Cafecito Caliente Events

Cafecito Caliente is proud to recognize Circe Rodriquez for the Educator of the Year at the Cafecito Caliente Awards Friday, September 27, 2024.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors like Lake Trust Credit Union whom Cafecito has built a great relationship with many of their staff. Thank you for your Diamante Sponsorship.

The Lansing Lugnuts hosted the Inaugural Cafecito Awards in March 2023 and despite the venue change to accommodate the growing Awards program, the Lugnuts continue to be a Platinum Sponsor.

We also want to give thanks to Consumers Credit Union for their Gold Sponsorship, and we also have enjoyed our building our relationship with you. This program really doesn’t happen without your support.

Circe Chavez-Rodriguez is a graduate from Michigan State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and has a master’s degree in Curriculum in Teaching. She is a passionate and dedicated 3rd grade teacher at Cumberland Elementary in the Lansing School District. Circe is in her 25th year of teaching. She has had the privilege of teaching multiple grade levels in her educational career. Circe has been selected to speak on multiple teaching panels to present her expertise in education.

She is a mentor to Michigan State University seniors, juniors, and colleagues who are new to the teaching profession. Circe has received many awards for her excellence in education. She was nominated for 2024-25 (MTOY) Michigan Teacher of the Year. The most current award given was for her outstanding NWEA projected growth scores in math.

Her third grade class outperformed every third grade class in the Lansing School District. Circe continues to strive for excellence in the teaching profession. She leads her life with faith, grace and the willingness to have a growth mindset.

We are proud to highlight and recognize Circe for her brilliance in motivating and captivating so many young minds. We salute you Circe Cesar-Rodriguez as the 2024 Cafecito Educator of the Year.

Also, much thanks to the partnership we have with the Latino Business Conexión of Michigan and their support of the Awards. The Awards Night will be held Friday, September 27, 2024, starting at 5:00pm at the Cadillac Room in Lansing’s REO Town.

Tickets: https://cafecitocaliente.com/…/cafecito-caliente…/

Cafecito Caliente is proud to recognize MariaLuz Salas Arambula for a Legacy Award at the Cafecito Caliente Awards Friday, September 27, 2024. She is the founder of Ballet MariaLuz.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors like Lake Trust Credit Union whom Cafecito has built a great relationship with many of their staff. Thank you for your Diamante Sponsorship.

We also want to give thanks to Consumers Credit Union for their Gold Sponsorship, and we also have enjoyed our building our relationship with you. This program really doesn’t happen without your support.

The Lansing Lugnuts hosted the Inaugural Cafecito Awards in March 2023 and despite the venue change to accommodate the growing Awards program, the Lugnuts continue to be a Platinum Sponsor.

Ballet Maria Luz is a performing group that was established in 1980 and formed by children, teenagers and adults. The goal is to share Folklorico history through dance, music and research which continue to be substantial components of all cultures.

MariaLuz Salas Arambula MSW, LL. BML educates nurtures and inspires students of all ages in the areas of culture, history and discipline. Classes are provided in a safe and positive environment. It offers uplifting quality and competitive training as well artistic and rewarding outcomes. The goal is to provide awareness through the fine art of dance and music.

MariaLuz started at age 3 with ballet, jazz, tap, clogging, modern and dances from: Greece, Russia, Poland, Middle East, South Africa. Learning dances from Spanish speaking countries with Mexico being the forte. A PHD candidate, Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University, a Bachelor’s in Community Development from Central Michigan University, Associate from Lansing Community College initiated Associate from the Institute of Fashion Merchandise and Design, Nursing Certificate from Texas Southmost College. She graduated with honors including recognition from State representative Kika de la Garza for outstanding accomplishments from Brownsville High School, Brownsville Texas.

Ballet MariaLuz has received numerous recognitions for successful contributions and collaboration in various communities. To name a few from: the US National Association of Folkloristas, State of Michigan, Michigan Hispanic Caucus, University of Michigan Professional Program, Ingham County Services, Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs (Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan present day), Lansing Community College Department of Communication, Meritorious resolutions from Clinton County, Cristo Rey Church, and so many more.

Her dance group recently returned from a conference in New Mexico in which her group was able to not only learn from other groups and professionals in the industry, they also took part in a cross county venture which MariaLuz has done repeatedly over the years. Such an amazing program filled with education, culture, and of course hard work by students and teachers alike. We salute you MariaLuz by naming you the Cafecito Arts & Culture Award recipient for 2024.

