The Richard Elías Legacy Award is given to honor an individual who works with the Southern Arizona community to build resilience, work for justice, and honor the beauty and heritage of our community and its members. As a champion of our unique Sonoran desert and its people, this individual exemplifies many of the admirable qualities of Richard Elías: a person who is dedicated and willing to take risks, who is approachable and open to everyone in the community, and who promotes equity and opportunity. Nominations of DACA recipients are encouraged.

 

Maria Vianey Valdez-Cardenas worked for the University of Arizona Chicano Hispano Students Affairs, City of Tucson Parks and Recreation as a Recreation Assistant, Arizona State Program Coordinator for Project Ayuda (on the job training program for 50+ Senior Citizens), Community Family Liaison and Folklorico Group instructor at Tucson Unified School District Mission View Elementary, Primavera Foundation as a Resources Specialist for Rapid Rehousing programs for the homeless population in Tucson, and lastly, she worked at U.S. Census Bureau in June 2019 as a Partnership Specialist for Arizona State Local Governments and Hispanic organizations till September 2021.

In 2017 Valdez-Cardenas opened her own Business as a Paralegal Document Services of Arizona helping families with legal documents. She has been an advocate for the Pima County and Tucson community for 25+ years and builds relationships through community engagement. She has been part of several nonprofit organizations and board of directors, holding a seat on the executive board for LULAC as the State Treasurer. She is currently the City of Tucson Ward 5 appointee for Pima County Tucson Women’s Commission and the Treasurer for Citizen Diplomacy Alliance for International Visitors with US Department of State, Las Vistas Neighborhood Association President as well as the Founder and Executive Director of United Hearts of Arizona/Corazones Unidos de Arizona. Throughout her career, Valdez-Cardenas had the opportunity to see the need of basic services for low-income families. In 2014, She founded her own non-profit organization to improve the lives of children and families in Arizona by providing resources that will help them to be prepare for personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible citizenship. She provides work and support to cities and towns in Southern Arizona by establishing community partnerships and engagement.

Valdez-Cardenas currently lives in Tucson, Arizona, with her 3 children. She enjoys spending time with her family playing Mexican bingo.