Criteria
- Evidence that the nominee for the Diamante Award has displayed ongoing dedication and commitment toward contributing to the quality of life for Latinos/as in northwest Ohio and/or proven excellence in his/her field of endeavor(s) while having a positive impact on our youth and community.
- Evidence of exemplary achievement and hard work in the selected category of nomination.
- Evidence that the nominee upholds ethical standards and honorable character attributed to quality leadership and mentorship in our community.
- Winners are selected based solely on what is written on the nomination forms and supporting documents submitted. Please be detailed and descriptive of why you feel this person or group should receive this honor.
- Recipients must be able to participate in the awards ceremony.
Conditions
To be considered for the Diamante Award, the nomination form MUST be completed in full, including a one-page description of how the nominee meets the stated criteria. Other supportive documentation is welcomed. Past recipients and nomination committee members ARE NOT eligible for this year’s Diamante Award. Please see Diamante Awards for names of past recipients and nomination committee members. If selected, the winners of each category must be able to attend the event.
History & Purpose
Throughout the country, including Northwest Ohio, September 15 through October 15 is recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
The Diamante (diamond in Spanish) Awards were founded in 1989 by IMAGE of Northwest Ohio, a local Latino advocacy group, to celebrate Latinos’ profound and lasting influence on American history, values, and culture.
The awards recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements and service to Latinos. The Diamante Awards also raise scholarship funds for Latino youth who want to advance their education by attending a college or university in the region.
In 2003, the Diamante Latino Scholars Campaign was announced at the awards celebration. This fundraising initiative was a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Bowling Green State University, Lourdes University, Owens Community College, and the University of Toledo. At the time, the four institutions agreed to raise funds collaboratively for Latino scholarships. The Scholars Campaign resulted in several endowed Latino scholarships at all four institutions. Each year, the institutions announce their scholarship recipients at the annual Diamante awards ceremony.
Further, in 2016, the partner institutions agreed to have the Latino Alliance of Northwest Ohio, one of the leading Latino non-profit organizations in Toledo, to be the lead organization for the Diamante Awards moving forward.
Latino students do not attend or finish college primarily because of a lack of finances. With the growing Latino population, this forward-thinking effort will help ensure that more Latinos can graduate from college and fully participate in our communities.