8th Annual UC Irvine Latine Excellence & Achievement Dinner (LEAD)

On April 3, 2025, Alliance members gathered for UC Irvine’s 8th Annual Latine Excellence and Achievement Dinner (LEAD). Inspired by Dr. Verónica Ahumada Newhart, LEAD has become a hallmark event, recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of UC Irvine's Latine/x community. The Student Center’s Pacific Ballroom lit with excitement to celebrate the outstanding contributions of key leaders, graduate students, staff, and faculty who champion Hispanic/Latine/x student success and research excellence at UC Irvine and in Orange County. Dr. Marilyn P. Sutton, founding co-chair of the UCI-OC Alliance & UC Irvine Foundation Trustee, was honored with the "Outstanding Community Builder Award".  Dr. Stephanie Reyes-Tuccio, Vice Provost for Educational and Community Partnerships, was honored with the “Distinguished Staff Leadership Award”. Additionally, Teresa Razo, new UCI-OC Alliance member, was awarded the “Outstanding Alumni Leadership Award”.

The event, featuring a reception, dinner, and program, provided an evening of inspiration and connection, further strengthening the bonds within our diverse campus community. The success of this year's LEAD dinner reaffirmed UC Irvine’s commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering an inclusive environment for all.