Hermandad Mexicana Nacional welcomed community leaders, elected officials, artists, and activists to the 2025 Bert Corona Awards Gala. The event, held on September 26, was more than a ceremony; it was a tribute to one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the 20th century, Bert Corona, whose fight for justice continues to inspire generations.
The evening began with a red carpet welcoming entrance framed by skulls crafted in paper mache by renowned artist Ricardo Soltero, setting the stage for a night that blended tradition, art, and community who walked into the Red carpet.
A heartfelt introduction by Ernesto Corona, son of the legendary civil and immigrant rights leader, opened the ceremony. He welcomed the audience and introduced Dayanise Lopez Reyes, television news reporter, who guided the program as master of ceremonies.
Before the awards were presented, several clients of Hermandad Mexicana took the stage to share moving testimonies about the organization's impact on their lives, stories of support, empowerment, and the life-changing difference of community solidarity.
The gala honored three remarkable figures whose paths, though distinct, converged in their shared commitment to courage, equity, and empowerment.
Romi de Frias received the Bert Corona Community Award from José Felipe Casillas, USC graduate and Director of Operations of Hermandad Mexicana Nacional. As he handed her the recognition, Casillas remarked: “Por su compromiso a nuestra comunidad y su gran labor hoy le reconocemos con el Bert Corona Community Award.” Deeply moved, Romi responded: “Estoy muy agradecida a todos los que pensaron en mí para darme este reconocimiento.”
The evening continued with humor and heart as Lalo Alcaraz, the award-winning nationally syndicated editorial cartoonist and creator of the daily comic strip La Cucaracha, presented the Bert Corona Estrella Award to actor Xolo Maridueña. Known for his breakout roles in Cobra Kai and Blue Beetle, Maridueña was celebrated for bringing Latino representation to the big screen in bold, inspiring ways.
Closing the honors, Congressman Adam Schiff presented the Bert Corona Legacy Award to retired Senator Richard G. Polanco. Reflecting on their years in the legislature, Schiff shared: "I have many stories of when we legislated together, but I'll tell you this, I learned so much from this pioneer, this builder, this champion for those who had no voice in a house of power. In 1997 there were only seven Latino members in the Assembly, by the time he retired in 2002, there were twenty-four. Polanco, deeply honored, accepted the award with deep humility, acknowledging the honor among distinguished guests: "I am so honored to be among people who make a difference and continue to represent the aspirations of Latinos and Latinas. For all you do thank you." His words closed the ceremony with a powerful sense of legacy and continuity.
Angelina Corona, wife of the late labor and civil rights leader Bert Corona and Chief Executive Officer, closed the ceremony with heartfelt words, emphasizing the importance of continuing Bert's legacy of advocacy and service. She highlighted how his lifelong dedication to empowering the Latino community serves as an enduring inspiration, urging everyone present to carry forward his mission of fighting for justice, equality, and opportunities for future generations. Her remarks were both a tribute to Bert's remarkable life and a call to action to uphold his values through continued commitment and leadership.
Music became the soul of the night when Las Chorizeras delivered a special performance that filled the hall with bold rhythms, laughter, and joy. Their energy underscored the spirit of resilience that has long defined the Mexican-American community and added a cultural heartbeat to the evening's celebrations.
Romi de Frías
has built a career marked by the conviction that journalism must serve the community. As a journalist, she has reported on critical issues and dedicated herself to telling the stories of immigrant families, essential workers, young people seeking educational opportunities, and neighbors who struggle daily to get ahead and inspire. Her work reflects a clear vision: that equity begins with recognizing the dignity and value of each individual story.
has built a career marked by the conviction that journalism must serve the community. As a journalist, she has reported on critical issues and dedicated herself to telling the stories of immigrant families, essential workers, young people seeking educational opportunities, and neighbors who struggle daily to get ahead and inspire. Her work reflects a clear vision: that equity begins with recognizing the dignity and value of each individual story.
Xolo Maridueña
At just 24, Xolo Maridueña has become one of Hollywood's most promising young actors. Known for his role in Cobra Kai and his groundbreaking performance as Jaime Reyes in Blue Beetle, DC's first Latino superhero film, Maridueña represents a new era of visibility for Mexican-American talent in the entertainment industry. His work embodies the importance of representation, challenging stereotypes and opening doors for future generations of Latino artists.
At just 24, Xolo Maridueña has become one of Hollywood's most promising young actors. Known for his role in Cobra Kai and his groundbreaking performance as Jaime Reyes in Blue Beetle, DC's first Latino superhero film, Maridueña represents a new era of visibility for Mexican-American talent in the entertainment industry. His work embodies the importance of representation, challenging stereotypes and opening doors for future generations of Latino artists.
Senator Richard G. Polanco
Richard G. Polanco’s career in California politics spans decades of leadership and advocacy. As a State Senator and Assemblymember, he played a pivotal role in advancing immigrant rights, bilingual education, and community development. He is also credited with mentoring and inspiring a new generation of Latino leaders in government. His recognition at the gala reflects a lifetime devoted to policy, equity, and creating opportunities for underserved communities.
Richard G. Polanco’s career in California politics spans decades of leadership and advocacy. As a State Senator and Assemblymember, he played a pivotal role in advancing immigrant rights, bilingual education, and community development. He is also credited with mentoring and inspiring a new generation of Latino leaders in government. His recognition at the gala reflects a lifetime devoted to policy, equity, and creating opportunities for underserved communities.
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