The Latin Impact Awards Celebrate Outstanding Contributions of Latin Americans at Prestigious Gala
The Latin Impact Awards, presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, recently took place at the Terrace On The Park in Corona, Queens. This annual gala serves as a platform to honor the achievements and impactful work of Latin American community members who have made significant contributions to their local communities. The event, held on Thursday, Sept. 12th, showcased the diverse range of honorees, including politicians, community leaders, non-profit workers, medical professionals, and business leaders from various sectors who have all played a vital role in positively impacting their communities.
A Night of Recognition and Celebration
The Latin Impact Awards is a way of expressing gratitude to each nominee for their continuous efforts in making a difference in the lives of others on a daily basis. The evening began with a VIP Hour for honorees, followed by a cocktail hour and gourmet dinner. Award-winning journalist Jeanine Ramirez led the awards ceremony, while Pure Samba provided entertainment in the form of an extravagant Brazilian carnival experience. The honorees had the opportunity to network with each other throughout the evening, forging invaluable connections that will undoubtedly aid them in their ongoing efforts to support their local communities.
Support from Sponsors
The success of the Latin Impact Awards gala would not have been possible without the generous support of the event sponsors. This year’s awards ceremony was presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union and sponsored by TD Bank, Verra Mobility, NYC Health + Hospitals, Woodhull, Episcopal Health Services, Council of School Supervisors & Administrators, MetroPlus Health, Forest Hills Financial Group, NYC Health + Hospitals Elmhurst, St. Michael’s Cemetery, LMN Printing, and Miss Jessie’s. The collaboration of these sponsors highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Latin Americans in various fields.
Honoring Excellence and Dedication
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of awards to the honorees in different categories. Mabel Muñiz-Sarduy, Political & External Affairs Director at the Council of Supervisors & Administrators, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her 37 years of service in New York’s education system. Another notable recipient was Nathalie Tejada, Founder and co-executive Director of the non-profit NYC Celebrates Women, who received the TD Bank Outstanding Entrepreneur Award for her work in supporting women of color over the past five years.
Embracing Diversity and Culture
The Latin Impact Awards also served as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Latin-American community in New York. Elizabeth Velez, President of Velez Construction, highlighted the importance of celebrating the achievements of women in traditionally male-dominated industries and paid tribute to the trailblazing Latino women who have paved the way for future generations. The presence of families at the event underscored the core values of unity and celebration within the Latin American community in the US.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Robert Suarez, Assistant Vice President of Community Development at Bethpage Federal Credit Union, expressed his gratitude for being included among the honorees and emphasized the importance of the Latin Impact Awards in inspiring the next generation of Latin Americans to strive for excellence. Suarez’s sentiments were echoed by Victor Alvarez, a Business Relationship Manager at TD Bank, who commended the honorees for their outstanding contributions and the vital impact of the Latino community.
Networking and Collaboration
Fidel Malena, Bronx Regional Representative at the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul, emphasized the importance of forging lasting connections with fellow members of the Latino community to address pressing issues faced by New Yorkers. Dr. Javier Andrade, Chief of Surgery and Perioperative Services at NYC Health + Hospitals, Woodhull, expressed pride in receiving an award recognizing his work in serving Latino patients over the past 15 years. The Latin Impact Awards gala provided a platform for honorees to network, collaborate, and find innovative solutions to challenges in areas such as education and healthcare.
A Bright Future Ahead
The Latin Impact Awards gala not only celebrates the achievements of Latin Americans but also serves as a catalyst for positive change and inspiration for future generations. The event raises funds for a local non-profit organization each year, with this year’s proceeds going to Latin Women in Action, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to providing support and essential services to women from all backgrounds. The Latin Impact Awards gala serves as a testament to the resilience, dedication, and innovation of the Latin American community in New York, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
For more information on participating in the Latin Impact Awards or Schneps Media’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion event series, please contact Amanda Tarley, Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Events Programs, at 718-249-9640 or via email at atarley@schnepsmedia.com.
In conclusion, the Latin Impact Awards gala celebrates the outstanding contributions and achievements of Latin Americans in various fields, highlighting their dedication, innovation, and positive impact on their local communities. The event serves as a platform for networking, collaboration, and inspiration, fostering a sense of unity and celebration within the Latin American community in the US.