The concept of “social responsibility” is like a family mantra for Miguel Angel Concepción Thomas. "My family always taught me civic awareness,” he told Al Día. For that reason when this Puerto Rican moved to Philadelphia he immediately got involved in the field of social services to the community. "I started to get involved in organizations to see how I could help and be a part of the city.”

He started to collaborate with Latino Partnership, an organization that develops a leadership program for young Latinos, and also with the United Way Latino Leadership Institute.
The next step was natural. "One thing led me to another… Part of my experience at the Latino Partnership was to get involved with the board of an institution and to learn how it worked. I had the great honor to sit on the Lighthouse board and it’s been 13 years since (that first experience). Four years ago I was elected as the new president of its executive board.”

Concepción Thomas is thus part of one of the most historic institutions in the city. The Lighthouse Inc. was founded in 1893 and it develops economic, educational and recreational programs from a family perspective.
"The history of the institution was what made me want to be a part of it, and I am thrilled about all the work it has done. I was also concerned with the fact that our Latino community was seen as if we were only receiving help. I also wanted us to prove that we can collaborate on the process,” Concepción Thomas said.

Concepción Thomas is also a member of the financial board of Taller Puertorriqueño. It was there that the idea of participating in the  Coors Light’s ‘Latino Leader of the Year’ initiative was first introduced to him. The program carries with it a $25,000 award for socially involved Latino leadership.

The next ‘Latino Leader of the Year’?

"I feel thrilled to be part of the 2015 Coors Light's Leaders contest. This program not only helps emerging Latino leaders it also offers the future leaders the resources they need. This is an amazing opportunity,” he said.

“It is also important that our youth see that people who don’t appear on TV or are well known are also helping the community, and they can help their communities too, because it’s very important,” he added.

Concepción Thomas would donate the award to the programs The Lighthouse is developing, such as the adult program and the food program.

The winner will be selected by the public. Everyone can vote at www.coorslightlideres.com. The last day to vote is October 29. It only takes a few seconds to cast a vote, and Concepción Thomas is the only nominee from the region.

The reason? “My parents always told me ‘leave the place better than how you found it’,” Concepción Thomas said. “We cannot save the whole world, but I think that reasoning is sound and I wanted to contribute ‘my grain of rice’ to the effort.”