Mexican American Opportunity Foundation to Honor Four at Pasadena Aztec Awards

The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation will hold its 58th annual Aztec Awards on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena, honoring four people for their contributions to education, entertainment, business and public service.

The honorees are Jules Buenabenta, chief executive officer of Jules & Associates; Jorge García, a global tour buyer at Live Nation Entertainment; actress Constance Marie; and Carlos González Gutiérrez, Mexico’s consul general in Los Angeles, according to an Oct. 1 announcement from the foundation distributed by publicity firm The 3 Collective.

Buenabenta will receive the Education Aztec Award, while García will receive the Corporate Aztec Award. Marie will be recognized with the Entertainment Aztec Award, and González Gutiérrez will receive the Dionicio Morales Lifetime Achievement Award, according to the announcement.

The foundation said Buenabenta’s recognition reflects his contributions to education and philanthropy. García’s award acknowledges his work in the live entertainment industry and community involvement. Both were previously identified as honorees in announcements published on the foundation’s website.

Spanish singer and songwriter Natalia Jiménez is scheduled to perform during the ceremony. The foundation identified Jiménez, a Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, as the featured musical performer in its October announcement.

The annual awards recognize individuals whose professional achievements and community service have contributed to Latino communities. The foundation said the event brings together representatives from business, civic organizations and philanthropy.

Founded in 1963 by civil rights leader Dionicio Morales, the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation provides social services intended to improve economic opportunities for Latino families and other communities in California.

Its programs include early childhood education, Head Start, employment assistance, financial education, community development and services for older adults. The organization says its approach is designed to address the needs of families across generations.

This year’s Pasadena ceremony follows the foundation’s 57th annual awards in 2025, which took place at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

The 58th annual Aztec Awards will be held at the Langham Huntington, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.