Join the ACLU of New Mexico for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people and partnerships that are advancing civil rights across our state.

Together, we’ll honor this year’s award recipients and hear from bestselling author and poet Javier Zamora, whose remarkable story of migration, resilience, and belonging reminds us of the power of hope, community, and our shared humanity.

ACLU-NM Attorney of the Year
Jessica Martinez

Guardian of Liberty
Billton Werito

Lifetime Achievement/Legacy of Justice
Maureen “Meaux” Sanders

Volunteer of the Year Award
Southwest New Mexico Chapter

Outstanding Organization Award
Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless

Memoirist, poet, and speaker Javier Zamora believes that immigrants must keep ownership of their own stories. In his award-winning memoir, Solito, he explores his own:a harrowing journey to the US as an unaccompanied nine-year-old that gives a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the realities of child migration. In his talks, he shares the story of his trek to reunite with his family, and how therapy and writing were able to help him heal from the trauma that has haunted him ever since.

Now, Javier Zamora chronicles his revelatory journey as an immigrant and as an artist to audiences at universities, organizations, libraries, and more. Going beyond his harrowing border crossing,

Zamora explores the ways he has been processing and healing from trauma ever since, from therapy to poetry to nature hikes. As a native Salvadoran who grew up as an undocumented American, he delves into the intersecting and conflicting meanings of home and identity.

His message of hope, perseverance, and shared humanity feels especially meaningful at this moment, and we are honored to welcome him as the keynote speaker for this year’s For the People celebration.

• Atkins & Walker
• Professor Laura Gómez
• Kennedy Law Firm
• Law Office of Ryan J. Villa

• Romero, Harada & Winters

• Benoit Legal, PLLC
• Stuart & Robin Butzier
• Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez
• Patrick Griebel
• Adam Flores/Ives & Flores, PA
• Laura Schauer Ives/Ives & Flores, PA
• David Stout and Mary Malwitz
• New Mexico Immigrant Law Center

• Law Office of Erika Anderson
• Corrine Holt
• Kaplan Law Firm
• Arne Leonard
• New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association
• The Law Office of Alexandra Freedman Smith