Award Recipients & Host
Lifetime Achievement Award
Edward James Olmos
Edward James Olmos is a Mexican American actor, director, producer, and activist known for his gruff voice and distinctive features and for his crafting of complex Latino characters in film, television, and theater. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as mathematics teacher Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver (1988). He is also known for his political activism and humanitarian work.
A longtime activist, Olmos lent a considerable amount of his time and energy to his community in Los Angeles following the acquittal of several white police officers on charges connected with the severe beating of Rodney King, a Black motorist. Olmos worked on the Rebuild L.A. committee and received an award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for his work promoting racial unity. Olmos also worked with gang prevention programs and organizations serving children who have been abused or who have disabilities.
Conference Speakers
Entertainment
Lupita Infante
With an elegant and graceful style reminiscent of Mexico’s classic mariachi crooners, recording artist Lupita Infante brings a sensual and soothing vocal contrast to the bold sounds of regional Mexican music. Infante’s GRAMMY nominated debut album, “La Serenata”, is proof that she is a star on the rise not only for her talent but for her perseverance. Although heir to the Infante Mexican music and film dynasty, Lupita has worked diligently amidst hardship for her current successes.
Location
The Mayflower Hotel
A luxury icon in Washington, DC, for nearly a century, The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection is a destination unlike any other. Immerse in the monuments and museums of the National Mall, one of the many sites near our historic hotel. Deftly combining historic grandeur and modern sophistication, our boutique hotel has long been a favorite of celebrities and dignitaries—and we invite you to add your name to our story. With an architecturally stunning lobby and exquisitely appointed rooms and suites, everything at our hotel on Connecticut Ave NW is crafted with unerring attention to detail. Rooms and suites juxtapose natural hues with vibrant tones and include marble bathrooms.