The Importance of Community Initiatives That Elevate Latino Impact: McDonald’s NY Metro Owner’s Association Launches Premios Héroes

It’s always inspiring to see corporate leaders recognize the unsung heroes who are driving change in our communities. This week, the McDonald’s NY Metro Owner’s Association launched Premios Héroes (Heroes Awards), an initiative designed to spotlight individuals making a significant impact on the educational development and future of Hispanic youth.

The event, conceived and executed by NY-based integrated agency d expósito & Partners, recognized three remarkable Latinas, each of whom took the stage to share their moving stories and highlight the critical work they are committed to in their careers. These stories of leadership and dedication are precisely the type of narratives that deserve to be elevated—proof that Latinos are actively shaping the future of their communities.

The honorees included Nancy Rosado Santiago, Founder of HLX+; Denise Rosario Adusei, Executive Director of the Bronx Children’s Museum; and Dr. Ivonne Díaz-Claisse, Founder and CEO of HISPA. They were joined by Ana Madan, a McDonald’s Owner/Operator whose family has owned McDonald’s restaurants for three generations. Gloria B, beloved radio personality from AMOR 93.1 FM, emceed the event.

For decades, McDonald’s has supported initiatives that provide educational access for Latino youth, most notably through their HACER® Scholarship Program, which has awarded over $33 million in scholarships since its inception in 1985. The Premios Héroes event builds on this legacy by recognizing those who are actively making a difference in the lives of young Latinos.

The event drew an influential crowd, including community leaders, influencers, and local McDonald’s owner/operators from both New York and New Jersey, along with the honorees’ family and friends. It was an uplifting reminder of how impactful community-based initiatives can be in providing a platform for Latino leaders to be seen and heard.

d expósito & Partners, a long-time partner of McDonald’s, once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the brand’s mission to empower the Latino community. These kinds of collaborations are essential in highlighting and fostering the impactful work that so many Latinos are undertaking in local communities across the nation.