Philanthropist of the Year Announcement - English

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Frida Cossio Phone Number: (682) 521-9158 Email: frida.cossio@modkaf.com

THE LATINO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF COLORADO NAMES 2022 PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR The award recognizes Cecilia Sanchez de Ortiz and her monumental involvement and impact on the community as the organization celebrates its 15th anniversary DENVER, Colorado (Sept 7, 2022) — The Latino Community Foundation of Colorado (LCFC) is proud to announce Cecilia Sanchez de Ortiz as the Philanthropist of the Year. As the recipient of this award, Cec has demonstrated a strong philanthropic spirit through her charitable actions and involvement in the Colorado community throughout her life.

“I’m quite humbled and so thankful for this prestigious award. My passion for this work stems from a childhood shaped by watching my mother help Mexican immigrant families integrate and settle into our small, farming community in rural Colorado,” Sanchez de Ortiz said. “What I took away from those experiences was a simple message of courage and belief in working for what’s fair for all.”

As a young mother, Cec Ortiz set out on a mission to build communal connections and give hope and direction to those struggling to navigate the bureaucracy of government by ensuring access to services.

From frontline worker to youth counselor, Cec went on to co-found Clinica Campesina, a healthcare clinic for low-income families in rural Colorado. She later served as the executive director of Mi Casa Women’s Resource Center for women and girls of color in Denver.

“Cec gives from her heart and soul while combining her Latino traditions, heritage, and values in her philanthropic activities,” says Carlos Martínez, President and CEO, LCFC. “Her vision for harnessing the power of Latino philanthropy for today and for generations to come is inspiring.”

Known as a change-maker, Cec has dedicated her life to working with communities fighting against structural and institutionalized inequities. She is an advisor on LCFC’s Regional Community Investment work and has also served as lead for LCFC’s Colorado Latino Age Wave, an initiative that promotes and

invests in Latino elders and their families, and is involved with multiple nonprofit boards always with a focus on helping communities transform and thrive.

Cec attended Regis University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. She specializes in consulting on large community and economic development initiatives, in the Charter School movement, and in organizational and board development. She is a past board member of the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and Centro Humanitario Para Los Trajabadores and chair of Energy Outreach Colorado.

As one of only six standalone Latino community foundations nationwide, the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado is proud of the legacy they have created alongside the community to empower Latino Coloradans and create a place where culture, families, and businesses thrive and prosper. As part of LCFC’s 15th celebration, the Philanthropist of the Year Award will be announced with a ceremony on Thursday, October 13 at the Denver Art Museum. LCFC will also announce a special campaign at this event. ### About Latino Community Foundation of Colorado: The Latino Community Foundation of Colorado (LCFC) is a state-based philanthropic foundation—led by Latinos and for Latinos. We pursue civic, economic, and cultural opportunities that drive a more authentic narrative about Latinos in the state and cement a healthy and vibrant future where all Latino Coloradans will prosper.