Senator Anna Caballero Honors Eli Painted Crow of Merced as 2026 Latino Spirit Award Recipient
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Contact: Elisa Rivera at Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov or (559) 264-3070
Senator Anna Caballero Honors Eli Painted Crow of Merced as 2026 Latino Spirit Award Recipient
SACRAMENTO, CA — Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) proudly recognizes Eli Painted Crow of Merced as her 2026 recipient of the Latino Spirit Award in the category of Achievement in Human Rights, presented by the California Latino Legislative Caucus.
The Latino Spirit Awards honor Latinos who have made significant contributions to their communities in fields including technology, journalism, literature, health and science, advocacy, business, education, human rights, arts, public service, and entertainment. Since 2002, the awards have recognized individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on California’s Latino community.
The 24th Annual Latino Spirit Awards were held on May 4, 2026, at the State Capitol to coincide with Cinco de Mayo. This year, 11 Latino leaders were recognized for their achievements across business, education, health, human rights, arts, and media. More information about the awards can be found on the California Latino Legislative Caucus website.
Eli Painted Crow, of Yaqui and Maya descent, has dedicated her life to advocacy and service. Married at 14 and a mother by 16, she overcame early hardships and enlisted in the Army at 20, serving for 22 years. She is a mother of two military veterans, giving her unique insight into the impact of service on families. Her experiences, including deployment to Iraq, shaped her commitment to supporting women and military families.
Eli is a social worker and counselor, founder of Turtle Women Rising, an indigenous drum group focused on healing, and co-founder of the Service Women’s Action Network, which amplifies the voices of veterans. She teaches healing practices and encourages self-advocacy, while promoting community engagement and cultural awareness.
Senator Caballero highlighted Eli Painted Crow during floor presentations in the Senate and Assembly, which can be viewed here:
For interviews or inquiries, please contact: Elisa Rivera at (559) 264-3070
About Senator Anna M. Caballero
Senator Anna M. Caballero represents California’s 14th Senate District, which includes much of Merced, Fresno, and Madera Counties. She is Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and a member of several other committees. Senator Caballero continues to work tirelessly on behalf of her district for policies that strengthen California’s agricultural industry, protect working families, support affordable, accessible healthcare for all and foster economic development across the state.
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