Imagen Foundation to Honor Andy Garcia

Imagen Foundation to Honor Andy Garcia

Jul 9, 2026 | Culture and Influence, Entertainment

HL | Culture and Influence

Imagen Foundation to Honor Andy Garcia

The acclaimed actor, filmmaker, producer, and musician will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 41st Annual Imagen Awards, recognizing more than four decades of artistic excellence and a lasting commitment to authentic Latino storytelling.

Photos and article by
Richard Sandoval

Why This Matters

For more than four decades, the Imagen Foundation has celebrated authentic Latino representation in film, television, and, more recently, streaming media. At a time when conversations about representation continue to evolve, the Imagen Awards remain one of the few national entertainment awards dedicated to recognizing Latino excellence both in front of and behind the camera.

This year, the Foundation will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to acclaimed actor, filmmaker, producer, and musician Andy Garcia during the 41st Annual Imagen Awards, to be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the The Beverly Hilton.

For audiences who have followed Garcia’s career over the past four decades, the recognition honors not only an accomplished body of work, but also an artist whose integrity and commitment to authentic storytelling have inspired generations of filmmakers and performers.

A Career Defined by Excellence

From his Academy Award-nominated performance in The Godfather Part III to memorable roles across film and television, Garcia has built a career grounded in artistic excellence and cultural authenticity.

Most recently, Garcia premiered his latest feature film, Diamond, which he wrote, directed, and stars in, at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a nine-minute standing ovation. He also stars in the Paramount+ series Landman and continues developing projects through his production company, CineSon Productions.

Throughout his career, Garcia has earned Academy Award®, Golden Globe®, and Emmy® nominations while also receiving Grammy® and Latin Grammy® honors for his musical work. Just as significant has been his dedication to creating opportunities for authentic Latino stories and voices within the entertainment industry.

From the HL Archive

One of the advantages of covering our community for more than three decades is the opportunity to build lasting relationships with the people whose work shapes culture and inspires audiences.

Over the years, HL has had the privilege of interviewing Andy Garcia on multiple occasions, documenting not only his accomplishments as an actor and filmmaker, but also his reflections on storytelling, creativity, and the importance of authentic representation.

Those conversations continue to resonate today and provide additional perspective on the career being recognized by the Imagen Foundation.

WATCH HL’S CONVERSATION WITH ANDY GARCIA

Andy Garcia and Tony Plana share their thoughts on the arts being tought in schools

Antonio Banderas and Andy Garcia at the 2006 Imagen Awards

Recognition From the Imagen Foundation

Announcing the honor, Helen Hernandez, Founder and President of the Imagen Foundation, reflected on Garcia’s decades of artistic achievement and his commitment to advancing Latino representation in entertainment.

She noted that from hosting the fourth annual Imagen Awards in 1989 to his continued work today, Garcia has built an extraordinary career while inspiring generations of storytellers through both his work and his leadership.

Accepting the recognition, Garcia shared his thoughts on receiving the Imagen Foundation Achievement Award:

“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Imagen Foundation, an organization that has championed Latino talent and authentic representation for more than forty years. This award is especially meaningful because it celebrates not just my journey, but the many artists, mentors, and audiences who have been part of it and have inspired me. Our common Hispanic culture has many important and inspirational stories that can reflect the richness of who we are and our contributions to the world.”

Moments like these remind us why HL continues to create experiences that bring accomplished leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators together. While our events recognize achievement, they also create an environment where conversations can happen naturally where questions are welcomed, ideas are exchanged, and inspiration is often found in the most unexpected places.

As both a father and a storyteller, watching that exchange reaffirmed something I have believed for many years: some of life’s greatest lessons begin with a simple question.

Looking Ahead

The 41st Annual Imagen Awards will recognize more than 30 individuals and productions representing excellence in film, television, and streaming. For more than forty years, the Imagen Foundation has remained committed to encouraging authentic portrayals of Latinos while expanding opportunities for creative professionals throughout the entertainment industry.

