–presented by Steve Goldberg on November 20, 2024
For decades, Oscar Mireles has dedicated himself to volunteer community leadership and public service in the Madison area. Deeply inspired by his heritage and the values of social justice, equity and education, Oscar has been a tireless advocate for underserved communities, particularly the Latino population in Madison. His commitment to empowering others through education, poetry and civic engagement embodies the values of unity, compassion and inclusivity.
As a community leader, Oscar has significantly impacted Madison’s cultural and educational landscape. He is the long-serving Executive Director of Omega School, where he has helped thousands of marginalized individuals obtain their GEDs and unlock opportunities for a better future. Under his leadership, Omega School has become a beacon of hope for adults seeking to further their education. Furthermore, he founded the culture and arts focused non-profit, Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (LOUD) to share art from BIPOC artists with the community. Oscar has been a key figure in promoting arts and culture in Madison, most notably through his work as a poet and as Madison’s first Latino Poet Laureate, with three published anthologies.
Oscar’s influence extends far beyond his professional life. He has served on numerous boards and committees, lending his leadership and vision to organizations including, but not limited to, the City of Madison Cultural Planning Committee, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art(MMOCA), the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, the Friends of PBS Wisconsin and the Latino Consortium for Action.
His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Dane County Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, the Literacy Advocate of the Year Award from Wisconsin Literacy, the Outstanding Educator Award from the 100 Black Men of Madison, the Friend of Education Award from Gov. Tony Evers.
In addition to his leadership and advocacy, Oscar is a passionate mentor to young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. His work as a mentor has inspired countless students to pursue their dreams and give back to their communities. His poetry, often centered on the Latino experience and issues of social justice, has touched the lives of many and created greater awareness of the challenges faced by marginalized groups.
Described as someone who brings different groups together, despite, and because of their differences, the Rotary Club of Madison congratulates Oscar Mireles on receiving the Manfred E. Swarsensky Humanitarian Service Award for his lifetime of service and leadership.
Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin 