The Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion Servant Leadership Award Recipient: Elica Ojeda

Five years ago, our community lost a cherished friend, and the Hispanic community lost one of its most passionate and sincere advocates—Harold "Lefty" Encarnacion. A respected local business owner and tireless community servant, Lefty left an indelible mark not only on the city but also on The Courier Eco Latino newspaper. In honor of his legacy, we established the Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion Servant Leadership Award to recognize Hispanic individuals or organizations whose work exemplifies the values he lived by: service, advocacy, and love for the community.

This year’s 2025 recipient is Elica Ojeda, Chairperson of the Tri-City Latino Association.

Under Elica’s leadership, the annual Tri-City Latino Festival has become a vibrant celebration of Latin culture, drawing thousands of attendees and showcasing the rich, diverse heritage of the Hispanic community. But her efforts extend far beyond a single event. Elica and the dedicated board she leads have created year-round programming that includes community events and fundraisers designed to uplift, support, and unite the Tri-City area.

Looking to the future, Elica envisions expanding the Association’s impact by offering financial scholarships to students—empowering the next generation with educational opportunities and continuing the cycle of community advancement.

Her steadfast dedication to culture, service, and empowerment makes Elica Ojeda a fitting recipient of the Harold “Lefty” Encarnacion Servant Leadership Award. We are proud to honor her work and the enduring spirit of the leader whose name this award bears.