56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

  • Community
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

  • Featured
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

    Pope Leo XIV a ‘man of many gifts’ who will lead Church with grace

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    El Arzobispo Edward J. Weisenburger dirige las oraciones durante una Misa en memoria del papa Francisco el 21 de abril en la Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament en Detroit. El papa Francisco, quien ha liderado la Iglesia católica desde 2013, murió la madrugada del lunes, el día después del Domingo de Pascua. (Foto de Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic)

    Archbishop Weisenburger leads Detroit faithful in mourning Pope Francis’ death

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

  • Community
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

  • Featured
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

    Pope Leo XIV a ‘man of many gifts’ who will lead Church with grace

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    El Arzobispo Edward J. Weisenburger dirige las oraciones durante una Misa en memoria del papa Francisco el 21 de abril en la Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament en Detroit. El papa Francisco, quien ha liderado la Iglesia católica desde 2013, murió la madrugada del lunes, el día después del Domingo de Pascua. (Foto de Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic)

    Archbishop Weisenburger leads Detroit faithful in mourning Pope Francis’ death

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
No Result
View All Result

Luz Acosta: Ohtli Winner Blazes Community-Centered Path

EL CENTRAL by EL CENTRAL
January 16, 2025
in Community, People
Reading Time: 4 mins read
Home Community
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend
  • Estefania Arellano-Bermudez
  • January 16, 2025

Among the vibrant colors, Ballet Folklorico, and food trucks at the 2024 Mexican Independence Day celebration held on Bagley Ave. in Mexicantown, Luz Acosta was a proud recipient of the prestigious Ohtli award. This award, a high distinction by the Mexican government, recognizes individuals who forge the path for others. Ohtli (pronounced “oh-tlee”) is Nahuatl (a language spoken by the Nahua people) for “path.” Acosta’s tireless work has empowered Mexicans living abroad.

“The Ohtli is one of the biggest awards that the Mexican government can give someone,” said Jesús Gutiérrez Rodríguez, Community Affairs Coordinator at the Mexican Consulate in Detroit. “We sent our nomination to Mexico and there, a jury looked over [Ms. Acosta’s] qualifications.”

Acosta, who serves as the Executive Director of La Casa Amiga – a Catholic non-profit organization based in Pontiac, Michigan – originally studied computer engineering in Mexico. Now she is dedicated to helping families with housing, education, employment, food, and more.

Mexican Consul Roberto Nicolas presents the Ohtli Award to Luz Acosta at the Grito Ceremony in Mexicantown in September 2024
Mexican Consul Roberto Nicolas presents the Ohtli Award to Luz Acosta at the Grito Ceremony in Mexicantown in September 2024

Acosta is passionate about serving her community. When her husband’s job brought them to the United States, she sought out English classes. It was there at the ESL classes that she saw the needs of her community. She was inspired to help. Motivated by her own experience navigating a new culture and language, Acosta joined La Casa Amiga.

“I completely changed my career after arriving here in the U.S. and seeing everything that one could do for people and how we can help even though we are far from our country,” Acosta said. For the last eight years, helping people has been her mission.

La Casa Amiga offers a variety of important programs. One of its initiatives is the INEA program (Instituto Nacional para la Educación de los Adultos), which allows adults the opportunity to complete educational milestones, such as elementary school and middle school. This program is run by the Mexican consulate and is offered abroad in places like the U.S. Once the INEA program is complete, adults may sign up to complete their GED. Another vital component of education is the worker rights and education program, which empowers individuals with knowledge and certifications. This leads to better employment opportunities.

“We work closely with the [Mexican] consulate to protect workers,” said Acosta. “We are certified to train workers in Spanish. For example, we are certified to provide the OSHA 10 training in Spanish.”

Close to Acosta’s heart is the empowerment and workplace reintegration program for women. The non-profit offers courses on addressing workplace violence.  There is a support system in place for women who would like to reinvent their careers.

Acosta says it has been a challenge adjusting to a new culture and to the limited resources on hand, but that has not deterred her motivation to help her community. She has a passion and has learned to surround herself with capable, hardworking people that help provide the necessary tools to her community.

