Dr. Juan Andrade Jr., one of the most highly decorated Latino leaders in the nation, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during Negocios Now Gala, on July 14, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Juan is only the fourth Latino in history to be honored by both the government of the United States and the government of Mexico. In 2001, he received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Bill Clinton for “the performance of exemplary deeds of service for the nation” and “for extraordinary accomplishments in promoting civic participation and leadership development.”
In 2011 he received the National Ohtli Award, the highest honor presented by the people and government of Mexico for distinguished service to the Mexican and Mexican American community in the United States.
He has earned more degrees than any leader of a major national organization, including a bachelor’s, a master’s in education, a specialist in education, a doctorate in education and a post-doctorate master’s degree. He also has five honorary doctorates and has been recognized as a distinguished alumnus by Howard Payne University, Northern Illinois University, and Loyola University Chicago.
After 18 years in farm work, Mr. Andrade rose to become a venerated community leader, co-founding USHLI, which he leads today, working to maximize the awareness, engagement and participation of Latinos in civic life. USHLI has registered 2.2 million voters, published 425 studies on Latino demographics, trained over 500,000 present/future leaders, awarded over $1.3 million in scholarships and internships, and sponsors the largest Latino leadership conference in the nation.
