WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) and its Chair Rep. Linda T. Sánchez today announced that NFL hall of famer Anthony Muñoz and education advocate Sonia Gutierrez will be awarded the CHCI Medallion of Excellence Award in recognition of their accomplishments, leadership, and outstanding service to the Latino community at CHCI's 38th Annual Awards Gala on October 8, 2015 in Washington, D.C. The event is the largest gathering of Latino leaders in the country and is part of CHCI's Hispanic Heritage Month events.

"We are pleased to recognize and celebrate Anthony Muñoz and Sonia Gutierrez for their amazing work to empower and inspire communities throughout the country," said Rep. Sánchez.  "Anthony's leadership on the football field and in the philanthropic world and Sonia's lifelong commitment to enhance the education of thousands of Latinos, serve as examples of excellence that have left a tremendous mark on the community."

"I am a long time believer we all need to take responsibility for our actions," said Muñoz. "All of us come from various backgrounds and what I try to communicate is that no matter what your circumstances are; move forward and do your best with what you have. I'm thankful to have been given the platform to serve the Greater Cincinnati area by providing time, effort, and resources for the youth of our community."

"As a Latina I am particularly happy to receive this award from an organization that, like me, strives to help Latinos achieve the American dream," said Gutierrez.  "Being recognized by such a distinguished board of directors, including members of Congress, who are the legitimate voice of Latino citizens and immigrants in the United States, is a great honor."

Anthony Muñoz is an eleven-time NFL Pro Bowl selection—considered by many as the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history—and has a record of excellence that is unrivaled in professional football.  Following his retirement, Muñoz received the ultimate honor for an athlete when he was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first attempt on the ballot in August of 1998. He is the only Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in Cincinnati Bengals history and only the second Hispanic ever elected to the Hall. In 2002, Anthony established the Anthony Muñoz Foundation, a non-profit organization that engages the Tri-State region to impact area youth mentally, physically and spiritually. Since its inception, the foundation has impacted thousands of children and raised more than $11 million for its impact programs. 

Sonia Gutierrez is the president emeritus & founder of the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School and has spent over 43 years as a principal, counselor, advocate, and organizer for more than 70,000 adult immigrant students.  She has dedicated her life to transforming the lives of immigrants by investing in and supporting their journeys to achieve the American dream.  She has been a constant and passionate advocate for the rights to education and to family-sustaining wage jobs for immigrants.  Gutierrez's commitment and hard work for the cause, what started as a small, under-funded grassroots program, evolved into what it is today a nationally and internationally recognized award-winning model in adult education.

CHCI's 38th Annual Awards Gala will convene the nation's largest and most prestigious gathering of Hispanic nonpartisan, public, and private sector leaders at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on October 8, 2015. The evening's festivities will include the presentation of CHCI's highest honors—the CHCI Medallion of Excellence awards. These awards highlight the many rich contributions made by Latinos who have not only succeeded in their individual careers, but who also serve as positive role models and empower Latino youth to believe that anything is achievable through higher education, hard work, and pursuit of the American dream.

Along with the Gala, CHCI's Hispanic Heritage Month Events include its Public Policy Conference and Reyes of Comedy. Learn more at hhm.chci.org.  All events support CHCI's educational attainment and leadership development programs.

About CHCI
CHCI is the premier Hispanic nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) leadership development organization in the country that educates, empowers, and connects Latino youth by providing leadership development programs and educational services. CHCI directly impacts the lives of more than 1,700 students and young professionals each year through its fellowships,  congressional internships, scholarships, Ready to Lead (R2L^®) college readiness program, and R2L NextGen program. CHCI NextOpp is its latest resource allowing young Latinos to save, search and share life-changing opportunities for Latinos across the United States.

The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. Visit www.chci.org, or join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

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SOURCE Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

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