Covington Lawyers Attend MALDEF 2019 Washington, DC Awards Gala

Covington lawyers, paralegals, and guests José Arvelo, Miguel López Forastier, and Santiago Zalazar attended the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund's (MALDEF) 2019 Washington, DC Awards Gala at the Mayflower Hotel. As one of the nation’s leading Latino civil rights organizations, MALDEF promotes social change in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights, and political access through advocacy, education, and litigation.

At this year’s gala, Claudia Curiel, journalist from Telemundo DC, was the Master of Ceremonies. Gala honorees included Abelardo Perez, a civil rights attorney and former diplomat, who received a Lifetime Achievement and Excellence in the Legal Profession Award; Gabriela Pacheco, a nationally recognized immigrant rights leader, who received an Excellence in Community Service Award; and José Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, who also received an Excellence in Community Service Award.

The gala was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the significant accomplishments and impact of these prominent Latinos and to support MALDEF's important work advancing civil rights for Latinos in America. Covington proudly served as a sponsor of the event.