The Foundation also enters an important chapter in its history. While Helen Hernandez continues to lead the organization and remains actively engaged in its mission, Director Esteban Melendez has assumed a growing leadership role as part of the Foundation’s long-term succession planning. The transition reflects a thoughtful commitment to preserving the Foundation’s legacy while preparing the next generation of leadership.

EDITOR NOTES 

One of the privileges of producing HL for more than three decades is witnessing careers that stand the test of time.

Andy Garcia’s career has never been defined simply by the roles he has played, but by the integrity he has brought to his craft and the example he has set for generations of artists who followed. His work reminds us that great storytelling begins with authenticity and that representation is strongest when stories are told with honesty, depth, and respect.

The Imagen Awards continue to recognize those values, making this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award a fitting tribute to one of entertainment’s most enduring voices.

At HL, we also recognize the organizations whose commitment makes these moments possible. For more than four decades, Helen Hernandez has guided the Imagen Foundation with purpose and vision. As Director Esteban Melendez assumes an expanded leadership role, the Foundation is thoughtfully preparing for its future while remaining grounded in the mission that has defined it since its beginning.

As HL continues documenting the people, organizations, and ideas shaping culture and influence, we look forward to celebrating this milestone and sharing more stories that inspire future generations.

Milestone | Judith Valles

Milestone | Judith Valles

Jul 7, 2026 | Culture and Influence, Milestone

HL | Milestone Series

Milestone | Judith Valles

For generations, Mayor Judith Valles represented the very best in public service. As an educator, trailblazer, and the first Hispanic elected Mayor of the City of San Bernardino, she dedicated her life to expanding opportunities for others while inspiring future leaders through her example.

Article/Commentary by
Richard Sandoval

Mayor Judith Valles
1933–2026
Educator • Mayor • Mentor • Trailblazer

er influence extended well beyond City Hall. She believed in education, invested in people, and demonstrated that leadership is rooted in character, service, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.

Those who knew her admired her accomplishments.

Those who met her remembered her presence.

A Leader Who Left an Impression

My first introduction to Judith Valles came long before Hispanic Lifestyle existed.

A newly made friend, Raven Workman Lopez, encouraged me to attend a political fundraiser for Esther Estrada, who was running for office in the City of San Bernardino.

She offered one simple piece of advice:

“Look for Mary Figueroa. She’s good people and she’ll take care of you.”

She was right.

That evening became one of the pivotal moments in my career.

Around that table I met people like Mary Figueroa, who would later become President of the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees, and Andres Soto, then President of the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. More importantly, I found myself surrounded by people who believed community leadership wasn’t simply a title—it was a responsibility.

Among them was Judith Valles.

At the time, she was already an accomplished educator and academic leader.

What I remember most wasn’t her title.

It was her presence.

She possessed a quiet confidence.

She spoke with clarity and purpose.

She carried herself with grace, dignity, and professionalism.

She didn’t need to command the room.

The room naturally listened.

Breaking Barriers

Born in 1933 in San Bernardino, California, to Mexican immigrant parents, Judith Valles believed deeply in the transformative power of education.

Her career began in the classroom before advancing into educational leadership, eventually becoming President of Golden West College, where she made history as the first Latina to lead a California community college.

In 1998, she again broke new ground when she was elected the first Hispanic Mayor of the City of San Bernardino.

Throughout two terms in office, she championed education, neighborhood revitalization, youth development, economic opportunity, and civic engagement.

Whether serving students or residents, she believed strong communities are built by investing in people.

Supporting a Vision

Years later, as Inland Empire Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine was beginning to take shape, I invited Judith to join an informal advisory board made up of community leaders whose judgment and experience I respected.

She graciously accepted.

When she was elected mayor, she stepped away from the advisory board to focus on serving the City of San Bernardino, but she remained supportive of our mission.

Looking back, I realize she was one of the earliest people who affirmed the vision behind Hispanic Lifestyle.

