The Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS) hosted its 27th Annual Leadership Awards Gala at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The event celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding Portuguese-Americans across a wide spectrum of professions and community endeavors.
The 27th Annual Leadership Awards Gala brought together Portuguese-American leaders, elected officials, diplomats, and community participants for an evening of community leadership recognition and heritage pride.
Funds raised from the event will support PALCUS’s year-round initiatives, including the national PALCUS Index survey, scholarships, and internship programs in Portugal, and advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill to elevate the voice and visibility of the Portuguese-American community.
Presiding as Honorary Chair was Ambassador Francisco Duarte Lopes, Ambassador of Portugal to the United States, who praised the honorees and the community’s continued engagement across generations.
“The honorees exemplify the best of what it means to be Portuguese-American—resilient, visionary, and committed to service,” said Ambassador Francisco Duarte Lopes. “Their achievements strengthen the bridge between Portugal and the United States, and they inspire future generations to honor their heritage through excellence.”
The 2025 PALCUS Leadership Awards recognized the following distinguished recipients for their excellence and dedication:
- Henry & Paulina Arruda – Entrepreneurship Award
- Dr. Connie Sanchez – Education Award
- Dr. Helena Santos-Martins – Medicine Award
- Richard Fernandes – Artistic Achievement Award
- Judge Maria Araújo Kahn – Law & Justice Award
- Ricky Durães – Journalism Award
- Angela Costa Simões – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Mariana Brazão – Young Portuguese-American “Promessa” Award
The Gala Committee Collective Chair was composed of the PALCUS Executive Committee: Katherine Soares (Chair), Ilídio Pereira (Vice-Chair), Anabela Dacruz-Melo (Secretary), and Lisa de Medeiros Morris (Treasurer).
“PALCUS is proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals whose leadership and contributions continue to uplift our community nationwide,” remarked Katherine Soares, Chair of the PALCUS Executive Committee. “Each story reminds us that our shared roots are a source of strength and connection across borders.”
The Portuguese Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS), founded in 1991, is a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving as the national voice for Portuguese-Americans. Dedicated to promoting the economic, professional, cultural, and political advancement of the community, PALCUS maintains active dialogue with the Government of Portugal, the U.S. Congress, and Portuguese-American organizations.
PAJ/Staff
