Brownieland Pictures was honored to produce a video for the Latin American Association’s (LAA) 36th Annual Compañeros Awards Luncheon, held on April 16, 2025, at the Georgia Aquarium. The event celebrated individuals, organizations, and community partners working to uplift and empower Georgia’s Latino community. Our team had the privilege of interviewing several award recipients, capturing heartfelt stories that were featured in a powerful video presentation at the luncheon.
Among the honorees was Maria Jose Manzaba, the recipient of the 2025 Angel Ortiz Heart of the LAA Award. This internal award recognizes an LAA staff member who goes above and beyond in service, leadership, and dedication to the Latino community. Maria Jose was celebrated for her exceptional commitment to empowering families and inspiring others through her work.
The Heart of the LAA Award exemplifies the values of compassion, perseverance, and purpose that define the organization. It honors those who lead with heart, lift others up, and consistently show up for the community. Maria Jose’s recognition is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have within and beyond their organization.
The Latin American Association’s mission is to empower Latinos to adapt, integrate, and thrive in the United States. Founded in 1972, the LAA provides a comprehensive range of services to support Georgia’s Latino population in becoming fully integrated and contributing members of society. Their vision of “Opportunity for All” drives every initiative they pursue.
The LAA achieves this mission through five key focus areas: Civic Engagement & Advocacy, Economic Empowerment, Youth Services, Family Stabilization & Well-Being, and Immigration Services. Programs include everything from immigration legal aid and workforce training to financial literacy, youth leadership, and family counseling. Each area is designed to remove barriers and foster lasting opportunity for Latino individuals and families.
LAA CEO Santiago Marquez expressed the heart of the event when he said:
Our community is full of quiet heroes, people who lift others up, who lead with heart, and who never stop showing up. Honoring them reminds us why we do this work, and why opportunity for all is not just a goal, but a promise we renew together.”
The Compañeros Awards Luncheon is a celebration of those heroes and a reaffirmation of the LAA’s mission. By recognizing their efforts, the event inspires continued commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable future.
At Brownieland Pictures, we believe in telling Stories for the Greater Good. We are proud to have partnered with the LAA to shine a light on the individuals and organizations driving meaningful change. Collaborating on this project reminded us of the vital role storytelling plays in building stronger, more connected communities.
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