The Consulate of Mexico in Milwaukee will award UMOS, Inc. with the 2025 Ohtli Award at a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 24.
UMOS is a multi-state nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities through integrated workforce development, education, social services, and partnerships. José Martinez, UMOS’s fifth president and CEO, will receive the honor on the agency’s behalf.
The Ohtli Award (Reconocimiento Ohtli) is granted by the Institute of Mexicans Living Abroad (IME) from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, honoring those who strengthen relations with the Mexican community that resides outside Mexico.
“The Ohtli is the highest award that the Government of Mexico confers to those individuals or organizations whose service opens up paths for Mexican communities abroad to grow and thrive,” said Ambassador Claudia Franco Hijuelos, Head Consul of Mexico in Milwaukee, in a press release. “The distinction is bestowed upon UMOS to recognize the organization’s 60-year trajectory to benefit migrant workers and their families in the United States.”
Martinez will accept the award at the UMOS annual corporate luncheon event, held at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., on Oct. 24. The ceremony begins at 12:15 p.m.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Claudia Franco Hijuelos and the esteemed members of the Mexican Government,” said Martinez. “It is truly an honor to receive such a prestigious recognition.”
Mexico founded the annual award in 1996. It consists of a medallion, a silver rosette, and a diploma. The name of the award comes from a Nahuatl word that means “road” or “path.”
