The fourth annual HONOR (Honrando Orgullosamente Nuestras Obras y Raíces) Latino Awards proudly recognizes the achievements of community leaders and trailblazers who have made outstanding civic contributions to the Las Vegas Community. A community panel chose the award winners.
2025 HONOR Latino Award Recipients:
Emerging Leader Award: Esmeralda Villeda
A first-generation Mexican American raised in North Las Vegas, Esmeralda Villeda is committed to expanding access to higher education and economic opportunities. The first in her family to graduate from high school, she has demonstrated leadership as president of Rancho High School’s Hispanic Student Union and as co-founder of United for Future Students at UNLV. She continues to advance community empowerment through a mission-centered approach to real estate, education advocacy and family stability.
Advancing Arts and Culture Award: Ixela Gutiérrez
Ixela Gutiérrez is a dancer, choreographer and cultural ambassador with over four decades of experience in the performing arts. Trained in Mexico City under instructors from the National Institute of Fine Arts and Ballet Folklórico de México, she is the founder and director of the dance company México Vivo. Gutiérrez has worked extensively in arts production and has collaborated with the Latin Grammy Awards since 2009, including as choreographer for singers Lila Downs and Pedro Fernández.
Business and Economic Advancement Award: José Gutiérrez
José Gutiérrez is the founder of Tortillas Incorporated (originally known as Los Arcos Tortillas) and a Las Vegas entrepreneur whose career reflects resilience and family-driven success. After immigrating from Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1961, he built his culinary career in California before relocating to Las Vegas in the 1970s. Despite early setbacks, his family business has grown into a thriving Nevada-based manufacturer with more than 45 years of operation.
Advancing Equity In Health Care Award: Margarita Romano
Margarita Romano is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Fuente de Vida Mental Health Services, which she established in 2021 to increase access to affordable, bilingual mental health care in Las Vegas. What began as a solo practice has grown into a team of 22 therapists serving clients of all ages. Romano also partners with local organizations to deliver community-based mental health programs, with a focus on supporting the Latino community.
Spiritual Community Trailblazer Award: Rev. José Manuel Quintero
The Rev. José Manuel Quintero is a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Las Vegas with more than four decades of pastoral service. Born in Sonora, Mexico, he completed his seminary and theology studies in Mexico and Ohio. Since 2015, he has served at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer, where he celebrates Spanish-language mass and ministers to a diverse, international community.
Educating Our Community Trailblazer Award: Hellen Quan-Lopez
Hellen Quan-Lopez is the executive director of academic services for the University of Nevada Reno (UNR), leading initiatives to expand college access and readiness across Southern Nevada. With more than 24 years of experience in higher education, she has served in leadership and counseling roles at UNR, UNLV and Fulfillment Fund Las Vegas. Born in Guatemala and arriving in the United States at age 9, she is dedicated to removing barriers to higher education for underrepresented students and families.
Outstanding Leadership Trailblazer Award: Irma Varela
Irma Varela is a cultural advocate and cultural program supervisor at Clark County’s Winchester-Dondero Cultural Center. Since moving to Las Vegas in 1989, she has played a key role in strengthening the region’s cultural landscape through arts advocacy and community engagement. She is the founder of the annual Life in Death Festival, which marked its 24th anniversary in 2025.