MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's Marcela 'Xela' García, a local Latino leader and the executive director of Walker's Point Center for the Arts, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Coors Light Líderes of the Year program.

This honor recognizes García's contributions to the Latino community in Milwaukee. The program, now in its 17th year, supports Latino leaders across the United States who are making a lasting impact in their communities.

García was selected for her transformative work at Walker's Point Center for the Arts, turning it into a hub for Latino arts and culture. Her involvement in the Milwaukee community extends beyond the arts, as she is a member of the Milwaukee Public School Board and contributes to various arts and education boards in the city.

She discussed her commitment to empowering immigrant women of color in leadership roles and fostering their careers during a Thursday, Nov. 16 press release. "This grant is a testament to the impactful work of the Walker’s Point Center for the Arts," García stated.

The Coors Light Líderes program annually selects recipients through a national nomination process, focusing on individuals of Hispanic/Latino descent who are actively involved with a nonprofit organization impacting the Latino community. Recipients like García not only receive a financial grant for their organization but also join the Change Makers Alumni Network, a platform for networking and mentorship among Latino leaders.

Since its inception in 2006, the program says it has partnered with over 25 nonprofits and donated $450,000 in grants.

More information can be found by visiting CoorsLightLideres.com.