The Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy and Research Organization (CLLARO) has recognized Partner Ken Salazar with its Federico Pena Lifetime Achievement Award. Salazar accepted the accolade on September 23 at the organization's annual Bernie Valdez Awards Luncheon in Denver. 

CLLARO recognized Salazar for his long history in government—he has served as Colorado's attorney general, a US senator for the state and the US secretary of the interior—as well as his dedication to Colorado's Latino population. 

“I have long been a part of and drawn support from the Latino community in Colorado. It is an honor to receive this accolade from CLLARO, which has also played an integral role in that community,” says Salazar. 

CLLARO, formerly the Latin American Research and Service Agency, was organized in 1964 to address the needs of Latinos in education, job development, training and employment, health and welfare, housing and community resources. 

The organization described Salazar and its other 2016 honorees, which include Colorado State Senator Leroy Garcia and the company MillerCoors, as "members of our community who share the vision and mission of CLLARO and have demonstrated a sincere devotion to the improvement of the Latino community."

WilmerHale sponsored a table at the Bernie Valdez Awards Luncheon, which is named for the first chairman of CLLARO's board. A robust contingent of Denver-based WilmerHale lawyers and staff attended, including Partners Natalie Hanlon Leh and Mindy Sooter, Senior Associates Nora Passamaneck and Michael Silhasek and Associate Kayla Byers.