The Institute's Illustrious Awards Selection Committee, composed by representatives of the judged fields of work, selects three finalists per category, based on the following criteria:
1. Nominee can be of any race
2. Nominee has at least twenty years of experience in her/his field (years of experience may be substituted 5 years per 1 major accomplishment)
3. Nominee must have at least one major accomplishment in her/his field
4. Nominee has documented contributions to the socio-economic and political advancement of Latinos in USA
The honoree in each category will be the finalist with the highest point average in judged areas.