She helped me believe that the stories of community leaders deserved to be documented not because of who they were, but because of the difference they made.

She later became one of the earliest recipients of our Inland Empire Latina of Influence recognition and returned as a featured speaker during our inaugural Inland Empire Latina Conference.

 Judith Is My Homegirl

One story has stayed with me for decades.

During one of our advisory meetings, Judith mentioned that Stater Bros. Markets Chairman Jack H. Brown had Latino roots.

Some time later I had the opportunity to briefly meet Mr. Brown and shared what Judith had told me.

He smiled and simply replied:

“Judith is my homegirl.”
— Jack H. Brown, Chairman, Stater Bros. Markets

Those four words said everything.

They reflected the genuine respect and affection Judith Valles earned throughout her lifetime.

HL Archive

Mayor Judith Valles addresses attendees during HL’s inaugural Inland Empire Latina Conference in 1999. Long before HL became a statewide and national platform, she encouraged our mission to recognize, celebrate, and document leadership throughout our communities.

Her Legacy Lives On

Mayor Judith Valles passed away in 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of education, public service, and community leadership.

But perhaps her greatest legacy cannot be measured by elections won or titles held.

It lives in the students she encouraged.

The neighborhoods she served.

The leaders she mentored.

And in those of us who looked at her example and believed our communities deserved to have their stories preserved.

For me, Mayor Judith Valles was one of those people.

She helped shape the editorial philosophy that has guided Hispanic Lifestyle for more than three decades.

Mayor Judith Valles…

You were a role model to me.

Thank you for believing in our community.

Thank you for believing in our work.

And thank you for inspiring one young publisher to believe these stories were worth telling.

“Leadership is not defined only by the offices people hold, but by the lives they inspire.

That is how I will always remember Mayor Judith Valles.”

— Richard Sandoval, Founder & Publisher, HL

Milestone Timeline

1933
Born in San Bernardino, California.

Education
Began her career as an educator before serving in numerous academic leadership roles.

1988
Appointed President of Golden West College, becoming the first Latina to lead a California community college.

1998
Elected the first Hispanic Mayor of the City of San Bernardino.

1999
Featured speaker at HL’s inaugural Inland Empire Latina Conference and an early supporter of the vision behind Inland Empire Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine.

2000
Recognized as one of Inland Empire Hispanic Lifestyle’s earliest Latina of Influence honorees.

2002
Re-elected Mayor of the City of San Bernardino.

2003
Awarded Mexico’s prestigious Ohtli Medal for her contributions to education and public service.

2012
Published As My Mother Would Say: Como Decía Mi Mamá.

2026
Passed away, leaving an enduring legacy of leadership, education, and public service.

EDITORIAL NOTES 

Today, as HL begins a new chapter, this article also marks the beginning of HL | Milestone Legacy our commitment to preserving the stories of leaders whose lives have shaped our communities and inspired future generations.

Our responsibility is not to define our community.

It is to document its history, celebrate its achievements, and ensure that the lives of people like Mayor Judith Valles are remembered long after today’s headlines have faded.

Because today’s milestones become tomorrow’s history.

 Richard Sandoval, Founder & Publisher, HL

Defining Wealth in Silicon Valley

Defining Wealth in Silicon Valley

Jul 5, 2026 | Money, Finances & Wealth

HL | Wealth Report

Defining Wealth in Silicon Valley

Latinos are emerging as one of the region’s most influential growth segments shaping wealth through education, ownership, technology, real estate, entrepreneurship, leadership, and culture.

Photos and article by
Richard Sandoval

ilicon Valley is often defined by technology, venture capital, innovation, and global wealth creation. It is a region known for producing ideas, companies, and industries that influence the world.

But the definition of wealth in Silicon Valley is changing.

Wealth is no longer measured only by market valuations, stock options, executive titles, or access to capital. Wealth is also measured by education, ownership, home equity, business growth, leadership, cultural influence, access to networks, and the ability to create opportunity for the next generation.

