Acuña honored for Fiesta Committee Service

Lisa Acuña, Navy Reservist for the last 5 years and former Fiesta Committee Coordinator, was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal by the Department of the Navy.

In recommending Acuña, General Manager Chris Wiseman states,

" I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the exceptional work performed by Lisa Acuna during her twenty years of volunteer service to the Colorado State Fair Fiesta Committee…Lisa did an outstanding job in a variety of volunteer positions. However, I know Lisa best for her tireless work leading the Fiesta Committee as the Coordinator. It is safe to say that Lisa left this organization in a better position than before she became the Coordinator.”

Ms. Acuña’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal was awarded for "selfless efforts while serving as coordinator of the Fiesta Committee [which] have had a tremendous impact toward improving the Colorado State Fair...Over the years, she has raised thousands of dollars for programs that benefit students age 12 - 22. Her commitment to community service exemplifies her strong devotion to duty and excellence.

Congratulations on a job WELL DONE!" Signed C. H. Hanson, Commanding Oficer, Navy & Marine Corps Reserve Center Denver.

Jay Cimino, President/CEO of Phil Long Ford, Lisa's current employer, states, " Given the years of volunteer service and commitment I think you will agree that Lisa deserves to be recognized with this award!"

Lisa’s involvement with the Colorado State Fair Fiesta events spans three decades and she brought Fiesta Day into the new millennium. She began among the entrants for the Fiesta Queen Scholarship Pageant in 1984. She joined the Fiesta Committee in 1985 and before long she volunteered to chair various committees such as Public Relations, Publication, and co-chair Picnic Committee with Audra Mora. After ten years with the Fiesta Committee, she tried her hand as Coordinator by leading the Fiesta Queen Scholarship Pageant for three years. She teamed up with Luis Canela to announce the Fiesta Day Parade for six years. She began her career as Fiesta Committee Coordinator in September of 2002 and served in this capacity for four years. In 2005 she passed the baton to Gloria Duran but remains an active committee member.

During the course of her years with the Fiesta committee, she has sold advertising for 18 years for the “Dia(s) de Fiesta” Publication; she made sure Fiesta Committee Pageant and Wardrobe Scholarships and Parade Entry Applications became available on the State Fair website; she lead the committee to move its largest fundraiser, “Noche de Fiesta” to the Events Center which allowed all profits to remain within the committee for their scholarships; launched the broadcast of the Pageant & Coronation from Public Access Television Channel 19 as well as raising Pageant & Coronation Video sponsorship money; and ran the VIP Room at The Colorado State Fair.

As an active member of the community of Pueblo, Ms. Acuña is currently, President of Pueblo Business Women’s Network; Board Member, East Side Child Care Center and Pueblo Better Business Bureau; Member, Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, Latino Chamber of Commerce, Pueblo Downtown Association, and Southern Colorado Press Club; and Master of Ceremonies and Entertainment Coordinator for St. Joseph Parish Festival.

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