Vega’s dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed. For his work with foster youth, he has been featured in NBC Nightly News, the LA Times, and Youth Today. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Obama in 2016, and the Angels In Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. In 2023, he was honored to give the commencement address at his alma mater, California State University, Dominguez Hills.