Arts for LA's Advocacy Field Manager Abe Flores received a special recognition during this year's annual Americans for the Arts Convention: the national American Express Emerging Leader Award.

Given each year to a leader of promise with fewer than ten years of experience in the field, the Emerging Leader Award recognizes "an individual who demonstrates  visionary leadership expressed through an ability to imagine what the arts community could look like and the steps for getting there; effective leadership that leads to impact within the community; authentic leadership that shows a strong sense of purpose, as well as true engagement with the community; and  transofrmational leadership inspired by innovate thinking and a willingness to take risks to achieve results."

Abe was nominated by colleagues in Los Angeles County who knew of the important impact his work had in school districts and communities around the region.  A selection committee comprised of members o the Emerging Leader Council, an elected advisory body serving Americans for the Arts, recommended Abe from a competitive pool of nominations prior to this year's convention.

"I'm humbled by this award and grateful for the opportunity to do this work that combines all my passions—the arts, politics, education, social justice," Abe said.  "I've learned so much in the past several years. I want to continue to serve the field, to learn more, and to continue to build relationship and partnerships to learn how Arts for LA can be successful in fostering an environment in which arts and culture may thrive and be accessible."

In his acceptance speech before the Emerging Leader Preconference, Abe talked about the impact of arts education on his own life as an English language learner in Los Angeles Unified School District Schools, crediting theater education for fostering his mastery of his second language. 

Americans for the Arts is the nation's leading arts advocacy organization. Its annual Convention is a singular opportunity for arts administrators across the country to learn from each other, share best practices, and build professional networks of colleagues.

Below: video of the main Convention award ceremony where Abe was recognized by Americans for the Arts CEO Robert Lynch.