The Longest-Running Spanish-language Daily Newspaper in the United States Will Host Its 2026 Mujeres Destacadas Ceremony
NEW YORK -- El Diario, the longest-running Spanish-language daily newspaper, will recognize the achievements of 21 notable Hispanic women at the 2026 Mujeres Destacadas (Outstanding Women) ceremony on Friday, March 27, 2026. This year’s luncheon, centered around the theme "A Celebration of Leadership and Impact," will take place at the historic Harvard Club in New York City from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The honorees will be featured in a special supplement, which will be available in the Sunday edition of El Diario on March 29, 2026.
Celebrating its 29th year, Mujeres Destacadas was founded to honor the achievements of Outstanding Latina Women in the tri-state area and highlight the positive contributions they have made in their community. El Diario receives nominations from colleagues, peers, and friends to recognize the work of these activists, artists, leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, scientists, and more.
This annual awards ceremony celebrates exceptional Latinas who inspire future generations of women within their communities. Each honoree is recognized for their outstanding achievements and reputation for excellence, navigating their fields with grace and resilience. These powerful narratives reflect El Diario’s enduring mission to amplify Hispanic voices and honor their contributions.
"Selecting the group of Latina women who each year become part of our 'Mujeres Destacadas' celebration is an enormous challenge for the Editorial Board of El Diario. There are so many Hispanic women climbing the ladder and promoting change in the community that we would gladly include them all," said Carmen Villavicencio, Executive Editor of El Diario. "As in previous editions, in 2026 we have a select group of 21 women who have earned respect and recognition because, from their leadership positions, they are paving the way for those who follow. We want to share their stories so that everyone can feel proud of the transformative and lasting impact that this group of pioneers is creating in business, culture, education, science, the arts, and many other fields."
Full list of 2026 Mujeres Destacadas Awards honorees below:
Ana Silvelo Barreiros — World Language Teacher / Wonder Girls Program Coordinator — Lyndhurst Public Schools / Wonder Girls USA
Andrea Jerves — Director of Programs and Development — HANAC
Anailda Tavarez — Preconstruction Manager — Turner Construction
Barma Uruchima — Vice President of Global Value Creation — The Estée Lauder Companies
Bianca Marroquín — Broadway Artist — Broadway
Delmy Santos — Business Owner — El Vicentino Restaurante Salvadoreño
Damaris Mercado — Producer / Curator / Educator — Making It Happen / Mercado Project
Doris Gonzalez — Acting President — New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
Grace Bonilla — President and CEO — United Way of New York City
Jacqueline De Jesus — Director of Human Resources — Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages
Lori Tarke — Executive Director — Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute, Seton Hall University
Marilu Galvez — General Manager & Station President — WABC-TV and Live with Kelly and Mark
Melissa Sarmiento — Police Detective — Jersey City Police Department
Michelle Disla — Content Creator & Influencer — A Taste of Michelle
Minosca Alcantara — Executive Director — New York State Bridge Authority
Miguelina Camilo — Chief of Staff — New York City Council
Nuria Morgado — Professor of Hispanic Studies — City University of New York
Sophia Zayas — Director of Latino Affairs — Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Stephanie Duluc — Chief of Staff — SOMOS Community Care
Talia Bernal Lockspeiser — Chief Operating Officer — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York
Teresa Gonzalez — Partner — Bolton-St. Johns
About El Diario
Founded in 1913, El Diario is the longest publishing Spanish-language daily newspaper in the United States. Since its inception as a small publication in Lower Manhattan named La Prensa, the newspaper has grown into one of the largest and most influential Latino media outlets in the nation. In 1963, it merged with El Diario de Nueva York, forming El Diario/La Prensa, as it was known for decades. The newspaper is now a state-of-the-art multimedia operation that includes print, digital, and other platforms. El Diario is part of Remezcla Media Group, the most culturally connected and largest minority-owned Hispanic media group.
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