In a multicultural city filled with opportunity and promise, it is no surprise that there would be many who are looking to rise to the top. But as many fight for the positions of the successful, the opportunities for recognition remain slim. And yet, at AL DÍA News' Women at the Top Awards, a sector of women who are making moves to transform the city and communities they serve fell under the spotlight. 

From a highly competitive pool of nominees, the six women chosen to be honored were from various sectors- public, private, and educational - and yet all have managed to shape and impact the lives of younger Latinas on a daily basis. 

And that was the theme of the awards, successful Latinas who were being honored sharing the limelight with their colleagues and mentees. The message was strong, "Don't ever forget that you are Latina and you can do anything," as honoree Miriam Enriquez stated in her acceptance speech.

Enriquez, who was followed throughout the ceremony by her daughter, shared that it was leading by example that really sticks with younger generations. Enriquez is the Executive Director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs for the City of Philadelphia and yet, her daughter simply knew that she "talked about sanctuary cities a lot."

Whether leaving lasting impressions on youth or taking an active role in student's lives the women consistently showed it was their commitment to their communities that truly made them stand out. 

Whether it was Tiffany Tavarez who dedicated her award to her mentee or Raquel Arredondo who brought a group of young women she works with from Drexel to experience the event, the women who were being honored for their own success and merits directed the attention to those in their lives that needed it the most. 

"We are so much alike even though we're in vastly different sectors... We all have that drive to pay it forward," said Enriquez.

And if there was one message that the women wanted the young ladies to leave with it was to embrace themselves as Latinas, embrace their culture, heritage, and backgrounds in any scenario. "Teach young women to be themselves in environments they're not used to," said honoree Tiffany Tavarez. 

But still, eyes are on next year's celebration, "This event helps to profile the incredible work that women do every day...let's never forget them and always honor them," - Maria Vizcarrondo