Also, much thanks to the partnership we have with the Latino Business Conexión of Michigan and their support of the Awards. The Awards Night will be held Friday, September 27, 2024, starting at 5:00pm at the Cadillac Room in Lansing’s REO Town.

Tickets: https://cafecitocaliente.com/…/cafecito-caliente…/

Cafecito Caliente is proud to recognize Maria Luisa Zavala for a Legacy Award at the Cafecito Caliente Awards Friday, September 27, 2024. She is the founder of the MSU’s Dia de la Mujer Annual Conference which is the largest Latina Conference in the Midwest. Between 400-500 people attend each year.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors like Lake Trust Credit Union whom Cafecito has built a great relationship with many of their staff. Thank you for your Diamante Sponsorship.

The Lansing Lugnuts hosted the Inaugural Cafecito Awards in March 2023 and despite the venue change to accommodate the growing Awards program, the Lugnuts continue to be a Platinum Sponsor.

We also want to give thanks to Consumers Credit Union for their Gold Sponsorship, and we also have enjoyed our building our relationship with you. This program really doesn’t happen without your support.

Maria Luisa Zavala-Paredes is a social justice activist, changemaker, and visionary. The title she holds most dear is being the proud mother to her three amazing daughters: Hermila (Mila), Estrella, and Mayeli. She is in a lifelong partnership of love, respect, mutual understanding, lifelong activism, and continuous spiritual and mental growth with prison and social activist Efrén Paredes Jr.

She is also a graduate of Michigan State University (MSU) where she earned a BA in Communication with a specialization in Xicano/Latino Studies. She has appeared in various media outlets, and featured on a number of blogs and websites, proudly discussing Xicano/Latino issues. She has also been a speaker and presenter at numerous conferences across the nation. Her activism is featured in the book “500 Years of Chicana Women’s History in Pictures” written by the iconic Dr. Elizabeth “Betita” Martinez.

In 1994 María founded the Día de la Mujer Conference (DDLM), which is hosted annually on the MSU campus. The idea of having a conference arose from María’s vision to create a space for Xicanas/Latinas to be recognized for their relentless efforts and selfless contributions at home, school, work, and in their community. The conference also spawned from the desire to celebrate the genius and indomitable spirit of Xicana/Latina women that had been ignored and underappreciated far too long.

María endeavored to shatter negative narratives and stereotypes about Xicana/Latina women and create a monument recognizing their boundless potential, dignity, and sacredness. Prior to the inception of the DDLM Conference María vociferously expressed her disdain of the invisibility, misogyny, and marginalization of Xicana/Latina women. As a young, former migrant farmworker Xicana who trekked the MSU campus daily amid throngs of her privileged counterparts, she quickly became acutely acquainted with the myriad inequalities and struggles endured by her brown sisters.

The DDLM conference serves as a platform to empower, validate, and connect Xicanas/Latinas by providing them with resources to improve the quality of their lives and communities, and inspire their upward mobility. It is also a space designed to help them foster purpose, cultivate self-awareness, and discover their intrinsic gifts and beauty. The conference has grown exponentially from an evening reception, which acknowledged the achievements of MSU Xicana/Latina faculty and staff, to a sprawling one-day Statewide Xicana/Latina conference.

With the help of hundreds of Xicana/Latina MSU student committee members and volunteers over the past two-and-a-half decades, the DDLM conference has blossomed into the largest Xicana/Latina women’s conference in the Midwest. Today the conference offers a multi-faceted series of workshops focusing on education, health, the legal system, finance, business, interpersonal relationships, self-empowerment, socially engaged work, culture and identity, the arts, and how to advance their personal and career goals.

María has made a remarkable impact on the lives of women and their families, and tirelessly invested her time, talents, and service to advance the Xicano/Latino community.

Michigan State University chose to recognize her and her enduring legacy with the continuation of an award that is representative of her vision, accomplishments, and selfless contributions. Each year, the María Zavala Award is bestowed to a Xicana/Latina who has also demonstrated the same commitment and fortitude to progressing Xicana/Latina women and their community.

María developed her passion for activism deep in the Texas Rio Grande Valley at an early age with the help of her loving parents, Hermila and Adalberto. Through their labor organizing work with the United Farm Workers (UFW) they modeled how to harness the power of the people to protect the rights and dignity of farmworkers and create durable social change.

