Yvonne Peña Honored with Triple LULAC Woman of the Year Awards

In a remarkable recognition of her commitment to advocacy and community service, Yvonne Peña has been awarded not one, but three prestigious honors by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) for 2026. She has been named LULAC National Woman of the Year, LULAC Texas State Woman of the Year, and LULAC District XV Woman of the Year. These accolades highlight her unwavering dedication to LGBTQIA+ advocacy, cultural preservation, and community empowerment across Texas and beyond.

Peña, who holds multiple leadership roles including Deputy Director of LGBTQIA+ for LULAC District XV and LULAC Council 2 LGBTQIA+ Liaison, has been a driving force in enhancing LGBTQIA+ visibility within LULAC. Notably, her leadership led to the inaugural LGBTQIA+ Awards Reception, which was a resounding success, featuring keynote speaker Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez. This event marked a watershed moment for representation and recognition within the organization.

Yvonne Peña’s impact extends far beyond her roles within LULAC. As the founder of Westside Stories Magazine, Cafecito, and the Westside Stories Podcast, she has created platforms that amplify the voices and stories of her community. Her work in organizing cherished cultural events such as the Día de los Muertos Lantern Release, Westside Stories Community Children’s Christmas, and the first-ever Westside Stories Community Christmas Tree Lighting has fostered unity and pride among residents.

Peña’s commitment to her community is not only admirable but transformative. Through her initiatives, she has strengthened community bonds and celebrated heritage, ensuring that families across generations feel connected and uplifted.

Peña’s recent accolades are part of a long list of honors that reflect her impactful contributions. She was inducted into the Edgewood ISD Hall of Fame in 2025, received the Edge of the Woods Community Member Award, and has been recognized multiple times by LULAC. Notably, she was awarded the Outstanding Woman Role Model Award in 2019 and received the Yellow Rose of Texas Commission recognition that same year. In her acceptance of these honors, Yvonne Peña expressed heartfelt gratitude: “I am deeply honored and humbled by these recognitions.

They reflect not just my work, but the collective strength of our community, our culture, and our commitment to ensuring every person feels seen, valued, and celebrated. This is a shared victory for all of us.” We, the women of La Prensa Texas, proudly congratulate Yvonne Peña on her extraordinary achievement of receiving three prestigious LULAC Woman of the Year awards. In 2026, the Year of the Mujeres, her recognition stands as a testament to the vital role women play in media and advocacy.

Yvonne’s work not only champions the LGBTQIA+ community but also amplifies the voices of those often overlooked. Her dedication to cultural preservation and community empowerment highlights the powerful impact women can have in shaping society. We celebrate her accomplishments and look forward to witnessing her continued influence in creating a more inclusive and vibrant community. Abrazos, Yvonne!

Founded in 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens is the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. LULAC promotes the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs and national advocacy.