ALMA Celebrates Community Leaders in Chicago
The organization honored two local activists during its fifth annual reception at Barcocina Lakeview.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Hispanic
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The Association of Latinos/as/xs Motivating Action (ALMA) held its 5th Annual Community Reception in Chicago to celebrate local advocacy. The event featured the presentation of the ALMA de Lider Award to Jessica Carrillo-Guerrero and Dan Ingram.
Why it matters
The organization works to increase visibility and representation for the Latino and LGBTQ+ community. By honoring these activists, ALMA highlights the grassroots efforts that support its mission and organizational growth.
The June 2026 Professionals Do Pride fundraiser secured over $41,000 for the organization. The event included representatives from more than 70 distinct community organizations.
The players
Association of Latinos/as/xs Motivating Action
This Chicago-based advocacy organization has spent 37 years working to promote representation for the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities.
Jessica Carrillo-Guerrero
A long-time community organizer, she established the advocacy group United Latino Pride in 2006.
Dan Ingram
He is a community leader recognized for his role in establishing the Professionals Do Pride network in 2014.
The details
The reception at Barcocina Lakeview featured a cocktail hour, a drag performance, and the formal recognition of two prominent community organizers. The celebration served to connect various advocates and highlight the 37-year history of the group.
Timeline
ALMA was established in 1989.
Jessica Carrillo-Guerrero founded United Latino Pride in 2006.
Dan Ingram helped establish Professionals Do Pride in 2014.
The Professionals Do Pride fundraiser took place in June 2026.
The 5th Annual Community Reception was held on October 22, 2026.
Culture Shift
This reception reflects a broader societal trend of creating intersectional spaces that blend cultural heritage with LGBTQ+ advocacy. By hosting events at local venues, the organization successfully integrates community activism into the broader social fabric of the city.
Residents interested in community advocacy can engage with the organization through its various networking events and annual fundraisers. These gatherings offer opportunities to connect with the more than 70 organizations that participate in the group's network.
The takeaway
Supporting grassroots community reception events allows residents to connect with established networks of local leaders. Engaging with these organizations can provide individuals with direct pathways to contribute to ongoing advocacy and social representation efforts.
Further reading
Learn more about local advocacy efforts on the Chicago Hispanic page.
More information
For more information on the organization and its ongoing projects, visit the ALMA Chicago official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Windy City Times.
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