While at MSU María served as Chair of Movimiento Estudiantil Xicano de Atzlan (MEXA), a student Xicano organization. She also served as Secretary of Chicano Hispanic Students of Progressive Action (CHISPA), now known as Culturas de las Razas Unidas (CRU), and in 1994 inception of the conference, she was also a Minority Aid, now known as Intercultural Aide.

In 1996 she organized a team of students who coordinated a four-year United Farm Worker (UFW) grape boycott and an indefinite water-only hunger strike at MSU. In six days, the event forced administrators to acknowledge and honor the UFW grape boycott. It also resulted in Xicano/Latino students successfully receiving a number of historic demands from the university. Among them included an increased hiring and retention of Xicano/Latino professors, increased enrollment and retention of Xicano/Latino students, as well as the creation of the Xicano/Latino Studies Department, the Cesar Chavez Memorial Library, and the TOCE S Cafecito Caliente alongside Title Sponsor Feldman Chevrolet of Lansing is proud to recognize Shekina Mitchell with the Community Service of the Year Award for her work in various roles throughout the State of Michigan.cholarship for underserved Xicano/Latino MSU students.

During the mid-1990’s she was part of a group of student and community activist that formed the Xicano Development Center, a nonprofit committed to provide education, advocacy, and policy development to enhance the lives of Xicano/Latino communities and to build power within those communities. She helped mobilize communities in Detroit and Lansing to amplify their voices and combat the injustices of police brutality, racial profiling, and unlawful arrests.

For the many in the community that have experienced DDLM, we thank you Maria for having that vision under very brutal conditions on Campus and in the many different communities you have worked with. For this, Cafecito will recognize you Maria Luisa Zavala with a Legacy award as DDLM was built to last for decades. That’s Legacy!

Also, much thanks to the partnership we have with the Latino Business Conexión of Michigan and their support of the Awards. The Awards Night will be held Friday, September 27, 2024, starting at 5:00pm at the Cadillac Room in Lansing’s REO Town.

Tickets: https://cafecitocaliente.com/…/cafecito-caliente…/

Cafecito Caliente is proud to recognize Shekina Mitchell with the Community Service of the Year Award for her work in various roles throughout the State of Michigan.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors like Lake Trust Credit Union whom Cafecito has built a great relationship with many of their staff. Thank you for your Diamante Sponsorship.

The Lansing Lugnuts hosted the Inaugural Cafecito Awards in March 2023 and despite the venue change to accommodate the growing Awards program, the Lugnuts continue to be a Platinum Sponsor.

We also want to give thanks to Consumers Credit Union for their Gold Sponsorship, and we also have enjoyed our building our relationship with you. This program really doesn’t happen without your support.

Shekina Mitchell is a devoted minister and missionary who has spent more than a decade bringing God’s light to various regions, including Haiti, Guatemala, Mexico, and cities like Flint, Detroit, and Grand Rapids. Whether mentoring in vulnerable communities or providing leadership in boardrooms, where she advises on ethical and community-focused business practices, her actions reflect a living testament to her faith. Her unwavering dedication to her faith is a guiding force in all her endeavors. Denominational differences do not hinder her determination to serve others. She values her calling and has a unique ability to unite like-minded individuals to collaborate and innovate for various community projects, thus demonstrating the power of unity.

As the director of Covering Kidz, a nonprofit serving vulnerable families, an active partner at the Fretail store, and The Continuum of Compassion coordinator, Shekina’s creative talents have enriched numerous businesses, nonprofits, churches, and volunteers. She has united organizations to improve their communities, resulting in initiatives such as water to the undocumented during the Flint water crisis, Feeding Homeless Camps during COVID lockouts, Operation Christmas Cheer, A community Thanksgiving, and spectrum events for children with disabilities. Her work, particularly in serving vulnerable families, provides more than just a service; it represents a significant contribution that has profoundly impacted countless lives.

In addition, Shekina is an active public servant for The State AmeriCorps program, serving various nonprofits in Ingham County. She also serves as the Garden leader at Webster Farms refugee garden, where she established a children’s program, offering a space for children affected by trauma to dream, create, and play while growing together. All these endeavors reflect the depth of her character-her unwavering faith, her compassion, and her ability to inspire others-and her valuable contributions to diverse communities.

