Preservica Congratulates Aída Luz Mendoza Navarro, Winner of the 2025 Emmett Leahy Award
Preservica is honored to congratulate Aída Luz Mendoza Navarro, recipient of the 2025 Emmett Leahy Award, the highest recognition for individual accomplishment in the field of records and information management.
Presented annually since 1967, the Emmett Leahy Award celebrates professionals whose innovation, leadership, and lifelong dedication have significantly advanced the discipline of records and information management. The award was presented on Thursday, October 30, 2025, during the ICA Conference, recognizing Aída's remarkable career spanning nearly five decades in archival science and education.
A Career Dedicated to Advancing Archival Science and Education
Aída began her distinguished career at Peru’s National Archives (AGN) in 1977, where she rose from Archives Assistant to Institutional Head. Drawing on her background in Law and Public Policy Management, she has bridged the gap between legal frameworks and archival practice, establishing a model of archival professionalism that has influenced generations of archivists in Latin America and beyond.
Among her many contributions, she founded the National School of Archival Science in 1995, laying the foundation for the professionalization of archival education in Peru. Her leadership extended to regional and international collaborations, including the OAS-sponsored Regional Archives Course and the InterPARES project, where she helped strengthen global archival standards.
In 2010, she spearheaded the creation of the university-level program in Archival Science and Records Management at the Universidad Católica Sedes Sapientiae, where she continues to serve as a coordinator and professor—ensuring that the next generation of archivists is equipped to safeguard the documentary heritage of their nations
A Lasting Legacy of Scholarship and Impact
Aída's scholarly and professional impact extends far beyond Peru. She is featured in The Encyclopedia of Archival Writers, 1515–2015, and is the author of several influential books and academic articles linking archival science with law, governance, and cultural preservation. Her work has been instrumental in positioning archival practice as both a technical discipline and a pillar of public policy across Latin America.
For her visionary leadership, commitment to education, and contributions to the global archival community, Aída embodies the spirit of Emmett Leahy’s legacy, championing innovation, excellence, and the enduring importance of records in society.
Aída Luz Mendoza Navarro, 2025 Emmett Leahy Award Winner, being presented with this year’s award by Trudy Peterson, Consulting Archivist and winner of the 2018 Award (right)
Supporting the Global Archival Community
The Emmett Leahy Award Committee independently selects each year’s recipient. Award expenses are underwritten by Preservica, which has no role in the selection process. Preservica is proud to continue supporting this long-standing tradition of recognizing those who have made an exceptional impact in the records and information management profession.
“We are deeply inspired by Aída’s lifelong commitment to building the professional and academic foundations that strengthen our field,” said Mike Quinn, CEO of Preservica. “Her work has elevated archival science in Latin America and influenced international standards by connecting the disciplines of law, policy, and preservation. By creating institutions and educational pathways, she has empowered future generations of archivists to uphold transparency, accountability, and cultural continuity. At Preservica, we share that same belief—that preserving knowledge and records isn’t just a technical challenge, but a vital public trust. It’s an honor to celebrate leaders like Aída who exemplify that mission on a global scale.”
About the Emmett Leahy Award
The Emmett Leahy Award honors a pioneer in records and information management. The award recognizes an individual whose contributions and outstanding accomplishments have a major impact on the records and information management profession. Established in 1967, this award honors the spirit of innovation, dedication, and excellence in records and information management of Emmett Leahy, an icon in the development of the life cycle approach to managing records and information. The Award selection is made by the Emmett Leahy Award Committee, which consists of the immediate past ten Emmett Leahy Award winners and makes its decisions independently. It is not formally affiliated with any organization or professional association.
A complete list of past winners can be found at www.emmettleahyaward.org
