MANA, A National Latina Organization's (MANA) 12th Annual Las Primeras® Awards Gala took place on Friday, November 30, 2001 at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. The event, hosted by Verizon, honored five Latinas who have accomplished "firsts" in various aspects of society including Business, Communications, Community Service, Leadership and Military Service.

This year MANA honored the Honorable Sila M. Calderon, Governor of Puerto Rico with the MANA award for "Leadership"; Anna Escobedo Cabral, President and CEO of HACR received the award for "Community Service"; Elizabeth Vargas, ABC News Anchor was awarded the MANA "Communications" award; Linda G. Alvarado, President and CEO of Alvarado Construction, Inc. and Owner of the Colorado Rockies was honored with the "Business and Sports" award; and Nellie Kaniski, U.S. Marine Corp Veteran and President of MANA de Orange County was honored for "Military Service".

MANA also presented the Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison with the "HerMANA" award for her sponsorship of the Senate Republican Hispanic Advisory Task Force and the Honorable Thomas Daschle received the "HerMANO" award for his sponsorship of the Senate Democratic Hispanic Advisory Task Force. Both senators have shown continuous support to the Hispanic community. Senator Hutchison was unable to attend the ceremony, however her Chief of Staff, Mr. David Davis graciously accepted the award on her behalf. Senator Daschle accepted his award at his office earlier that day.

Anna Maria Arias, recently deceased founder, publisher and editor of LATINA Style Magazine, was honored posthumously with a Las Primeras Award for her outstanding contributions to the Latina community. Robert Bard accepted the award honoring his late wife. Those in the room were emotionally touched by the loss of a truly beautiful Latina.

State Farm Insurance Company was honored as the "Corporation of the Year" for their outstanding nationwide support of programs that enrich the Hispanic community. MANA President and CEO, Alma Morales Riojas proudly announced that MANA and State Farm will be co-sponsoring a yearly scholarship in the name of Anna Maria Arias to the annually held National HERMANITAS® Summer Institute awarded to a youth Latina who wins an essay contest and shows interest in journalism.

MANA also honored Beatrice Fernandez for her dedication over the past two years as MANA's National Board Chair.

MANA, A National Latina Organization is a nonprofit, advocacy organization headquartered in the nation's capital, Washington, D. C. With chapters across the country, it is the oldest National Latina membership organization in the United States. MANA, whose mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy, envisions a national community of informed Latina activists working to improve the quality of life for all Hispanics. MANA also has the only national young Latina's mentoring program for girls 11 to 17, "HERMANITAS®" which brings over 100 girls to Washington DC to a summer institute that includes a briefing at the White House and a visit to the girls' Congressional representatives. Information on MANA can be obtained by sending an e-mail to herman2@aol.com.