MANA de Imperial Valley Announces 2026 Las Primeras Honorees ahead of annual gala
EL CENTRO, Calif. - MANA de Imperial Valley has announced the three women who will be honored at the organization’s 2026 Las Primeras Gala, recognizing their contributions to education, health care, advocacy and community service throughout the Imperial Valley.
The 2026 honorees are Maria Bastidas, Helen Palomino and Caroline Treadway Jaime. MANA de Imperial Valley said the three women were selected for their leadership, resilience and commitment to creating opportunities for others.
The annual Las Primeras Gala: Red Carpet, Red Lips & Resilience is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at the historic Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse in El Centro.
According to MANA de Imperial Valley, the event celebrates women whose lives exemplify leadership and service while raising funds for scholarships that support future generations of Latina leaders.
Maria Bastidas
Maria Bastidas has spent more than 25 years supporting women, children and families throughout the Imperial Valley.
Her work has included involvement with Not Forgotten Ministries, Missions for Youth, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the Imperial Valley Life Center and Called to Peace Ministries.
MANA said Bastidas has focused on mentoring youth, supporting survivors and helping restore hope for individuals and families in the community.
Helen Palomino
Helen Palomino serves as chief executive officer of the Cancer Resource Center of the Desert.
A licensed clinical social worker, Palomino has worked to expand patient navigation services, strengthen regional health care partnerships and promote health equity for Imperial Valley residents.
MANA said her leadership has helped connect individuals and families facing cancer with resources and support services.
Caroline Treadway Jaime
Caroline Treadway Jaime has spent more than four decades working in education, mentorship and community service.
A first-generation college graduate, Jaime’s educational journey was supported by scholarships from MANA de Imperial Valley and Soroptimist International of El Centro.
According to MANA, Jaime has dedicated her career to bilingual education, literacy and educational equity, working to ensure students have opportunities to succeed.
Her legacy also includes the Caroline Treadway Jaime Dream It, Be It Educational Award, which was established in her honor to support young women pursuing their educational goals.
Gala to support scholarships
MANA de Imperial Valley said proceeds from the Las Primeras Gala will continue the organization’s scholarship efforts.
Since its founding in 1979, MANA de Imperial Valley has awarded more than $331,000 in scholarships to local students, according to the organization.
The nonprofit said sponsorships, program advertisements and ticket purchases for the gala directly support its scholarship program and efforts involving education, leadership development, advocacy and community service.
Community members interested in attending the gala or learning about sponsorship and advertising opportunities can find additional information through MANA de Imperial Valley. MANA de Imperial Valley
MANA de Imperial Valley is an affiliate of MANA, A National Latina Organization, and works to empower Latinas through education, leadership, mentorship, advocacy and community service throughout the Imperial Valley and broader binational region.