For its work in preventing youth involvement in crime, drugs, gangs and violence, MANA de San Diego accepted the 2017 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award in Washington D.C.
The award was presented Friday at FBI headquarters by FBI Director Christopher Wray to MANA de San Diego President Venus Molina.
The award was established in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in preventing crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in their communities, according to the FBI.
Each year, the special agent in charge of each of the FBI’s 56 field offices selects an honoree that has made a significant difference in their community. In December, San Diego FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric S. Birnbaum announced the selection of MANA de San Diego as the 2017 award recipient.
During Friday’s ceremony at FBI headquarters, Molina — on behalf of MANA de San Diego — was one of 57 individuals and organizations honored.
Established in 1987, MANA de San Diego works to empower Latinas through educational seminars, leadership conferences, networking meetings, and programs including the Hermanitas Youth Leadership Mentor Program (“Hermanitas”).
Hermanitas has served over 800 at-risk girls, ranging in ages from 12 to 18 years old, according to the organization. The goal of the program is to elevate the potential of young women in the Hispanic community. Hermanitas also offers support in applying for college, financial aid, and scholarships.
In his remarks to the 2017 award recipients, Wray thanked the honorees for their efforts.
“We need the support, the understanding, and the trust of our community partners and the public. You’re out in your neighborhoods and your communities every day building that support and that trust and that understanding,” he said.
“Many days you’re doing thankless work,” Wray continued, “so we want to make sure that we thank you.”
–Staff