We at Cafecito couldn’t fully understand what Shekina does as we remembered her in Flint, fully active during COVID, providing food and clothing for the homeless. Her work organizing multiple organizations excited us as its truly difficult to collaborate in the manner she did. She was everywhere to say the least. Congratulations to Shekina Mitchell our Community Service individual for the 2024 Cafecito Awards!

Also, much thanks to the partnership we have with the Latino Business Conexión of Michigan and their support of the Awards. The Awards Night will be held Friday, September 27, 2024, starting at 5:00pm at the Cadillac Room in Lansing’s REO Town.

Tickets: https://cafecitocaliente.com/…/cafecito-caliente…/

Cafecito Caliente alongside Title Sponsor is proud to announce the Award Latino Business of the Year is being awarded to Events 2 Envy by Sonia led by Sonia Hernandez. Her event planning business has changed the way many organizations and events celebrate milestone activities. Already a successful event planning company, Events 2 Envy by Sonia planned out and executed to perfection the 2023 Cafecito Caliente Awards as Sonia carefully crafted an upscale formal awards ceremony.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors like Lake Trust Credit Union whom Cafecito has built a great relationship with many of their staff. Thank you for your Diamante Sponsorship.

The Lansing Lugnuts hosted the Inaugural Cafecito Awards in March 2023 and despite the venue change to accommodate the growing Awards program, the Lugnuts continue to be a Platinum Sponsor.

We also want to give thanks to Consumers Credit Union for their Gold Sponsorship, and we also have enjoyed our building our relationship with you. This program really doesn’t happen without your support.

Historically, most dinners, luncheons or events including conferences are a come as you are event with very little decoration. Today, with much of the credit going to Sonia, you will see her vision of each event not only at weddings and Quinceaneras but also at graduation ceremonies at MSU, the 2023 Latino Business Expo, the Cesar E. Chavez Luncheon, Pierre’s Bridal, Prom & Tuxedo Quinceanera Fashion Show just to name a few. All of a sudden, the Hispanic Latino community has a few dress up events that when mixed with Sonia’s vision, have become even more fun to attend.

The Mid-Michigan area has no shortage of successful businesses. Cafecito Caliente and its panel truly believe that Events 2 Envy by Sonia has raised the bar for how we lift people up and celebrate milestone moments. We believe we can speak for all those folks who have attended an event planned by them, you walked away feeling so inspired.

Tickets: 2024 Cafecito Caliente Awards Ceremony – Cafecito Caliente

2022 was successful for Events 2 Envy. 2023 was very successful for them. And in 2024, you have exceeded even your own dreams of success. Events 2 Envy, as you accept the Latino Business of the Year Award, we hope that you fully realize how you have lifted up a community by your vision, effort and go-getter style.

Also, much thanks to the partnership we have with the Latino Business Conexión of Michigan and their support of the Awards. The Awards Night will be held Friday, September 27, 2024, starting at 5:00pm at the Cadillac Room in Lansing’s REO Town.

Tickets: 2024 Cafecito Caliente Awards Ceremony – Cafecito Caliente

Cafecito Caliente is proud to announce the Rising Star of the Year, Elena Herrera. The award is given to a young professional or business owner who has impacted the Hispanic Latino community and or the Mid-Michigan area. In Elena’s case, her reach will include the Detroit, Michigan area as well.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors like Lake Trust Credit Union whom Cafecito has built a great relationship with many of their staff. Thank you for your Diamante Sponsorship.

The Lansing Lugnuts hosted the Inaugural Cafecito Awards in March 2023 and despite the venue change to accommodate the growing Awards program, the Lugnuts continue to be a Platinum Sponsor.

We also want to give thanks to Consumers Credit Union for their Gold Sponsorship, and we also have enjoyed our building our relationship with you. This program really doesn’t happen without your support.

Elena is the founder of Ledger Ally, and a recipient of a technical assistance contract with Motor City Match. As a lifelong resident of Lansing, Elena has a deep commitment to the community, balancing professional achievements with raising a blended family of four. She serves as co-chair of the Latino Business Conexion of Michigan (LBCM) and as secretary for the Ballet Maria Luz Folklorico dance group. Elena is passionate about supporting local businesses, particularly within the Latino community, and actively contributes to events like the Latino Business Expo. With a strong dedication to both family and entrepreneurship, Elena is honored to be recognized as a Rising Star in the community.

