11th annual Trailblazers for Prosperity awards

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Community leaders are being recognized for their contributions to a historically underserved country of Fresno.

The Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association (SEFCEDA) hosted its yearly Trailblazers for Prosperity awards luncheon Wednesday.

Among the honorees was Manuel Morales, proprietor of El Paso Furniture.

"I was from a mediocre household from Mexico, and that's the dream, you know, successful the Hispanic community, travel to the United States and person an American dream," said Morales.

He's kept his concern successful the bosom of southeast Fresno, disconnected Cesar Chavez Boulevard, and stays progressive with the community, often mentoring young people.

"If they imagination something, conscionable support believing successful the dream. If I did it, anyone tin bash it. That's our dream," said Morales.

Also honored were Captain Joe Alvarez of the Fresno Police Department, Sunnyside High School diversion manager Suzanne Farmer and Donaghy Sales selling manager Juan Alfaro.

The Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association works to beforehand prosperity and amended the prime of beingness for families successful this country of the city.

"I judge it's indispensable we admit the challenges we person successful our assemblage and we besides admit the advancement we're making successful immoderate areas," said Jose Leon-Barraza, CEO of SEFCEDA.

The Posthumous Lifetime Achievement grant went to Ernesto Palomino, remembered arsenic an artist, mentor and teacher.

SEFCEDA says the luncheon serves arsenic an inspiration that nary substance your background, you, too, tin blaze a way for others to follow.

ABC30 is simply a arrogant sponsor of the event, and Action News Anchor Nic Garcia served arsenic the emcee.

For quality updates, travel Nic Garcia connected Facebook, X and Instagram.