Left to right: Patriots Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett, Laura Diaz and Gillette’s VP of Communications & Community Affairs, Global Grooming, Kara Buckley. (Photo courtesy Lexi Ehle/New England Patriots)
Laura Diaz, a key volunteer and leader at Lowell’s Latinx Community Center for Empowerment (LCCE), was honored at Gillette Stadium as a 2026 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winner.
The Kraft Family, New England Patriots Foundation, and Gillette presented her with the award, along with a $10,000 grant for LCCE, in recognition of her service.
Diaz has been a dedicated volunteer with the LCCE since its founding in 2019, serving as a Beginner English Instructor, Citizenship Instructor, and Outreach Leader.
Working full-time as a home health aide, Diaz dedicates her evenings and weekends to helping immigrant and Latino families access education, civic engagement, and community resources.
After identifying a need for foundational English language instruction, she developed a beginner-level English class that has grown into a permanent program serving approximately 20 students each week. She also leads weekly citizenship classes, helping community members prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam, with six students successfully earning citizenship over the past year.
Diaz’s impact extends beyond the classroom. As Outreach Lead and Festival MC for LCCE’s annual Hispanic & Latino Festival, she helps connect thousands of community members to critical resources and opportunities. Her leadership has supported outreach efforts reaching more than 15,000 festival attendees, while promoting programs that strengthen educational attainment, civic participation, and economic mobility throughout Lowell’s Latino community.
Drawing from her own experience as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, Diaz uses her lived experience to inspire and empower others. Her initiative, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service embody LCCE’s mission of creating opportunities for Latino families and building a stronger, more inclusive community.
“It doesn’t matter what circumstances you are living in now and how your world is reflecting on you,” Diaz said. “But when you volunteer, you can feel that the service will help you uplift and be a beacon of light for those who are around you.”
Since 1998, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation have been recognizing volunteers for going above and beyond to give back to their communities through the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards program. The 2026 winners were honored last Tuesday, September 15, as 26 volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the New England community at an awards ceremony at Gillette Stadium.
In all, $275,000 in donations were distributed to the nonprofits represented by each volunteer. Twenty-five organizations each received $10,000 and William’s Be Yourself received this year’s grand prize of $25,000.
“Throughout New England, extraordinary individuals are strengthening their communities through selfless acts of service,” said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the Patriots. “My late wife, Myra, of blessed memory, believed that each of us has a responsibility to help others and leave our communities better than we found them. This year’s honorees embody that spirit through their compassion, generosity and unwavering commitment to those they serve. We are proud to recognize them with the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards and celebrate the meaningful difference they make every day.”
Diaz’ award comes as LCCE prepares for its annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, with the Lowell Hispanic & Latinx Festival 2026 taking place at the Sampas Pavilion at Lowell Heritage State Park along the Merrimack River from Noon-9pm this Saturday, September 26.
What began at a neighborhood park in 2022 will now welcome an estimated 15,000 people to this free family-friendly celebration of the dynamic Hispanic and Latinx community in Massachusetts.
A day-long party with live music, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities, the festival also features more than 20 food vendors and dozens of local artisans selling handmade items such as jewelry, handcrafted soaps, crochet bags, satin floral bouquets, and more.