For the Latino community, this broader definition matters.

“The data gives us context. The leaders give us proof. The stories give us meaning.”

Latinos are not simply participating in the Silicon Valley economy. They are helping shape its future through business ownership, institutional leadership, real estate, technology, workforce development, financial services, entrepreneurship, and culture-driven brands.

That was the larger conversation reflected at the HL | Milestone Series Silicon Valley event, where Hispanic Lifestyle recognized leaders whose stories represent a more complete view of wealth, influence, and legacy.

The evening also included remarks from Luis D. Alvarado of Wells Fargo, who helped frame the economic environment through insights connected to the Wells Fargo Investment Institute’s 2026 Midyear Outlook. The report’s theme, “Keeping discipline in noisy markets,” speaks directly to this moment. It points to a world being shaped by artificial intelligence, geopolitical uncertainty, inflation, energy prices, interest rates, and long-term structural change.

For Hispanic Lifestyle (HL), the takeaway is not investment advice.  The takeaway is context.

Serious conversations about wealth require serious information. They require trusted research, responsible interpretation, and a clear understanding of how economic forces affect families, entrepreneurs, professionals, homeowners, and communities.

That is the purpose of the HL Wealth Report.

We are not telling readers what to invest in. We are highlighting credible research, connecting it to Latino wealth and influence, and encouraging our audience to think more deeply about the forces shaping their future.

In Silicon Valley, one of the clearest forces is artificial intelligence.

According to the Wells Fargo Investment Institute’s 2026 Midyear Outlook, AI and other technology spending are helping shift economic growth from consumer-led activity toward investment-led growth. That includes data centers, power, technology infrastructure, electronic structures, information-processing equipment, and software.

Through the HL lens, this is not only a technology story.

It is a Latino wealth story.

Who will build the next generation of infrastructure?
Who will finance it?
Who will lead the companies connected to it?
Who will prepare the workforce?
Who will own businesses that serve this new economy?
Who will help families understand the opportunities and risks that come with economic change?

These are the questions that matter.

The Wells Fargo outlook also notes that larger companies often have advantages in uncertain markets because they tend to have stronger pricing power, less credit sensitivity, and broader access to financing. That point is especially relevant to Latino entrepreneurs and small business owners. Inspiration alone does not scale a business. Capital readiness, financial relationships, strategic planning, and access to trusted networks matter.

HL | Milestone Honorees recognized in Silicon Valley on June 17, 2026.

Back row: Dr. Marilyn Flores, President of San José City College; Frank Carbajal, Founder of Es Tiempo and the Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit; Hilda Ramirez, CEO and Team Leader of Keller Williams Silicon City; and Julian Cañete, President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.

Front row: Mauricio, Gabriel and Luis, Founders of Paleta Planeta; Gloria Mirazo Gregor, Senior Market Manager, Wells Fargo; Jazmin Diaz, Founder of Flourish Learning & Development; and Javier Diaz, Founder and CEO of OSI Engineering.

This is where Latino wealth must be understood beyond individual success stories.

The community needs more than visibility. It needs infrastructure.

“Latinos are not a one-size-fits-all market. They are homeowners, investors, executives, founders, creators, travelers, philanthropists, educators, and decision-makers. They are building companies, buying homes, leading institutions, influencing culture, and creating legacy.”

Latino wealth in Silicon Valley is not a future possibility. It is already present.

It is present in education.
It is present in real estate.
It is present in business ownership.
It is present in technology.
It is present in leadership networks.
It is present in financial institutions.
It is present in culture-driven entrepreneurship.
It is present in the families and professionals building legacy one decision at a time.

The opportunity now is to frame these stories properly.

For too long, successful Latino stories have been presented only as inspirational journeys. Inspiration matters, but it is not enough. These stories are also business case studies. They are evidence of a growing consumer segment, a rising professional class, an entrepreneurial engine, and a community with purchasing power, cultural influence, and generational ambition.