Also, much thanks to the partnership we have with the Latino Business Conexión of Michigan and their support of the Awards. The Awards Night will be held Friday, September 27, 2024 starting at 5:00pm at the Cadillac Room in Lansing’s REO Town.

Tickets: https://cafecitocaliente.com/…/cafecito-caliente…/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/14Kf849pMf/

The Cafecito Caliente Awards would like to announce Trini Lopez Pehlivanoglu as our 2024 Latina of the Year recipient. Trini made history when on January 1, 2024, she was elected to become the first Latina ever to sit on the Lansing City Council as an At Large member. Always known to volunteer her time to her Church and community, many of us have either watched her grow up serving others or walked beside her on many projects as she has never forgotten her roots. The City Council was a great move for her and for the City of Lansing.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors like Lake Trust Credit Union whom Cafecito has built a great relationship with many of their staff. Thank you for your Diamante Sponsorship.

The Lansing Lugnuts hosted the Inaugural Cafecito Awards in March 2023 and despite the venue change to accommodate the growing Awards program, the Lugnuts continue to be a Platinum Sponsor.

We also want to give thanks to Consumers Credit Union for their Gold Sponsorship, and we also have enjoyed our building our relationship with you. This program really doesn’t happen without your support.

So many folks in our community are inspired by Trini Lopez-Pehlivanoglu as she looks to take on the challenges of a City, home, and Church. The sacrifices she and her family have made are simply amazing. We applaud you Trini as our Cafecito Caliente Awards Latina of the Year.

Also, much thanks to the partnership we have with the Latino Business Conexión of Michigan and their support of the Awards. The Awards Night will be held Friday, September 27, 2024 starting at 5:00pm at the Cadillac Room in Lansing’s REO Town.

Tickets: https://cafecitocaliente.com/…/cafecito-caliente…/

The Cafecito Caliente Awards will recognize Alfonso Salais Jr as the 2024 Heart of the City recipient. Alfonso Salais Jr. Mention his name in this city and you will get smiles or stories of how he is everyone’s favorite teacher. Walk into his classrooms at the very beginning in 1994 on Day 1, and you witnessed engaged students, inspired classrooms, and students who were inspired to do more than just pass a class.

All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors like Lake Trust Credit Union whom Cafecito has built a great relationship with many of their staff. Thank you for your Diamante Sponsorship.

The Lansing Lugnuts hosted the Inaugural Cafecito Awards in March 2023 and despite the venue change to accommodate the growing Awards program, the Lugnuts continue to be a Platinum Sponsor.

We also want to give thanks to Consumers Credit Union for their Gold Sponsorship, and we also have enjoyed our building our relationship with you. This program really doesn’t happen without your support.

Among many accomplishments, Alfonso collaborated to help start the first Mariachi band in the State of Michigan. He also was awarded the prestigious National Educator Award presented by the Milken Family Foundation. He also helped found Central Michigan University’s first Latino Greek Organization.

The amount of lives he has impacted by his success driven teaching philosophies is phenomenal as many of his students have gone on to further their education and/or made an impact in their community. He continues to play to inspire in the role of mentor to many around the State.

The Heart of the City Award is given in recognition of those who have made a significant contribution to the Mid-Michigan area through inspiration, spirit, and excellent leadership. They’re dreamers, they’re visionaries, developers, creators, leaders, and partners. The bottom line is they are the heart and soul of this community and represent the Hispanic Latino Community at its best. For the year of 2024, that person is Alfonso Salais Jr.

Tickets: http://Purchase tickets here: 2024 Cafecito Awards & Christmas Symposium Tickets – Cafecito Caliente

Sponsorships: Please contact Sein Paul Benavides at seinpaul65@gmail.com

The 12th Annual Latino Night with the Lugnuts will be Saturday, August 3, 2024, with a concert and mini festival starting us off in front of the stadium. Sponsorship info available upon demand.

Shirts will be on sale at the Arctic Corner Ice Cream Shop located in Lansing’s Old Town.

Latino Day Shirt:
Tickets through Lansing Lugnuts on gameday:

For more information, please contact Sein Paul Benavides or call 517-303-7001. Also: seinpaul65@gmail.com

2024 was truly amazing. Any questions please feel free to inbox me. Check back on the Cafecito website and social media pages for updates on entertainment and shirt design.