HAAC’s Nuestro Pueblo Awards: Honoring Community Leaders at Noche En Blanco Celebration
BY ASHLEY WARD | For AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY — The Hispanic Association of Atlantic County (HAAC) hosted their 5th annual Nuestro Pueblo Awards, celebrated with a Blanco de Noche at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Thursday, July 10.
The event showcased Hispanic excellence while celebrating and recognizing the local Hispanic leaders within the Atlantic City community.
Bert Lopez, the founder and president of the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County (HAAC), notes that the organization was initially established in 1990 and then revived in 2019 by former youth members to continue promoting Hispanic heritage and community betterment. The organization provides scholarships, hosts youth summits, and cultural events like the Nuestro Pueblo Awards, the Latino Festival, and Three Kings Day to celebrate and preserve Latino traditions.
SEE: Sights & Sounds, Pictures from Nuestro Pueblo Awards
The Nuestro Pueblo Awards honor community members for their achievements and contributions, with attendance fees used to create scholarships for students who want to continue their education. Lopez emphasizes the importance of volunteers and teamwork in achieving HAAC’s mission.
Husband and wife, Liliana Franco and David Rose, received the first Cesar Chavez Labor Impact Award, which was created in the spirit of Cesar Chavez’s legacy, recognizing those who worked in the back of the house and contributed to the community.
Each awardee delivered beautiful, uplifting speeches exemplifying how they are true leaders within their community. Alfonso Nava delivered an inspiring acceptance speech, reminding the audience that when others say you can’t do something, “Say yes, we can do it. We are amazing people. Hispanic people are amazing people,” encouraging them to uplift one another and defy stereotypes through strength and unity.
List of Nuestro Pueblo awardees:
- Arts & Entertainment Icon – Maria Del Pilar, La Mega Radio
- Community Spirit – Mario Fuentes, Applied Intellect, LLC
- Education Excellence – Hilda Rivera, Richard Stockton University
- Emerging Impact – Maria Cortes, Esq., Holland & Knight
- Healthcare Leader – Dr. Hidalberto Curnow, Virtua Health
- HAAC Distinguished Service – Jessica Grullon, Atlantic County One Stop Career Center
- Innovation Pioneer – Alfonso Nava, Atlantic City Electric
- Nuestro Amigo – Clyde Hughes, Front Runner NJ
- Nuestro Amigo Organizational – Borgata Hotel & Resort
- Public Service Impact – Sgt. Pablo Solorzano, Pleasantville PD
In Jessica Grullón’s speech, she emphasized how attending events like Nuestro Pueblo Awards helps improve the lives of their youth. “Your contributions go towards scholarships … I was a recipient 23 years ago — here I am today, now giving back.” There were four scholarship awardees, each receiving $1,500, which was raised through funds collected at different HAAC events.
List of Scholarship Recipients:
- Vaughn E Soltys – Mainland Regional HS
- Daylinn Ramirez – Oakcrest HS
- Michelle Trujillo – Atlantic City HS
- Samantha Salzar – Absegami HS
The 2025 Nuestro Pueblo Awards were not only a night of celebration, but were a reminder of the unity and resilience within Atlantic County’s Hispanic community. As leaders were honored and stories were shared, HAAC reinforced its commitment to uplifting future generations through education, cultural pride, and collective empowerment. When a community comes together with a purpose, the impact can reach beyond one community and touch the lives of many.
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