SOLEDAD — Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez has been named the recipient of the 2026 Alfred Diaz-Infante Award, recognizing her more than two decades of public service and advocacy for Latino communities throughout Monterey County.
Velazquez was first elected mayor of Soledad in November 2020, becoming the first female mayor to represent the city in 99 years. Earlier this summer, she announced that she would not seek reelection as mayor in November.
The award, presented by the Siembra Latinos Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, was established in 2023 to honor the late Alfred Diaz-Infante, a community leader and nonprofit executive who championed partnerships to uplift the Latino community in Monterey County. The award recognizes those who exemplify visionary leadership and a lasting commitment to advancing local Latino communities.
Velazquez was born and raised in the Salinas Valley by farmworker parents. Her father was an active member of the United Farm Workers Union and fought to bring social, political and economic equality to farmworkers.
She has dedicated more than 28 years to public service, championing inclusive leadership, affordable housing, transportation access, civic engagement and economic opportunity. Throughout her career, she has worked to ensure Latino voices are represented in decision-making while advocating for working families and creating pathways for greater community participation.
Velazquez has over 20 years experience in local government, including 10 years serving as an elected official and eight years in state government in her current position as district director for State Sen. Anna Caballero.
Her career in public service includes 17 years with the City of Salinas, where she held the position of community development analyst in the Housing and Community Development Department and neighborhood services coordinator in the office of the city manager.
“Alfred was someone I deeply admired and turned to whenever I needed guidance on housing matters. I am truly honored to be afforded this recognition,” Velazquez said.
Through her service on numerous local and statewide boards and organizations, she has consistently advocated for greater representation, equity and opportunity, ensuring the perspectives and experiences of Latino residents are heard and included.
“Anna Velazquez embodies the spirit of the Alfred Diaz-Infante Award through her unwavering commitment to public service and her dedication to creating opportunities for Latino families throughout Monterey County,” said Cecilia Romero, vice president of philanthropic services for the Community Foundation for Monterey County. “Her leadership has opened doors for others and strengthened our communities through collaboration, advocacy and a deep commitment to equity.”
The Siembra Latinos Fund will present the award during its ninth annual Siembra Latinos Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at One Main Street in Salinas.
The celebration will recognize the impact of the Latino community and the power of collective giving. The event will feature food, wine, live music by Nancy Cordiel and the presentation of the Alfred Diaz-Infante Award to Velazquez.
The Siembra Latinos Fund was created in 2017 with the goal of improving the quality of life for local Latino residents. The fund has granted more than $175,000 to nonprofits that help advance the economic mobility of Monterey County’s Latino community.
For event ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, visit give.cfmco.org/Siembra2026.
