Dr. Juan Andrade, co-founder and president of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), received the Ohtli Award on Wednesday, May 4. The Ohtli, which means “path,” is the highest honor presented by the government of Mexico to a civilian living outside the country for contributions made to the empowerment of the Mexican and the Mexican-American communities in the United States. The award was presented at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, DC by the Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan.

Andrade, who was previously decorated at the White House by then President of the United States Bill Clinton “for the performance of exemplary deeds of service for the nation” and “excellence in promoting leadership and civic participation,” became one of only three Hispanics in history to be honored by both the government of Mexico and the government of the United States. He will share this distinction with the late Cesar Chavez and the late Mario Obledo.

As a child and later as a student, Andrade sold newspapers and washed dishes, pots and pans in restaurants. He hoed cotton, cabbage, peanuts, watermelons and cantaloupes and worked in factories, meatpacking plants, and as a custodian. He has earned five college degrees including a doctorate and received five honorary doctorates and three distinguished alumni awards. Andrade represents USHLI on the Board of Directors of HACR (Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility) and NHLA (National Hispanic Leadership Agenda).