Albuquerque Public Schools
APS Board President Honored with National Award for Service to Latino Community
Danielle Gonzales receives CHCI’s Medallion of Excellence for Distinguished Alumnus
Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education President Danielle Gonzales has been awarded the Medallion of Excellence for a Distinguished Alumnus by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute —one of the organization’s highest honors.
The award recognizes Latino leaders who have dedicated their careers to service and impact.
The national award recognizes CHCI alumni with at least 15 years of civic and professional leadership who have made outstanding contributions to the Latino community. Gonzales, a 1997 alumna of the internship program, was selected for her work in education policy, community engagement and leadership at the local and national levels.
“This award is deeply meaningful to me because it affirms the values that have guided my life and career—family, service and a deep commitment to community,” Gonzales said. “I have always felt called to serve, especially on behalf of Hispanic youth and communities like the one that raised me in Albuquerque, New Mexico.”
Gonzales completed her CHCI internship under then-U.S. Rep. and Caucus Chair Xavier Becerra, where she got a firsthand look at how federal policy is shaped. She credits the experience with helping her see how her identity and aspirations could thrive.
“CHCI played a foundational role in preparing me for a life of service and leadership,” she said. “It was one of the first times I saw how my identity and my aspirations could thrive in the same space.”
Since then, Gonzales has worked across the country as a teacher, policy leader and advocate for public education. Her work has centered on improving educational outcomes, expanding equity and shaping systems that support students and families—especially those historically underserved. A Valley High School graduate, she is completing her first term on the board and has been president since 2024.
“We’re proud of Board President Gonzales for this achievement and for her commitment to improving educational outcomes for all our students,” said APS Superintendent Gabriella Blakey. “Female Hispanic leaders in education are few and far between. We’re excited to have our board president honored with this important award.”
Each year, the organization presents its highest honors at the CHCI Annual Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., during Hispanic Heritage Month. Gonzales will be recognized alongside other prominent leaders who serve as role models for Latino youth and communities nationwide.