Through its bimonthly food pantries, La Casa Amiga provides food for 100-150 people per drive. Overall, the organization supports 6,000 individuals each year, a testament to its broad impact. These food drives, along with their educational programs, have become a lifeline for many individuals who struggle to make ends meet.

For her contributions, Acosta received a medal made of silver, a rosette pin, and a certificate. The Ohtli Awardsymbolizes the trails blazed by leaders like Acosta who are dedicated to the uplifting of their community. Past recipients include notable figures such as Mexican singer  Joan Sebastian, awarded in 2001, and Ray Lozano from the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation, awarded in 2022.

“We at the consulate are unable to do the work that needs to be done without alliances like the one we have with [Acosta],” said Gutiérrez Rodríguez. “We need community-driven leaders who are known and respected in the community and who motivate others.”

Estefania Arellano-Bermudez is a Latina freelance writer living in metro Detroit. She is a regular contributor to El Central Hispanic Newspaper, and a member of Planet Detroit’s Neighborhood Reporting Lab.

This story was made possible by the Race and Justice Reporting Initiative, which aims to build trust between the news media and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities and strengthen representative democracy. Funding for the initiative has been provided by a generous grant from Press Forward.

Tags: Awards
Previous Post

Enero en Perú

Next Post

The Detroit Auto Show Roars Back

EL CENTRAL

EL CENTRAL

Related Posts

A mural outside of an immigration resource center in El Paso, Texas.
Community

El Paso Workshop Guides Reporters Who Tell Immigration Stories

by EL CENTRAL
July 31, 2025
0

From El Paso to Detroit, a journalist explores immigration, border policy, and climate justice—revealing urgent truths and untold human stories

Read moreDetails
Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Community

Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield

by EL CENTRAL
July 31, 2025
0

Detroit mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield tackles air pollution, housing, infrastructure & immigrant rights in this in-depth EL CENTRAL interview

Read moreDetails
DCFC Breaks Winless Run
Community

DCFC Breaks Winless Run

by EL CENTRAL
July 31, 2025
0

Detroit City FC defeats Westchester 3-0 but exits League Cup. With Trevor James out, Le Rouge must rally for the...

Read moreDetails
Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities
Community

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

by EL CENTRAL
July 24, 2025
0

Southwest Detroit demands action on immigration, flooding, and justice as mayoral candidates face tough questions at historic community-led forum

Read moreDetails
Community

MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

by EL CENTRAL
July 24, 2025
0

MANA de Metro Detroit celebrates 30 years of Latina empowerment, awarding scholarships and honoring leaders at its 2025 Brindis Luncheon....

Read moreDetails
A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne
Community

A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

by EL CENTRAL
July 24, 2025
0

Discover Detroit’s historic Basilica of Ste. Anne—Jubilee 2025 pilgrimage site offering Mass, novena, tours, and plenary indulgence in a sacred...

Read moreDetails
Next Post
A 1964 Chevy Impala custom painted and pinstriped in Detroit Lions’ color sits on display in theAuto Show’s display paying tribute to the lowrider culture in Southwest Detroit.

The Detroit Auto Show Roars Back

Leave Comment
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

February 14, 2024
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Why We Celebrate “CINCO DE MAYO, THE 5TH OF MAY”

May 2, 2024
MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

April 4, 2024
Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

February 1, 2024
Community and RuboFest 2022 

Community and RuboFest 2022 

0
“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

0
Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

0
Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

0
Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

July 24, 2025
Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

July 24, 2025

MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

July 24, 2025
A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

July 24, 2025

Recent News

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

July 24, 2025
Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

July 24, 2025

MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

July 24, 2025
A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

July 24, 2025
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News

Michigans #1. Oldest. Largest & Only
Bilingual Hispanic News for 33 Years.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Classifieds
  • Community
  • Culture & Arts
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Español
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Latest News
  • Local News
  • Local Small Business
  • Music
  • National News
  • Opinion
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Resources
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World
  • World Cultures

Recent News

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

July 24, 2025
Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

July 24, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Catagories
    • Featured
    • Local News
    • Community
    • Culture & Arts
    • Español
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS