33rd Annual Luncheon & Awards - Staff Photo

34th Annual Luncheon Awardees

  • Family of the Year

    Neira’s story is one of resilience, love, and determination in the face of extraordinary challenges. Even while courageously battling terminal cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and extended hospital stays, Neira has remained steadfast in her commitment to her family and to LCDA’s programs. She has consistently participated in home visits, sometimes even requesting that her Parent Educator meet her at the hospital so she would not miss the opportunity to learn and grow as a parent. Her dedication is a powerful example of strength and perseverance.

    Neira has embraced positive discipline strategies and child development practices to nurture her three children, ensuring they feel supported and encouraged. She actively participates in group connections and serves on the Parents as Teachers advisory group, where she shared how the program has changed her life, giving her both the tools to face her health challenges and the confidence to be the best mother possible.

    The Estrada family embodies the very heart of LCDA’s mission, and we are proud to celebrate them at o

  • Emerging Leaders Award

    The Latino Community Development Agency proudly presents its inaugural Emerging Leader Award to two outstanding young leaders - Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval and Jessica Cifuentes.

    Both honorees exemplify service, resilience, and leadership, inspiring the next generation to pursue change and opportunity.

    Arturo, a first-generation American and one of Oklahoma’s youngest elected officials, represents House District 89. His journey from South Oklahoma City to the State Capitol reflects his determination to give voice to his community and fight systemic inequities.

    Jessica, a trailblazer in education and public service, earned over $500,000 in scholarships to attend Emory University and now works in the cardiovascular operating room at INTEGRIS Baptist Heart Hospital. She also serves as the first Guatemalan elected to public office in Oklahoma as a member of the OKCPS Board of Education.

    Together, Arturo and Jessica mentor students through the LCDA Latino Clubs' Southside Robotics Club, sparking passion for STEM and leadership among the next generation. Their dedication to education, innovation, and community service makes them shining examples of emerging Latino leadership in Oklahoma.

  • Lifetime Achievement Award

    Ruth Mazaheri has dedicated her career to advancing culturally and linguistically competent services for Oklahoma’s Latino community. As Director of Programs at the Latino Community Development Agency from 1992 to 2008, she expanded youth and family services, secured critical funding, and established partnerships that brought groundbreaking mental health and substance abuse treatment to Latino families in central Oklahoma. Her leadership and vision laid the foundation for many LCDA initiatives that continue today.

    Beyond LCDA, she founded RBM Consulting, offered private counseling, and now serves as Vice President of Mazaheri Properties. LCDA honors Ruth with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of impact and unwavering dedication to the Latino community.

  • President’s Award

    Dr. Jamie C. Polk, Superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS), is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience dedicated to student success. She leads a district of 33,000 students, more than 60% of whom are Latino, and has been a vital partner in ensuring schools respond to community needs.

    Since joining OKCPS in 2019, Dr. Polk has advanced equity, aligned resources with student needs, and strengthened LCDA’s partnership through a formal MOU that allows LCDA Latino Clubs to thrive in schools. This collaboration has expanded youth leadership, cultural pride, and family engagement.

    Previously in Lawton, her leadership earned national recognition, including the National Title I Distinguished School award. Today, she continues to drive systemic improvements while serving in numerous civic and educational leadership roles.

  • Guardian Angel Award

    Saidy Herrera, Multicultural Officer at the Oklahoma Historical Society, develops programs that celebrate and elevate underrepresented voices.

    A University of Oklahoma graduate with experience in education, outreach, and business, she is co-founder and vice chair of the Guatemalans in Oklahoma Association, and has worked in both the education and the corporate sector.

    Saidy is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, dedicated to creating opportunities for Latino families to thrive. LCDA is proud to honor her with the Guardian Angel Award for her leadership, service, and commitment to community.

  • Board Member of the Year

    Jeff Ewing serves as the Chief Development Officer at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, where he leads all fundraising, donor development, major events, membership programs, and community partnerships for one of the nation’s premier cultural institutions. Since joining the Museum in 2018, Jeff has played a key role in advancing its mission and expanding its reach.

