Within the framework of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Los Angeles, California, the identity, memory, and strength of the migrant community were on full display at the Zaragoza Awards 2026, a recognition that honors trajectories marked by resilience, service, and commitment to Mexico beyond its borders.
Among those honored was ALMA (Alliance of Mexicans and Americans), a binational organization recognized for its work in building a “dignified, positive, and strategic narrative about the Mexican and Mexican-American community.”
From the stage, the message resonated clearly: “Our community is not absent or vulnerable, but an active force of economic, social, cultural, and family development for both countries.”
The award was received by Manuel Ortiz Escámez, co-founder of ALMA alongside Diana Alarcón and Mariana Flores, who spoke from shared experience: “I am moved by each and every one of the stories. In our case, we are an organization,” Ortiz said, before recalling his own ties to Puebla. “I was born in Mexico City, but I spent part of my childhood in Puebla, in Cholula… so with great affection I also have a part of me that’s Poblano.”
ALMA, he explained, was born as a meeting point. “We believe that indeed there is already a great deal of work being done and that what was missing was a component… and that component is to generate alliances among each of the initiatives that you all have,” Ortiz continued, emphasizing the need to connect community efforts that for years have advanced in isolation.
The organization has promoted initiatives such as MindSurf, focused on the emotional well-being of migrants, integrating communication, technology, and community support as tools to strengthen the social fabric.
At the same ceremony, Senator Liz Sánchez was also honored with the Zaragoza Awards 2026, a recognition granted by Pedro Ramos and the organization Unidos por Puebla in honor of the Battle of Puebla and the legacy of General Ignacio Zaragoza.
During her remarks, the legislator noted that the award symbolizes the struggle, dignity, and resilience of the Mexican people, values that are also reflected in migrant communities. She also emphasized that this recognition represents Mexicans living abroad, who continue contributing to the country’s development and supporting their families despite the distance.
Sánchez emphasized that the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla remains a symbol of identity, pride, and strength for those living in Mexico as well as those residing outside the country.
As part of her agenda, Sánchez met with members of the migrant community to learn about their needs and she reaffirmed her commitment to promoting actions that strengthen their well-being and maintain their ties to Mexico. During her visit, Sánchez also visited Mi Casa es Puebla, where she spoke with people from Puebla who receive attention and support from the state government.
The evening also left room for reflection, as ALMA recalled that moments like Cinco de Mayo emerge from contexts of resistance.
“It has already been noted… how the celebration of May 5 also arises in moments of obscurantism… and we are in those moments now.”
In that context, the call was direct: “What do we need? To join hands, to dialogue, for the work of each and every one of you to come together, because that is how we will truly become strong.”
