Inaugural Sacramento Hispanic Economic Impact Awards
Built with Us. Stronger for Everyone.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, join us for the Capital Region's signature celebration of Hispanic economic leadership and impact.
The inaugural Sacramento Hispanic Economic Impact Awards will recognize the businesses, leaders, programs and partnerships driving economic growth, expanding opportunity and helping shape the future of the Greater Sacramento region.
Developed as an extension of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Hispanic Economic Agenda and informed by the findings of the State of Hispanics and Hispanic Economic Report, this new signature event places Hispanic economic contributions at the center of our region's growth conversation.
Join business, education, civic and community leaders as we celebrate measurable impact, elevate effective models of leadership and strengthen our shared commitment to long-term regional prosperity.
Event Details
Friday, September 18, 2026
Location: Harper Alumni Center | Sacramento State
9:00 a.m – 10 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast
10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m. Awards Program
Tickets
Chamber Members: $85 — Open Seating
Non-Members: $100
Seating: Open seating; early arrival is encouraged.
Special Group Rate offered through Friday, Sept. 11th: Group of 10 tickets for $900.
Featured Keynote Speaker
Ana Valdez
President and CEO, Latino Donor Collaborative
Ana Valdez is an internationally recognized marketing, media, research and political expert with 30 years of experience across the business, government and nonprofit sectors.
As President and CEO of the Latino Donor Collaborative, she leads efforts to produce and elevate research demonstrating the economic contributions and growth of U.S. Latinos. Her career has included work with Nielsen, Banamex/Citibank, the United Nations and the Clinton Administration, as well as collaboration with leading global corporations.
Recently named to the 2026 Forbes 50 Over 50 list, Valdez will bring a timely national perspective on the economic influence of the Latino community and what its continued growth means for businesses, institutions and regions such as Greater Sacramento.
Honorary Chair
Lilia Alejandra Contreras Ramirez
Lilia Alejandra Contreras Ramirez serves as Sacramento State’s Hispanic-Serving Institution Director and is a dedicated advocate for educational equity.
A first-generation and nontraditional college graduate, she draws upon her personal journey and higher education experience to advance student belonging, degree completion, and career opportunities.
Her leadership is focused on building more inclusive systems in which historically underserved students can thrive.
Meet the Inaugural Award Recipients
The Sacramento Hispanic Economic Impact Awards recognize businesses, leaders, initiatives and partnerships creating measurable progress and expanding economic opportunity throughout our region.
We are proud to introduce the inaugural recipients whose leadership and impact demonstrate that when our region builds with the Hispanic community, everyone becomes stronger.
Economic Fuerza Award
Franklin Blvd Business District
Recognized for more than a decade of community leadership, partnership, and investment to transform Franklin Boulevard into a safer, more welcoming, and economically vibrant corridor. Its work demonstrates how sustained collaboration can strengthen businesses, neighborhoods, and long-term economic opportunity.
Líder of Progress Award
Amy Schulz, Executive Dean, Workforce and Strategic Initiatives, Sierra College
Recognized for her leadership in building partnerships among education, employers, and regional organizations to develop workforce programs aligned with emerging industry needs. Her work is expanding equitable access to training and pathways to high-quality, rewarding careers.
Puente de Opportunity Award
Health Education Council
Recognized for creating culturally responsive programs that connect underserved communities with workforce development, financial education, and pathways to sustainable careers. Through partnership and community-centered service, the Health Education Council is helping individuals and families build greater economic stability.
Economic Impulso Award
SMUD
Recognized for its sustained investment in local businesses, workforce development, community partnerships, and an equitable transition to a clean-energy future. Through its programs and economic-development initiatives, SMUD continues to create opportunities that strengthen businesses and communities throughout the Sacramento region.
Partner with us
Join the business, education and community leaders supporting the inaugural Sacramento Hispanic Economic Impact Awards.
Sponsorship provides an opportunity to align your organization with Hispanic economic leadership, regional prosperity and one of the Capital Region's signature Hispanic Heritage Month events.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available.
For sponsorship information, contact Juan Novello at juan@sachcc.org or 916.486.7700.
Award Categories
EVENT SPONSORS
Hosted in partnership with Sacramento State
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Community
T-Mobile
WSPA
Wells Fargo
Contact
Juan Novello
Juan@sachcc.org / 916.486.7700
for sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.