The prestigious recognition of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Studies, celebrated on October 1, is the first time a Latin American was included among the awardees. Her spectacular rise from what might have been debilitating poverty to the Vice Presidency of a racially divided country hints at the fortitude and leadership qualities of this extraordinary woman. Glenn Hutchins bestows the medal, accompanied by Alejandro de la Fuente and Henry Louis Gates. The following day, Vice President Márquez recruited Cultural Agents to train teachers and at-risk youth in her home region of northern Cauca.
