The Association of Mexicans inNorth Carolina, Inc. (AMEXCAN), in coordination with the María Peralta PérezFoundation, held the 7th Binational Community Leadership Awards Ceremony, anevent that reaffirms the organization’s commitment to promoting, highlighting,and strengthening leadership efforts that support migrant communities in bothMexico and the United States.
As part of AMEXCAN’s 24thanniversary, the ceremony took place at Casa del Campesino in Agua Dulce,Papantla, and brought together community leaders, social representatives, andfamily members of the honorees, who have stood out for their professional trajectories,social impact, and commitment to community causes.
The event was held within theframework of Migrant Month, an initiative commemorated annually by AMEXCAN fromDecember 15 to January 15. During this period, the organization promotesreflection, recognition, and visibility of the contributions made by migrantcommunities. As part of the ceremony, AMEXCAN and AMEXCAN Mexico also presentedtheir work and achievements from 2025, highlighting progress in communityprograms, binational engagement, and comprehensive support for migrantpopulations. Additionally, the María Peralta Community Center was introduced, aproject that will be located in the same community and inaugurated during thefirst half of 2026. This center will serve as a key space for communitydevelopment, social services, and the strengthening of the social fabric.
During the ceremony, fiveindividuals were recognized for their significant contributions in variousareas of social work.
Dr. Daniel Bello López was honoredfor his leadership in institutional and educational collaboration, contributingto the creation of partnerships that strengthen community-impact educationalprocesses.
Nurse Carmen Marín Martínez wasrecognized for her leadership in direct service and support for migrantcommunities, particularly in the field of health.
Architect Blanca Lilia ArrietaPardo was acknowledged for her work in community initiatives aimed at improvingthe living conditions of migrant populations from a social and human-centeredperspective.
Attorney Lucía Moncayo Hernándezwas honored for her leadership in political advocacy and the defense of migrantcommunity rights.
Dr. Sandra Luz Hernández Mar wasrecognized for her outstanding research on migration issues, providing keyknowledge to better understand the processes and challenges faced bycommunities in contexts of mobility.
AMEXCAN emphasized that each ofthese leaders embodies the values the organization has promoted since itsfounding, including solidarity, social commitment, community work, andbinational collaboration. The organization also highlighted that working alongsideindividuals such as the honorees strengthens AMEXCAN’s mission to build bridgesbetween communities, institutions, and territories, promoting a more dignified,informed migration experience grounded in a human rights framework.
The ceremony also featured acultural presentation by the Folkloric Ballet of José María CarmonaTelesecundaria School, highlighting the importance of art and culture as toolsfor identity, social cohesion, and community strengthening values that AMEXCANconsistently promotes in its binational efforts.
“The presentation of these awardsnot only celebrates individual trajectories but also highlights the collectiveimpact of community work and the importance of continuing to weave binationalnetworks that respond to the real needs of our communities,” stated JuvencioRocha Peralta, founder and advisor of AMEXCAN.
Through this event, AMEXCANreaffirms its commitment to continuing to promote initiatives that recognizeand strengthen social leadership, convinced that collaborative efforts amongcivil society, academia, the health sector, and community actors are essentialfor the development and social justice of migrant populations.
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