On November 21, 2009, Marcia Espínola, our Interim-Executive Director, was the recipient of the prestigious Nancy Susan Reynolds Award in the category of Race Relations for her tireless work in improving racial understanding in a community that has experienced many changes throughout the years.

The awards were presented in Asheville by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in ceremonies attended by more than 300 people from across the state.  Now in its 24^th year, The Nancy Susan Reynolds Award is presented to “unsung people who are making an extraordinary difference in the lives of North Carolinians.”  Each winner received a $25,000 prize: $5,000 for the recipient’s personal use, and $20,000 to be given to nonprofit organizations of his or her choice.  Additionally, recipients received a bronze sculpture of the philanthropist Nancy Susan Reynolds, who died in 1985, and was one of the founders of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.

Through the years Marcia has been the Latina voice in Siler City that has brought this historically divided community together. Since she arrived in this country as a new immigrant herself, she has worked to improve the quality of life for Latinos in Chatham County and to shatter the stereotypes that years of non-communication have created. She has laid a path for the Latinos in Chatham County to become contributing members of the larger public forum. With her quiet determination, fierce sense of justice, compassion and gift for mediation, Marcia became the champion for thousands of frightened, voiceless and powerless Latino immigrants in the community. Her dedication and passion for her work at The Liaison has strengthened its connection to both the community and its clients.