Since 2007, the Arizona Diamondbacks have recognized an individual for their advocacy, leadership and service to strengthen the Hispanic community in Arizona. The first award was given to Pete Garcia for his leadership in representing the Hispanic community in the areas of change and justice, and in recognition of trail blazing work, the award now bears his name.
In the heart of Tucson, Arizona, the name Raúl Aguirre carries weight -- not because of titles or accolades, but because of the lives he has touched. For decades, Raúl has been a pillar of the Hispanic community in Tucson for decades, demonstrating exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to service. He has stood as a steadfast advocate for the Hispanic community, a Southern Arizona leader whose quiet determination has built bridges, opened doors and inspired generations across Arizona and internationally.
From his earliest days in community work, Raúl understood that progress begins with participation. He became a champion of civic engagement, urging neighbors to register, to vote, and to speak out. Whether at a town hall, a community forum, or in a grassroots campaign, Raúl’s presence meant that voices too often ignored would be heard. For example, his leadership within the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and other advocacy groups amplified these efforts, making real change possible in areas like immigration reform, healthcare access and social justice.
But Raúl’s vision extended beyond advocacy; it reached into classrooms and into the futures of young people. He has poured his energy into education, and alongside his wife, Corina Ontiveros, he founded the Ivy League Program of Southern Arizona, opening doors for Latino youth through scholarships, mentorship, programs and college prep resources, that prepare students for college and for life. He has inspired countless young people to dream bigger and reach higher. Believing education to be the most powerful equalizer, he worked tirelessly to ensure Latino youth had pathways to higher education. He encouraged parents and students alike, planting the seeds of possibility and achievement.
Economic empowerment has been another cornerstone of Raúl’s work. He recognized that opportunity is not just about access; it’s about preparation. By mentoring Hispanic entrepreneurs, connecting them to vital resources, and promoting workforce development programs, Raúl helped community members gain the skills and confidence to thrive in an evolving economy.
And always, Raúl remained deeply committed to cultural preservation. To him, heritage is not simply a memory; it is the living heartbeat of a community. Through festivals, educational programs, and cultural events, he has helped ensure that Latino traditions, arts and history are celebrated and passed forward, strengthening the sense of unity and pride that sustains a people.
Raúl also shares his passion for baseball with the same enthusiasm he brings to community work. A lifelong Arizona Diamondbacks fan since attending their inaugural season in 1998 with his family, he continues to support the D-backs and frequently attends games and promotes the brand internationally. An avid baseball fan, he has also championed connections between Tucson and the Mexican Pacific Baseball League, creating cross-border bonds that celebrate the sport and its cultural ties.
Raúl Aguirre’s career is not defined by a single role or achievement, but by a lifetime of service. His work has woven together advocacy, education, economic development, and cultural celebration into a legacy that will endure for generations.
Raúl’s legacy includes many more accomplishments and contributions, some of which are noted here.
While studying at the University of Arizona, Mr. Aguirre discovered the power of mass communication to shape public perception and community narratives. Inspired by a bold vision, he became a trailblazer in Arizona broadcasting -- launching the state’s first and only bilingual radio format and hosting KUAT-TV’s groundbreaking bilingual TV program. His morning radio show became a powerful platform for change, featuring influential voices like Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Edward James Olmos, Luis Valdez, Tito Puente, Ruben Blades, Rosalynn Carter, and a young Robert F. Kennedy Jr. At the same time, he uplifted local leaders such as Congressman Raúl Grijalva, historian Lupe Castillo, activists Margo Cowan and Isabel Garcia, Judge Margarita Bernal, and Dr. Raquel Rubio Goldsmith -- ensuring their stories were heard and their legacies celebrated.
His groundbreaking productions also reached viewers on iconic shows like Sábado Gigante and Primer Impacto, where he covered pivotal moments -- including the presidential campaign of Luis Donaldo Colosio, a Mexican candidate whose tragic assassination shook the world.
He and his wife are co-founders of The Southwest Leadership Initiative.
The Ivy League Project of Southern Arizona, a college readiness program providing guidance and assistance for high school students.
Additional notable awards and accomplishments:
· 2025 Los D-backs, Pete Garcia Community Leadership Award
· 2000 Hispanic Businessman of the Year by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
· 2001 Chicanos Por La Causa Community Leader of the Year
· 2005 University of Arizona’s Omega Delta Phi Hispanic Businessman of the Year
· 2018 Othli Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the government of Mexico
· 2021 induction to the Cesar Chavez Hall of Fame, Humanitarian Award by Project PEPP
· City of Tucson Culture and Heritage Preservation Award
Raúl led the following:
· He created the City of South Tucson Norteño Music Festival
· Created the Chicanos Por La Causa Tejano Music Showcase, and other such functions whose proceeds all benefit non-profit organizations
· Chicago Diversity Arts Council
· Arizona Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents
· Mexican American Foundation in Mexico City
Honoring Raúl Aguirre with the Los D-backs 2025 Pete Garcia Leadership Award is more than a recognition of his accomplishments, it is a celebration of the countless lives he has inspired, the community he has strengthened, and the unwavering example he sets for future leaders.