Christopher Gil, Senior Content Marketing Manager
(415) 282-3334 ext. 152
cgil@medasf.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2014
MEDA’s Luis Granados Honored with “San Francisco Foundation 2014 Community Leadership Award”
Recognition for Years of Service to the Latino Community of the Mission District
San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Foundation (TSSF) has announced that it will honor Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) Executive Director Luis Granados with a “2014 Community Leadership Award” at its annual event, slated for October 7th.
TSFF celebrates people who are rolling up their sleeves, taking initiative and solving problems in their neighborhoods and communities. The Community Leadership Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership has made a significant impact in their specific Bay Area communities. This work may confront societal or civic issues, address health or environmental concerns, or promote arts and humanities.
Granados was selected from a renowned group of 316 nominees for this “Robert C. Kirkwood Award,” made to an individual in recognition of outstanding community service, commitment and inspired leadership.
Winners of such “Community Leadership” awards over the past six decades have run the gamut from inventive musician Carlos Santana to inspiring foodie Alice Waters.
States Granados of the honor: “I am deeply humbled by this award. I will accept this honor not just for myself, but also for the hard-working team at MEDA, including our staff, Board and volunteers, that helps our clients every day. With almost 5,100 clients served in 2013, MEDA’s impact on the Mission District, San Francisco and the entire Bay Area has grown exponentially, positively affecting lives. I respectfully and proudly accept this recognition on behalf of MEDA.”
With “Hispanic Heritage Month” beginning today (running Sept. 15 to Oct. 15), the timing of this award is ideal. Granados’ vision of creating Plaza Adelante, a neighborhood center with service integration to help low- and moderate-income Latinos, is a major reason TSSF is bestowing this award on him.
“Our work is to lift up the best practices and leaders who are building opportunities for Bay Area communities to thrive, both today and for generations to come,” states Fred Blackwell, CEO of The San Francisco Foundation. “Luis’ work in the community is a beacon of that promise.”
About MEDA
MEDA is a community-based, local economic development agency located in the Mission District of San Francisco. For over 40 years, MEDA has worked to improve economic and social conditions in the neighborhood by stimulating investment, enhancing the business environment and creating jobs for area residents. MEDA is committed to maintaining the cultural identity and resources of the Mission District.
About The San Francisco Foundation
The San Francisco Foundation (TSFF) is the community foundation serving the Bay Area since 1948, granting more than $808 million over the past 10 years. Through the generosity and vision of our donors, both past and present, TSFF granted $86.8 million in fiscal year 2013. TSFF brings together donors and builds on community assets through grantmaking, leveraging, public policy, advocacy, and leadership development to make a greater impact in our community. By focusing on people, organizations, neighborhoods, and policy, advocacy and organizing, the Foundation addresses community needs in the areas of community health, education, arts and culture, community development, and the environment. In response to the economic downturn, TSFF is also focusing funding on safety net partners, job creation and training, and mortgage foreclosure relief and neighborhood preservation.
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