Helen Hernandez Honored at 40th Annual Imagen Foundation Awards
At the 40th Annual Imagen Foundation Awards, President and Founder Helen Hernandez was celebrated for four decades of visionary leadership and dedication to the organization she built.
Her milestone was recognized by an extraordinary group of leaders and icons: Academy Award-nominated actor Edward James Olmos, award-winning director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, legendary labor leader Dolores Huerta, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis. Together, they honored Hernandez for her lasting contributions to advancing Latino representation in entertainment and beyond.
About the Icons in the Photo & Exclusive Videos
Helen Hernandez
President and founder of the Imagen Foundation, Hernandez has championed accurate and positive portrayals of Latinos in the entertainment industry for over 40 years. A former labor organizer and accomplished advocate, she co-founded the Imagen Foundation in 1985 with legendary television producer Norman Lear. The foundation’s signature event, the annual Imagen Awards, is often referred to as the “Latino Golden Globes.”
Hilda Solis
Currently serving as Supervisor for Los Angeles County’s 1st District, Solis previously made history as the 25th U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Barack Obama, becoming the first Latina to hold a cabinet-level position in the U.S.
Dolores Huerta
An iconic labor leader and civil rights activist, Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers) with César Chávez in 1962. Known for coining the rallying cry “¡Sí, se puede!” (Yes, we can!), she has spent her life advocating for farmworkers, women, and marginalized communities. In 2012, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Edward James Olmos
A celebrated Mexican-American actor, director, and activist, Olmos has been a trailblazer for Latino representation in film and television. His influential roles have made him one of the most respected figures in Hollywood.
Kenny Ortega
A director, choreographer, and producer whose career spans over five decades, Ortega is known for beloved works such as High School Musical, Hocus Pocus, and Michael Jackson’s This Is It. His artistry has shaped both film and live entertainment, from the Olympics to Super Bowl halftime shows. He was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and the Disney Legends Award in 2020.
Photos and video by Richard Sandoval
