Toyota Presented Highlander Hybrid to NCLR Community Leader

El Concilio, a non-profit, community based social organization, has worked on making life better for Latinos and other communities in Central Valley, California, for decades.

El Concilo was presented with a new Toyota Highlander Hybrid at the 2017 National Council of La Raza (NCLR) which is an Annual Conference as well as a National Latino Family Expo.

This award was inspired by Toyota’s national campaign Juntos Somos Imparables. The main feature of the campaign is an experiential art installation, created to inspire and stimulate the Hispanic community.

“The new car will enable our organization to expand community outreach and facilitate transportation for the one-on-one visits to patients in rural areas and those that face mental health challenges,” said Vanessa Hernandez, case manager for Latino Behavioral Health of El Concilio.

This organization offers a variety of programs, from a preschool program to a health approach transportation program, as well as rural home visit program. El Concilio has supported these kinds of services since 1968.

“Organizations such as El Concilio play an important role in improving quality of life in rural areas through mobility, providing necessary resources and helping people connect to vital services,” said Adrienne Trimble, general manager, Diversity & Inclusion, Toyota Motor North America. “Recognizing those who help to make our communities better and inspire us is why we began our Juntos Somos Imparables campaign earlier this year, and El Concilio is an excellent example.”

The exhibit Juntos Somos Imparables shows principles like “courage” and “perseverance” on license plates. Those participating choose a value they represent and write the name of the person who inspired that value after which the license plates are put up on the wall. As a result, a collective mural of all those who stimulated and inspired the Hispanic community is made.

“This unique exhibit provides an uplifting message that reminds us of those who have made a difference in our lives,” stated Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the NCLR. “By sharing inspirational stories, we encourage the next generation to dream bigger. We thank Toyota for its strong commitment to the Latino community, and its long-standing partnership with NCLR.”

Visitors of the conference were encouraged to share their inspirational stories in the Toyota corner area. They were also able to post experiences online. Neida Sandoval, Toyota’s celebrity spokesperson and five time National Emmy Award winning journalist, was also available for sharing her very own inspirational story, and inspiring others in celebrating their Juntos Somos Imparables stories.