WAR's music has been a timeless thread in the quilt of American pop culture since 1969. Sheila Escovedo has been slamming drumsticks since the tender age of three, following in the footsteps of her father and legendary percussionist, Pete Escovedo. She also maintains a heavy involvement in charitable organizations as a dedicated philanthropist.

This year, CHCI will be honoring actor, producer, comedian, and writer George Lopez and community activist Lt. Col. Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch (ret.) with the highly coveted Medallion of Excellence Award; alongside renowned neurosurgeon and neuroscientist Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, who will receive the prestigious CHCI Chair's Award during the Gala. The CHCI 35th Anniversary Awards Gala Host is PepsiCo. This year's exclusive media partner is Univision and Emmy Award-winning Univision News anchor Maria Elena Salinas will emcee the awards show.

Each year, the CHCI Annual Awards Gala is the hallmark event that launches Hispanic Heritage Month in Washington, D.C., and serves as the unifying event for the Hispanic-American community. Proceeds from the Gala benefit CHCI's award-winning leadership development programs which include: Ready to Lead (R2L™), the Congressional Internship Program (CIP), the Public Policy Fellowship Program (PPF), and the Graduate Fellowship Program (GFP).

This year CHCI is going social so that more can enjoy the 35th Anniversary Awards Gala celebration. Facebook is the official CHCI Social Media Partner. CHCI will be highlighting Facebook posts throughout the evening and web streaming live thanks to AT&T, this year's CHCI Technology Partner. Please "Like" CHCI at www.facebook.com/CHCIDC to fully experience the event.