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Every year during National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) commemorates Latino community leaders and trailblazers dedicated to bettering their communities across the state. This year Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and State Representative Bud Williams featured among the speakers at the event. The 2023 Latino Excellence Awards celebration was hosted in the Gardener Auditorium of the Massachusetts State House on October 26, 2023.
Representative Steven Ultrino (D-Malden) and his office were proud to have nominated Julio Salado and joined his family to celebrate him at this year’s ceremony. Julio Salado is a longtime Malden resident, fitness coach, author, educator and business owner of Fitness Foundry. He is also proud to be a first-generation Dominican and a licensed EMT.
Salado shares his passion for health equity with the Malden community, where he spends time teaching strength classes at the Malden Senior Center and serving as an ambassador to Malden’s outdoor Fitness Court. Beyond the gym, he actively volunteers for several organizations in the city, including Bread of Life and the city’s Community Emergency Response Team. As someone who has previously experienced homelessness, he has also dedicated his time to volunteering at the Malden Warming Center and helping connect the guests to much-needed services. Salado has also made an enormous impact globally as a volunteer for World Central Kitchen and Lviv Volunteer Kitchen, where he traveled to Poland and Ukraine to serve food and assist Ukrainian citizens and refugees. His dedication to his community, compassion towards those in need and selflessness have been inspiring for many in Malden – and reflects the values of excellence recognized by the MBLLC’s award.
“Julio’s work over the years can only be described as selfless and truly impactful,” said Representative Ultrino. “He has brought the Malden community closer and always placed the needs of our most vulnerable ahead of himself. I am proud to have nominated him and would like to congratulate him again on this wonderful recognition. Malden is very fortunate to have community leaders like Julio who are committed to making this city a better and more inclusive community for everyone.”
