Xavier Cotto, recipient of the Latino Leader of the Year Award at the 2025 Latino Leadership Awards, hosted by La Paz Chattanooga at The Westin Chattanooga on Sept. 19. The event drew hundreds of community members, leaders and supporters to honor Latino achievement, culture and collective impact. In addition to Cotto, this year’s honorees included: Ensamble de México (Chattanooga’s Choice); The Pop-Up Project (Latino Community Champion); Steisy Vasquez, Jennifer Velasquez and Alex De La Cruz (Emerging Latino Leaders); Brittany Faith of Abbott, Weiss, Faith & Darnell (Volunteer of the Year); Sign Revolution (Latino Business of the Year); and Radio Fiesta Latina (Latino New Business of the Year).