The Chicago Bears selected Carmen Velásquez as the recipient of the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award, a recognition made possible through the support of Courtyard by Marriott, the Official Hotel of the NFL. The NFL and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) have partnered for the third annual NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards Presented by Courtyard by Marriott during the 2013 celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The awards recognize the contributions of Hispanic leaders in each NFL market. The Bears honored Velásquez on September 15 at their Hispanic Heritage game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Carmen Velásquez is the Founder and Executive Director of Alivio Medical Center, an organization dedicated to providing access to quality, culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate cost effective health care to Chicago, Cicero and Berwyn’s underserved and vulnerable communities. As a former community activist, social worker, and bilingual education specialist, Velásquez has spent most of her life advocating for universal health care, comprehensive immigration reform, and for workforce development. Velásquez has chosen the Alivio Medical Center to receive a $4,000 donation. The mission of this bilingual, bicultural organization is expressed through the provision of services, advocacy, education, research and evaluation provided in an environment of caring and respect.