The 2025 Senator Claude Pepper Award for Hispanic Leadership: Honoring a Legacy of Advocacy and Care
By Mario E Tapia*
In an event that celebrates dedication, advocacy, and the unwavering commitment to the well-being of older adults, United Home Care — South Florida’s longest-serving non-profit organization supporting older and disabled adults — will present the prestigious 2025 Senator Claude Pepper Award for Hispanic Leadership. This award stands as a tribute to the extensive work and profound vision of the late Senator Claude Pepper, a tireless champion for the rights and welfare of the elderly in the United States.
Senator Claude Pepper’s legacy in American politics and social reform is nothing short of remarkable. Throughout his political career, spanning the mid-20th century, he held various political positions, always rooted in his deep concern for the elderly. His commitment translated into groundbreaking legislative efforts, including his role as one of the principal sponsors of the Older Americans Act. This landmark legislation provided essential services and support to seniors, ensuring their dignity and quality of life. Among his many achievements were the successful campaigns for reduced airline and rail fares for the elderly, the passage of bills to end mandatory retirement, and initiatives to provide meals to older adults — reflecting his comprehensive approach to senior care.
This year, I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the 2025 Senator Claude Pepper Award for Hispanic Leadership. Receiving this recognition from United Home Care is not only a personal milestone but a reaffirmation of the shared vision I hold with Senator Pepper — a vision of concern, care, and active support for older adults, with particular emphasis on their participation in vital meal programs. As someone who has dedicated my life’s work to advocating for Hispanic elderly through the Latino Center on Aging, this award validates the importance of our ongoing efforts.
The challenges faced by the Hispanic elderly population in South Florida continue to grow. Currently, there are 617,000 Hispanics aged 55 and older in Miami-Dade County (70% of the total county population), a number projected to increase fourfold to well over two million in the next 30 years. Despite this rapid growth, information and outreach to this demographic remain limited, underscoring the urgent need for focused initiatives and comprehensive support systems.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to receive several honors, including being declared an Illustrious Son by my hometown of San Felipe, Chile, and receiving the prestigious Medal of Freedom at the Gracie Mansion in New York City. Yet, the Senator Claude Pepper Award, designated unanimously by the United Home Care Board, holds a special place in my heart. It is a clear recognition that we are on the right track in our mission to empower and uplift the Hispanic elderly community.
In South Florida, I am proud to stand alongside a distinguished group of professionals who make up the Latino Center on Aging’s South Florida Advisory Board. Together, we strive to address the evolving needs of our aging population and advocate for policies and programs that ensure their well-being and active participation in society.
On May 16th, I will have the privilege of accepting this award in the company of my esteemed colleagues and the exceptional Ettore Sabatella and Sandra Figueiredo of the Doral Family Journal, who were the deserving recipients of the 2024 Senator Claude Pepper Award for Media. Their contributions to raising awareness and fostering dialogue around issues impacting older adults have been invaluable.
The hard work and contributions of today’s seniors, yesterday’s younger generation, to the betterment of our communities cannot go unnoticed, nor unrewarded. As we move forward, we must redouble our efforts to advocate for their rights, expand access to essential services, and ensure that every older adult receives the respect and care they deserve. This award serves not just as an acknowledgment of past achievements but as a call to action for the work that still lies ahead.
Thank you to United Home Care for this prestigious and humbling honor. Together, let us continue building a future where the dignity, well-being, and contributions of older adults remain at the forefront of our collective efforts.
*Mario E Tapia, President & CEO, Founder of the Latino Center on Aging, author of “A Leader in New York,” Amazon bestseller in Spanish.