Awards/Recognitions

2025
Certificate of Special Recognition – U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters
(District 43, CA) 
Backstreet to the American Dream & Cinema. Cultura. Comunidad.

• “…for creating a film and cultural festival, and in recognition of your talent and integrity as a filmmaker and journalist whose work humanizes the perception of immigrants…” 

Certificate of Recognition – City of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
Backstreet to the American Dream

• “I extend appreciation for her dedication to telling the stories of the workers and families that demonstrate the strength, resilience, and entrepreneurship that continue to shape the City of Angeles.”

2024
Special Commendation – Former U.S. Sec. of Labor/L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis
(District 1)
Backstreet to the American Dream

• “We recognize the film’s accomplishment of delving into how street food fosters inclusion, while exploring the deep connection between food, culture, and community.”

Special Commendation – L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath (District 3)
Backstreet to the American Dream

• “We applaud Patricia for the illustrious response she has received for this film…”

Special Commendation – L.A. City Councilwoman Mónica Rodriguez (District 7)
Backstreet to the American Dream

• “Thank you for documenting the hard work and sacrifices of immigrants as
  they chase the American Dream.”

2022 
Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival – Intangible Heritage Doc
Backstreet to the American Dream

Culver City Film Festival – Best Director Documentary Feature
Backstreet to the American Dream

Highland Park Independent Film Festival – Humanitarian Award
Backstreet to the American Dream

Highland Park Independent Film Festival – Best Feature Documentary
Backstreet to the American Dream

San Antonio Film Festival – Audience Award: Best Feature Documentary
Backstreet to the American Dream

San Antonio Film Festival – Best Food Film
Backstreet to the American Dream

2021
Ruben Salazar National Journalism Award – Digital (Finalist)
Backstreet to the American Dream

United Workers Film Festival – Special Jury Prize
Backstreet to the American Dream

Riverside International Film Festival – Best Animation Jury Award
Backstreet to the American Dream

Independent Shorts Awards – Best Animation Jury Award
Backstreet to the American Dream

2012
Congressional Certificate of Recognition – United States Congress
U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sánchez, CA’s 46th Congressional District

Congressional Certificate of Recognition – United States Congress
U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, CA’s 38th Congressional District

Leaders Blazing Trails Award – La Asociación Latina de Asistencia & Partners
Dedication to the Betterment of our Communities

2010
Los Angeles Press Club Award – 2nd Place – Investigative Reporting
“Dental Clinic”  (Read)
KPCC 89.3 FM

2009
Golden Mike Award (RTNDA) – Best Radio Serious Feature
“Remote Clinic”  (Listen)
KPCC 89.3 FM

Golden Mike Award (RTNDA) – Best Radio News Reporting
“Remote Clinic”   (Listen)
KPCC 89.3 FM

Los Angeles Press Club Award – Best Radio Series
“Her Three Sons” (3-Parts)  (Listen)
KPCC 89.3 FM

Los Angeles Press Club Award – Best Investigative (Contributing Reporter)
“Ashes of Oakridge”
KPCC 89.3 FM

Los Angeles Press Club Award – Reporter of the Year (Finalist)
KPCC 89.3 FM

National Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) – Best Radio Story (Finalist)
“Her Three Sons” (3-Parts) (Listen)
KPCC 89.3 FM

National Council on Contemporary Families Award
Outstanding Coverage of Family Issues – “Her Three Sons” (3-Parts)  (Listen)
KPCC 89.3 FM

2008
Golden Mike Award (RTNDA) – Best News Special (Contributing Reporter)
“No Direction Home: Homelessness in Southern California”
KPCC 89.3 FM

Golden Mike Award (RTNDA) – Journalist of the Year (Honorable Mention)
KPCC 89.3 FM

2007
Southern California Public Radio’s Annual Report – Featured Reporter
KPCC’s annual publication highlighting accomplishments, goals, financial statement and community support. (Read)

Ñ Award – National Assoc. of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)
Best Radio Reporting – “Immigration Backlash”  (Listen)
KPCC 89.3 FM

Golden Mike Award (RTNDA) – Best Radio Serious Feature Reporting
“Immigration Backlash”  (Listen)
KPCC 89.3 FM

2006
Florida Associated Press Award – Best Public Affairs
“The Mariel Migration-25 Years Later”
WLRN 91.3 FM

2001
SPJ’s National Mark of Excellence Award – Region 1
East Harlem Mural” (9/11 Memorial)
WFUV-90.7 FM

1995
Emmy Award – Best Feature (Contributing Producer)
A Journey Home – 1/2 hour special
KTTV/FOX