Fresno leader honored with prestigious Latino Spirit Award in Sacramento
Fresno community leader Margarita Rocha was honored Monday afternoon in Sacramento with the Latino Spirit Award for achievement in public service.
“I’m humbled and honored to have received this recognition and be included in a group of such inspiring and like-minded honorees,” said Rocha. “Their stories of resilience and perseverance invite all of us to continue fighting on behalf of those in need and reinforces my focus to serve our community.”
Rocha, the executive director of the Fresno County nonprofit Centro La Familia Advocacy Services, was one of the eleven Latino trailblazers recognized during the California Latino Legislative Caucus’ 23rd annual Latino Spirit Awards in Sacramento.
“At times like these, it is more important than ever to lift up the stories of those who embody excellence, resilience, and the vibrant spirit of our communities,” said state Sen. Lena Gonzalez, D-Long Beach, and the Latino Caucus chair. “Our honorees inspire us all and reaffirm the powerful role Latinos play in shaping California’s future.”
Rocha, 83, has overseen Centro La Familia for more than 35 years. The nonprofit provides multiple resources for Hispanic and Latino families in Fresno County, reaching thousands of families in urban and rural communities.
At the nonprofit, Rocha developed programs to support victims of crime, strengthen families, and promote health and well-being for families and children.
Born in Blythe and raised in west Fresno down the street from where the nonprofit is located, Rocha’s career in public service began in Fresno as a community organizer in the 1960s.
She worked in Washington, DC and Cleveland, Ohio as an equal rights specialist for the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare before she returned to Fresno.
Established in 2002, the Latino Spirit Awards take place annually in Sacramento to coincide with the state’s celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The award aims to recognize community leaders in fields such as technology, journalism & media, literature, health & science, advocacy, business, education and human rights within the Latino community.
The 2025 Latino Spirit Awards honorees include:
- Luis Armona (principal owner or Meruelo Enterprises) — Achievement in Business
- Xavier Becerra (Former HHS Secretary, California Attorney General and U.S. representative) — Achievement in Public Service
- Raffy Bitchakdjian (president of Pasadena Fire Fighters Association) — Achievement in Public Service
- Marcela Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (founder of Azul) — Achievement in Environmental Justice
- Jesús Morales (social media philanthropist) — Achievement in Philanthropy
- Luisa Ortega (executive director of Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project) — Achievement in Community Empowerment
- Dr. René M. Ramírez (Surgeon, fellow of the American College of Surgeons) — Achievement in Health and Science
- Angélica Salas (executive director of Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of L.A.) — Achievement in Human Rights
- Angélica Vale (entertainer) — Achievement in Arts and Entertainment
- La Peña Cultural Center — Achievement in the Arts
