Hispanic Heritage Month 2024

October 3rd, 2024

Indiana Statehouse

Farmworker Appreciation Awards 2024

L.U.P.E. (Leadership, Unity, Professionalism, & Excellence)

Recognizes the work and efforts of someone employed in an outreach capacity who has gone above and beyond to assist farmworkers within or outside their work environment.

L.U.P.E. 2024 Recipient: Maira Vasquez

Maira Vasquez was born and raised in a hardworking farmworker family in Denver, Colorado. Growing up in this environment, she developed a deep connection to the land and an understanding of the challenges faced by migrant farmworkers. She later married a fellow farm worker, and together, they moved to Indiana, continuing their life as migrant laborers, working tirelessly in the fields.

Lifetime Achievement

An outstanding individual who has worked hard throughout their entire life, and whose story exceeds success. The award also describes a lifetime of work and leadership to improve the lives of people in rural America, including farmworker populations that are often underserved.

Lifetime Achievement Recipient: Jesusa Rivera

“I do this work because I remember the way we were treated, the way they would speak to my mom and dad as if they were nothing, no one should be treated like that, people deserve dignity and respect – its shouldn’t matter if they lacked the language, lacked education, or lacked money, no one deserves to be treated as less than a human being.” - Jesusa Rivera

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Corporate Responsibility

This award honors the outstanding leadership and contributions of a dedicated farmer who is committed to advancing sustainable agriculture through conservation and stewardship efforts, sharing best practices with their peers.

Corporate Responsibility 2024 Recipient: Kercher Sunrise Orchards Inc.

Kerchers Sunrise Orchards is a 4th and 5th generation family fruit and vegetable farm in Goshen, growing apples, peaches, sweet corn, cabbage, pumpkins and squash. Much of Kercher’s production is marketed throughout the United States and Canada accomplishing this with the help and hard work of 50 H2A seasonal farm workers from Mexico.

Special Thank You to our Event Sponsor:

Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority

Each sponsorship dollar will be going directly back to the community via ICHLA's Grant Program.