Lizarraga, Nito Flores, Jesus G Mendoza of El Centro de la Raza.
Estela Ortega greets KEXP CEO, Ethan Raup. William Wright Photography.
Albina Cabrera, Estela Ortega, Ethan Raup
Viva Banda Vagos’ electrifying set.
Estela Ortega greets Aneelah Afzali
Estela Ortega and Aneelah Afzali
Founder / Executive Director of Hip Hop is Green, Keith Tucker and Executive Director of El Centro de la Raza, Estela Ortega.
Guest enter the grand ballroom.
Excutive Director of OneAmerica, Roxana Norouzi and Executive Director of El Centro de la Raza, Estela Ortega.
Land Acknowledgement by John Daniels Maestas and Adriana Daniels Maestas.
Land Acknowledgement by John Daniels Maestas and Adriana Daniels Maestas.
Fred Granados and Veronica Gallardo.
Veronica Gallardo, El Centro de la Raza Facilities Manager
Mimi Santos, Roberto Maestas After School Program Coordinator.
Maria Casarez, Hope for Youth Cordinator. William Wright Photography.
Roberto Felipe Maestas Scholarship Recipients 2023.
Roberto Felipe Maestas Scholarship Recipients 2023.
Roberto Felipe Maestas Legacy Award Winners, Roxana Norouzi 2023 and Aneelah Afzali 2022.
Roberto Felipe Maestas Legacy Award Winners, Roxana Norouzi 2023 and Aneelah Afzali 2022.
Roxana Norouzi Accepting 2023 Roberto Felipe Maestas Legacy Award.
Estela Ortega and Roxana Norouzi.
Anika Lehde.
Keith Tucker Accepting 2023 Roberto Felipe Maestas Legacy Award.
Estela Ortega and Keith Tucker.
Founder | Executive Director, Keith Tucker and Estela Ortega.
Enrique Cerna and Estela Ortega.
BDS Planning & Urban Design Inc Team.
Southeast Seattle Education Coalition: Executive Director Liz Huizar and Family with Estela Ortega

¡Mil Gracias to our Volunteers!


We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated volunteers from Starbucks, Microsoft, Seattle University, and the University of Washington. Your unwavering commitment to our cause is nothing short of inspiring. We look forward to continued collaboration and the positive change we can create together. Thank you for being the driving force behind our mission.

¡Mil Gracias to our Sponsors!