This is why brands, financial institutions, real estate developers, technology companies, civic leaders, and luxury companies should pay attention.

Latinos are not a one-size-fits-all market. They are homeowners, investors, executives, founders, creators, travelers, philanthropists, educators, and decision-makers. They are building companies, buying homes, leading institutions, influencing culture, and creating legacy.

Silicon Valley’s next chapter will not be defined by technology alone.

It will be defined by who has access to opportunity.

Who owns businesses.
Who leads institutions.
Who understands capital.
Who builds networks.
Who prepares the next generation.
Who tells the story.

That is why the HL Wealth Report matters.

It allows Hispanic Lifestyle to connect trusted research, real community leadership, and culturally relevant storytelling in a way that extends the conversation beyond the event room.

The data gives us context.
The leaders give us proof.
The stories give us meaning.

Latinos are emerging as one of Silicon Valley’s most influential growth segments.

And the future they are building is already here.

EDITOR NOTES 

HL Wealth Report is an editorial feature from HL | Culture and Influence  focused on wealth, ownership, leadership, and influence in the Latino community. This content is for informational and editorial purposes only and does not provide investment, legal, tax, or financial advice.

Readers should consult qualified professionals before making personal financial decisions.

Additional photos taken at the HL | Milestone Silicon Valley event were taken Lilith Sanchez

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Jazmin Diaz

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Jazmin Diaz

Jun 7, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Jazmin Diaz

Growth • Purpose • Impact

When Jazmin Diaz founded Flourish Learning & Development, she transformed a lifetime of personal resilience, professional achievement, and leadership experience into a mission dedicated to helping others grow with intention, confidence, and purpose.

As a first-generation Mexican-American, wife, mother of four, author, executive coach, and business leader, Jazmin’s journey reflects the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to helping others recognize their potential. Through her work, she has inspired individuals to embrace growth, overcome limiting beliefs, and pursue meaningful success in both life and career.

Jazmin Diaz will be recognized during  our HL | Milestone Series – Silicon Valley event, taking place on June 17, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/41B5Z3J

Throughout her career, Jazmin has demonstrated a unique ability to bridge leadership development, education, business, and community impact. Her professional journey spans more than two decades, beginning in public education where she dedicated herself to serving students and families before transitioning into the technology sector. Today, she serves as Chief of Staff for a leading cybersecurity company, helping executive leadership teams advance organizational strategy, transformation, employee engagement, and operational excellence.

Her passion for personal and professional growth extends beyond the workplace. Through Flourish Learning & Development, Jazmin provides coaching, workshops, keynote presentations, and leadership development programs designed to empower individuals to take ownership of their future and flourish in their own unique journey.

Milestone Moments

• Founder and CEO of Flourish Learning & Development, a leadership development company focused on personal and professional growth.

• Author of Ignite Your Growth: Perspectives and Tactics to Flourish in Life and Career and the Spanish-language companion Enciende tu Crecimiento.

• More than twenty years of leadership experience spanning public education, technology, organizational development, and executive leadership support.

• Serves as Chief of Staff for a leading cybersecurity company, partnering with executives on strategy, transformation, and organizational effectiveness.

• Board Member of the Center for Employment Training (CET), supporting workforce development, skills training, and economic opportunity.

• Mentor, speaker, and advocate dedicated to empowering students, emerging leaders, first-generation professionals, and members of the Hispanic community.

What distinguishes Jazmin’s leadership is her belief that growth is not reserved for a select few it is available to anyone willing to invest in themselves, embrace change, and pursue continuous improvement. Through her coaching, speaking, writing, and community engagement, she has helped countless individuals discover their strengths, build confidence, and create new possibilities for their future.

Her story serves as a reminder that leadership begins with personal growth and that the greatest impact often comes from helping others recognize what is possible within themselves.

As HL  celebrates leadership, influence, and legacy, we are proud to recognize Jazmin Diaz for her commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and helping others flourish in life and career.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.