Arturo Vargas Receives 2025 NALEO President’s Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2025

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Media Team, media@naleo.org

2025 NALEO President's Award

NALEO Educational Fund received this recognition during the

NALEO 42 ^nd Annual Conference taking place July 22-24, 2025, in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA. - The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) announced Arturo Vargas, the organization's immediate past CEO, as the recipient of the 2025 NALEO President's Award. The award was presented today at the NALEO 42^ndAnnual Conference, which is taking place July 22-24, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more than three decades, Arturo spearheaded the missions of NALEO and NALEO Educational Fund, working tirelessly to strengthen American democracy by promoting the full participation of Latinos in civic life. Arturo stepped down as CEO this past March and continues to serve as Senior Advisor for NALEO Educational Fund.

"Arturo Vargas has been a transformative leader with unwavering dedication over the past 30 years with NALEO and NALEO Educational Fund. His vision, integrity, and tireless commitment to civic engagement and leadership development have left an indelible mark on the organizations as well as on American democracy itself. We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary service and enduring legacy," said NALEO President Claudia M. Frometa.

"I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 NALEO President's Award and to be recognized alongside other dedicated leaders who have worked relentlessly for our community," said NALEO Educational Fund Senior Advisor and 2025 NALEO President's Award Recipient Arturo Vargas. "Throughout my career, I have witnessed the incredible strength and resilience of the Latino community, and it has been a privilege to help amplify our voices and expand opportunities for civic participation. While we have made significant progress, there is much more to be done. Today, more than ever, we must continue to build on this foundation, empowering future generations and ensuring that Latino leadership remains a vital force in shaping our nation's next chapter. This award is not just a recognition of the past but a call to continue moving our mission forward."

Established in 1997, the NALEO President's Award is presented every year during the NALEO Annual Conference to recognize individuals and institutions whose work and contributions have strengthened and advanced the impact of NALEO and NALEO Educational Fund. Through their contributions, recipients of the NALEO President's Award inspire others and reflect on the transformative power of civic leadership.

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About NALEO
The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials is the non-partisan leadership organization of the nation's more than 7,000 Latino elected and appointed officials.