Eva Castillo Named 2026 First Amendment Award Honoree
By Susan Geier
The Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications is pleased to announce that Eva Castillo of Manchester is the recipient of the 2026 First Amendment Award.
The annual award honors New Hampshire individuals or organizations for their outstanding commitment to defending, protecting, or exercising the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Castillo, who came to the United States from Venezuela in 1975, joined the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition as the organizer for the New Hampshire Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees and then served as its director for nearly 20 years.
Throughout her career, Castillo has advocated for New Hampshire's immigrant and Latino communities and helped community members better understand their rights and opportunities to participate in civic life.
The judges noted her committtment in exercising First Amendment freedoms on behalf of New Hampshire audiences whose voices are often underrepresented, as well as her public advocacy for the rights of immigrants.
Castillo created Welcoming New Hampshire, the state's chapter of Welcoming America, to promote understanding, inclusion, and positive integration between immigrants and the communities they call home. She also led civic engagement and voter education initiatives, helping community members better understand their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to participate in the democratic process.
Celebrating the 2026 First Amendment Award
Castillo will receive the award at the 2026 First Amendment Awards Event on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.
The evening will also honor Howard Brodsky, chair and co-founder of CCA Global Partners, with the Quill & Ink Award for his longstanding commitment to advancing First Amendment education in New Hampshire.
The event will feature keynote speaker Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
The First Amendment Awards Event is the Loeb School's signature annual fundraiser, supporting its expert-led, accessible classes on the First Amendment, journalism, and communication.
Event Details
Monday, September 21, 2026
New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College
5:00 p.m. – VIP Reception (sold out)
5:30 p.m. – General Networking
6:30 p.m. – Awards Program
Awards Program tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. Purchase tickets
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.
Special thanks to The Brodsky Prize, Keynote Speaker Sponsor; Eversource, First Amendment Award Honoree Sponsor; and The Bookery, Quill & Ink Award Sponsor.
The Loeb School looks forward to celebrating Castillo and her contributions to New Hampshire's communities while bringing together people from across the state to recognize the enduring importance of the First Amendment.