The Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) announced the recipients of the SACNAS Distinguished Awards for 2008. The association believes that the winners "represent the highest caliber of mentoring and an established record of encouraging minority students to pursue advanced degrees in science, mathematics, and engineering."
Those recognized this year included Juan Meza, Ph.D. of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Dr. Meza received the 2008 SACNAS Distinguished Scientist Award.
Sonia Ortega, Ph.D., of the National Science Foundation was awarded the 2008 SACNAS Distinguished Professional Mentor Award.
The awards were presented by SACNAS president Aaron Velasco, Ph.D., during the organization's annual national conference on October 9, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah. SACNAS defines its mission as "encouraging Chicano/Latino and Native American students to pursue graduate education and obtain the advanced degrees necessary for science research, leadership, and teaching careers at all levels."
Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association, (LISTA) honored Miguel Centeno, with the Corporate Citizen Award for 2008 at the association's annual convention in Miami, Florida. Mr. Centeno serves as vice president of Strategic Market Development for Aetna Corporation.
Jose A. Marquez-Leon, president and CEO of LISTA, said the support of Mr. Centeno in 2008 and his many years of community activism and commitment to excellence earned him the award.
Mr. Centeno joined Aetna in 2007. In his role as head of Strategic Market Development, he is responsible for leading Aetna's efforts in the Northeast region to serve the needs of small business owners, especially those owned by Hispanics, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, women and gays/lesbians/bisexuals and transgenders.
