Blanca Pacheco honored with Latina Advocate Award

Photo by Hans Fritz

Downey Councilmember Blanca Pacheco, the first Latina elected to Downey's City Council, has been named a 2017 Latina Advocate Award recipient. 

The award was presented by Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE).

HOPE, in partnership with California legislators, annually recognizes a select group of Latinas "making significant contributions to their communities." Pacheco was nominated by Assemblymember Cristina Garcia. 

A graduate of Loyola Law School, Pacheco was instrumental in opening a teen court in Downey, where she serves as supervising attorney. She was named "Woman of the Year" by Garcia in 2016. 

Pacheco and other award winners will be honored at HOPE's 23rd annual Latina Action Day held in Sacramento on April 25.