On November 12th, I had the honor of representing the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) at the ALVA DC Awards Reception, an inspiring gathering that highlighted the achievements of Latino and Hispanic leaders who continue to uplift our communities through service, innovation, and advocacy.
The event, hosted in partnership with the ALPFA – Washington, DC Chapter, brought together veterans, community advocates, educators, and public servants who share a deep commitment to empowering the next generation. It was more than an awards ceremony—it was a celebration of identity, resilience, and the spirit of service that connects us all.
This year’s honorees included an extraordinary group of leaders:
Justin Vélez-Hagan, Marie J. Robles, Jeyben Castro, Eduardo Reyes Chávez, Esq., Roy Love, James Albino, Dr. Valery Maya, and Danny Vargas.
Each of them has made a significant impact in fields ranging from military and veteran support to public policy, business, and community development. Hearing their stories reminded me why representation matters—and why Latino leadership continues to be a powerful force in shaping our region.
As a Latina veteran and a DVS representative, attending this event was both meaningful and motivating. It reinforced the importance of bridging community, culture, and service, especially for the veterans and families who rely on us every day. Being surrounded by leaders who carry both heritage and purpose with pride felt like coming home.
Congratulations to all the honorees, and thank you to ALVA DC and ALPFA for creating space to honor excellence in our community. Events like this keep our mission alive: to serve, empower, and uplift veterans and those who stand beside them.
🔗 Learn more or register for upcoming events:
https://www.eventbrite.com/…/2025-alva-dc-expoawards…
Until next time, take care and keep shining! 👋🏽✌🏽🐝✨
This blog has been made for educational purposes. I used ChatGPT by OpenAI to assist with the development.
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