PREMIO AMÉRICA UNIDA
Celebrating leadership
that unites.
Each year, Premio América Unida honors a leader who exemplifies the values at the heart of América Unida.
Honoring leadership rooted in community.
Premio América Unida recognizes leaders who demonstrate what it means to build community across difference. The award celebrates those whose leadership is rooted in dignity, belonging, collective care, and a commitment to ensuring that communities have voice and agency.
Through this annual recognition, we seek to elevate examples of leadership that bring people together, strengthen communities, and remind us of what becomes possible when solidarity transcends our differences.
Dr. Almi Guajardo Abeyta
Superintendent, Chelsea Public Schools
Dr. Almi Guajardo Abeyta is the inaugural recipient of Premio América Unida. Selected by the América Unida Organizing Committee—a student- and alumni-led group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education—the award recognizes her leadership in building schools and communities where students and families are known, valued, and treated as partners.
Throughout her career, Dr. Abeyta has been a champion for community concern, culturally responsive learning, and strong relationships among schools, families, and communities. As Superintendent of Chelsea Public Schools, she has emphasized knowing every student by their “name, strength, and story,” creating schools where every child belongs, and engaging families as true partners in their children’s education. Her leadership reflects the principles at the heart of América Unida: dignity, belonging, collective care, and solidarity across difference.
Dignity
We affirm the inherent worth of every person and believe that communities thrive when people are seen, valued, and treated with respect.
Belonging
We cultivate communities where people can bring their full identities, experiences, and histories—and know that they have a meaningful place within them.
Collective Care
We recognize our responsibility to one another and value leadership grounded in relationships, reciprocity, and concern for the well-being of the whole community.
Solidarity Across Difference
We embrace the diversity within and beyond our communities, building bridges across differences while elevating community voice and shared power.
AMÉRICA UNIDA 2026