Shelly Lares Honored with Corazón de Oro Award
The San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists (SAAHJ) has announced that renowned Tejano music artist Shelly Lares will receive the prestigious Corazón de Oro Award. This honor recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted Latino communities across various domains such as philanthropy, culture, politics, education, and social justice.
A Gala Celebration
Lares will be celebrated at SAAHJ’s 27th annual scholarships and awards gala, set to take place on August 16 at The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The event promises to be a highlight for both attendees and supporters of Latino journalism and culture.
About the Corazón de Oro Award
The Corazón de Oro Award is a hallmark recognition from SAAHJ, honoring exceptional contributions to the Latino community. Previous recipients include poet Carmen Tafolla, journalist Maria Hinojosa, musician Flaco Jimenez, and actor John Leguizamo.
Lares’ Musical Acclaim
Hailing from San Antonio, Shelly Lares is celebrated for her impressive four-decade career as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and percussionist. Her contributions to music have earned her numerous accolades, such as 13 consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year awards at the Tejano Music Awards and Grammy nominations.
Lares began her musical journey at the tender age of 10 and was once part of a band featuring Chris Perez before his fame with Selena Y Los Dinos. Furthermore, she formed a close friendship with the late Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla-Perez.
Recognition and Advocacy
Known affectionately as “Little Miss Dynamite,” Lares captivates audiences with her powerful vocals and sincere songwriting. Beyond her musical endeavors, she is a passionate advocate for hospice care. Recently, she was appointed as the University of Texas at San Antonio’s inaugural artist-in-residence in 2023.
“Shelly Lares truly exemplifies the spirit of the Corazón de Oro Award,” said SAAHJ President and KENS5 Anchor Isis Romero. “With a career spanning over four decades, she has been a catalyst for positive change in her community, paving the way for an entire new generation of leaders and changemakers.”
Event Details and Sponsorship
During the gala, Lares will also deliver a special performance, making the evening even more memorable. The event serves as a vital fundraising initiative for SAAHJ, which aims to increase Latino representation in journalism and provide scholarships to aspiring students in media and communications.
Sponsorship opportunities start at $3,500 on the SAAHJ website, while individual ticket sales will become available as the event date nears.
SAAHJ comprises over 130 professional journalists and communication specialists from various media outlets in San Antonio, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Latino voices in the industry.
Disclosure: The managing editor and business reporter of SA Report are part of SAAHJ’s leadership board.