Madera City Council on Monday presented a proclamation recognizing Councilmember Elsa Mejia as a 2025 recipient of Mexico’s Mexicanos Distinguidos award, an honor the government of Mexico grants to nationals living abroad for professional achievement and community leadership.

Assemblywoman Soya, who attended the meeting at Mejia’s invitation, praised Mejia as “a trailblazer” and said Mejia’s election as the first Mexicana of indigenous origin to the Madera City Council demonstrates that members of the Oaxacan and indigenous communities can aspire to civic leadership. A representative of the Consulate of Mexico in Fresno delivered remarks in Spanish noting Mejia’s family history, community service and the consulate’s role in recognizing outstanding Mexican nationals living abroad. Arturo Martinez, a district representative for State Senator Anna Caballero, presented a certificate from the senator’s office and called the award a “prestigious national recognition.”

The text of the city’s proclamation, read at the dais, credited Mejia’s “outstanding contributions, leadership, and dedication to uplifting the Mexican community in the Central Valley” and said the honor “brings honor to the city of Madera.” Councilmembers and the mayor offered congratulations and posed for a group photo with consular and legislative representatives.

The presentations preceded a 15-minute recess; no formal council action beyond the proclamation was required. The council’s recognition complements the Mexican government’s award but does not create any city policy change.

The council later resumed its regular agenda and continued with other items, including appointments, public hearings and routine business.