    A longtime leader in sports, entertainment, and community projects, he has received honors including Missouri Baptist University’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award and the Journal Record’s Achievers Under 40.

    Jeff has been a dedicated LCDA Board Member since 2016, offering his expertise in fundraising, strategy, and community engagement to strengthen the agency’s impact. He is also actively involved in the broader community through Leadership Oklahoma City, Leadership Oklahoma, and service on the boards of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.

    LCDA is proud to recognize Jeff Ewing as Board Member of the Year for his steadfast leadership, commitment to service, and unwavering support of our mission to uplift Latino families in Oklahoma.

  • Partner Agency Award

    Congratulations to our 2025 LCDA Partner Agency of the Year - Feed the Children, represented by Emily Callahan.

    Since its founding in 1979, Feed the Children has worked tirelessly to fight childhood hunger and ensure that no child goes to bed hungry. Through food, education, disaster relief, and essential resources, the organization impacts millions of children and families across the U.S. and around the world.

    Their partnership with LCDA has been truly transformative. Together, we have provided hundreds of local families with food, hygiene products, and household essentials, helping to ease financial burdens while preserving dignity and stability. From supporting back-to-school initiatives to hosting community distribution events, Feed the Children has been a steadfast ally in addressing food insecurity among Latino families in Oklahoma City.

  • Honorary Chair

    Christian Kanady is the Founding Partner and CEO of Echo, a multi-strategy investment firm launched in 2010 to revitalize American industries and foster innovation. Echo has played a transformative role in Oklahoma City, leading projects such as landmark real estate developments, Prairie Surf Media, Wheeler Bio, and the majority ownership of OKC for Soccer | OKC es Fútbol - the effort to bring professional men’s and women’s soccer to OKC beginning in 2027.

    Christian actively supports nonprofits across community development, education, social services, youth athletics, and the arts. By combining business innovation with community partnerships, Christian embodies the spirit of leadership and service that LCDA celebrates each year.

  • Staff Member of the Year

    Silvia Ceballos serves as the Executive Assistant at the Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA), a role she has held for the past two years. She began her journey at LCDA as a receptionist and quickly advanced into her current role, where she plays a vital part in supporting the agency’s leadership and mission.

    Since joining LCDA, Silvia has gone above and beyond to ensure the agency continues to grow and thrive. Her commitment extends across departments and initiatives - consistently stepping up to support both new and long-standing events, projects, and staff. Her dedication, reliability, and can-do attitude have made her an essential member of the LCDA family.

    Silvia’s connection to LCDA runs deep. As a child, she and her family were recipients of the agency’s services, and her mother worked in both the Prevention and Treatment departments. Silvia also volunteered with LCDA throughout her youth — performing in the folkloric dance group, making paper flowers with “La Puerta de Oro” founder Anita, and helping wrap holiday gifts. These formative experiences shaped her view of LCDA as a safe, uplifting space, where she was inspired by strong Latina leaders.

    Today, Silvia continues to pass that connection on to her own children, deepening her family’s legacy within the organization. Her journey - from participant to team member - embodies LCDA’s mission of empowerment, community, and generational impact.

LCDA Annual Luncheon Committee

Our Annual Luncheon Committee is a dedicated group of volunteers and leaders who work together to plan, organize, and promote our biggest fundraising event of the year. From securing sponsorships to coordinating event details, they play a vital role in ensuring the luncheon’s success. Their passion and commitment help us continue our mission of empowering the Latino community.

The LCDA Annual Luncheon is a premier event that brings together around 600 attendees, including community leaders, partners, and supporters, to celebrate our achievements and share our vision for the future. This inspiring gathering features keynote speakers, success stories, and opportunities to support LCDA’s impactful programs through sponsorships and donations. Plus, guests enjoy some of the best food in town, making it a truly unforgettable experience of connection, celebration, and commitment to strengthening our community.

2025 Committee Volunteers

Meet our 2025 Annual Luncheon Committee Members

33rd Annual Awards & Recognition

Thank you to our incredible sponsors for your generous support of the 33rd Annual Latino Community Development Agency Awards & Recognition Lunch. Your contributions help us continue empowering and uplifting the Latino community through vital programs and services.