Certify CNY Hispanic Heritage Month Edition

Hispanic Her tage

Syracuse and Central New York can be described as a quilt made up of tattered fabrics, all rich with history.

Each, intricately woven thread tells a story in the history and make up of the city and surrounding region. This month, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage in honor of the civic, social, and cultural contributions of Hispanics in Central New York.

Hispanic Her tage

Although our list is heavily influenced by Puerto Rican culture and heritage, make no mistake, Central and Latin America will not be denied.

Among our list of doctors, attorneys, educators, business owners, and civic leaders, you’ll find some of the most inspirational leaders in the community. If you’re not familiar, take note. The “orgullo“ of Central New York.

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Josie Angelique is the owner of Elbita’s Cocina, a Puerto Rican restaurant known for its delicious empanadas. Like the delicately flakey, meat filled pastries she serves, her dishes bring Latin flavors and influence in cooking to Central New York in the tastiest way possible. Her restaurant joins the list of cultural institutions serving up some of the most delicious Latin foods around. While the world may have #saltbae, Salt City has it's own version. Just call her #empanadabae

Queen Bea

No converstion can begin about the cultural influence of hispanics in Central New York without Bea Gonzalez's name being included. A cultural and institutional icon, her work spans decades and has left an indeliable mark in Central New York History. Her social, political and cultural contributions are enough to cement her legacy and undeniable placement atop this list. Bea recently retired from Syracuse University but continues to serve through her work with the Central New York Community Foundation.

Bea Gonzalez Cultural Icon PHOTO CREDIT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

Emprendedora

On the way to achieving her American dream, it seems MexicanAmerican, Laura Cueva barely took a moment to breathe. After moving to Central New York to settle, Laura established her interior design business Interior Innnovations Inc, servicing large institutions such as universites and colleges. A keenly astute businesswoman, Laura invested and purchased a 53, 000 sqft factory on the East Side of Syracuse as part of a multi-milion dollar remodel and developoment to showcase her products. Interior Innovations is a New York State certifed MWBE business.

Laura Cueva CEO, Interior Innovations PHOTO CREDIT NANCY FORD

Fanny Villareal

Fanny Villareal embodies the kind of work ethic we should all aspire to. A Peruvian immigrant, Fanny was trained in law in Peru, but had to work her way up from a cashier to an Executive Directorship once arriving in America. In her role as E.D. of the Y.W.C.A., Fanny's central mission has been to empower women and to eliminate racism. Fanny is also the former Executive Director of La Liga (The Spanish Action League) and the Founder of Nosotros Radio Inc, a bilingual radio station whose mission is tied to educating the Hispanic community on a number of topics vital to Hispanic life in Central New York.

Fanny Villareal Executive Director, YWCA

PHOTO CREDIT HTTPS://NOISEPROJECT.ORG/PARTNERS/FANNY-VILLAREAL/

Mr. Jimenez

Gregorio "Ge" Jimenez grew up on the West Side of Syracuse and like many West Side residents, wanted to become involved in improving his neighborhood. At just 27 he became an Executive Director and oversaw $1.5 million in development in the neighborhood he grew up in. A community activist at heart, his rich Puerto Rican roots keep him tied to the neighborhood. His focus remains on improving the life and neighborhood many Latinos consider home in Syracuse, the West Side. Ge is proud to be a Puerto Rican and a role model for young Latinos in the City.

Gregorio Jimenez Community Activist

PHOTO CREDIT FB

La Ley

Stasi Ramirez-Stephens works as a public safety officer for Syracuse University. As a bilingual woman of color on the force, her representation as a Latina serving in law enforcement is more critical than ever. She adds cultural competence and diversity to a position often seen as threatening to minorities. Her work outside of campus includes volunteer work with a Good Life Youth Foundation, where her husband, Hasan Stephens serves as Executive Director. Officer Ramirez is never one to shy away from her Puerto Rican roots-just see her on the dance floor.

Stasi RamirezStephens Public Safety Officer, Syracuse University

Next of Kin

Some of us grow up dreaming of owning buildings. Others, like Diana Jaramillo, grow up and design them. Diana brings her Ecuadorian roots and rich history to the design landscape of Syracuse and Central New York as a licensed architect and owner of Kin Studio. Diana is among the 1% of Latina Architects in the United States. She is also NYS Certified as an MWBE business.

Diana Jaramillo Architect/Owner, Kin Studio

Afro-Latino

Recording artist by day, Tosheem Sosamino worked as a legal administrative assistant and now dreams of attending law school.

Sosamino lives between two worlds. His ethnic makeup includes rich Puerto Rican roots in Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico. Currently, Tosheem is focused on his part time music career. At just 24 years old, he is keenly aware of his roots and wants his children to grow up speaking spanish.

Tosheem Sosamino, Recording.

Artist

PHOTO CREDIT TOSHEEM SOSAMINO

La Liga

Since 1969 the Spanish Action League, or La Liga, has served as the cultural epicenter of the West Side of Syracuse for the Spanish speaking community.

Vital services including translation, housing and career services assistance, arts programming in addition to, health and wellness are available to clients. If there is a gap in services in the Hispanic community, Elisa Morales as Executive Director of La Liga, has her pulse on it. A vibrant spirit, she is the perfect ambassador for newly arriving Puerto Ricans in Central New York.

Elisa Morales Executive Director

PHOTO CURTESY LA LIGA

The Superintendent

When the Syracuse City School District was struggling, it needed to take bold and decisive action in hiring a new leader. Jaime Alicea has managed to work magic given the available resources in the district. The most notable accomplishment under his tenure being a turnaround in the high school graduation rate in the district. Jaime instituted a culture that embraces diversity and filled a number of vital positions with culturally competent staff to serve our children. A native of Puerto Rico, Jaime is a hero to many Latinos in the community and proudly serves the City of Syracuse as the first and only Latino to lead the Syracuse City School District in history.

Jaime Alicea Superintendent, Syracuse City School District PHOTO CREDIT SYRACUSE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

I Know I Can

If there is one influencer on the list that embodies the American spirit to succeed, to overcome disadvantages, and to become as vital to her community as possible, then Maria Maldonado fits the bill. Is there a cause-social, economic, or political that she isn't involved in?

Without title or platitude, she simply wakes up and does heroic acts for her community almost daily. Her program, I Know I Can Radio, is an integral part of the social fabric in the region.

Maria Maldonado City of Syracuse PHOTO CURTESY M. MALDONADO

La Maestra

When it comes to the future of education our youth are in great hands. A product of the Syracuse City School District and a graduate of both SUNY Delhi and SUNYAlbany, Xiomara Salam is a bilingual spanish teacher in the Syracuse City School District. As a native spanish speaker, Xiomara adds cultural astuteness and a vital communication link to children from predominantly spanish speaking homes. Xiomara is giving back by remaning locally tied to the community that raised her in one of the most noble professions.

Xiomara Salam Teacher, Syracuse City School District

Social Justice

When it comes to fighting for social justice in Central New York and beyond, few are as tenacious, devoted or politically astute as Maria Revelles Michell.

Although she now serves as the Director of Vamos4PR Action in Florida, Maria maintains a home on the West Side of Syracuse where she has remained politically and socially connected. A graduate of Syracuse University, Maria was also connected to United Helath Care workers 1199SEIU

Maria Revelles Michell, Social Justice Activist

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El Artista

Hispanic life and culture is too broad to be captured by a single brush.

Syracuse and Central New York have been blessed with Juan Cruz, an abstract artist and sculptor reminiscent of another famous Latin artist, Picasso. Juan's work boldly and vividly defines his upbringing as a Latino in the United States.

His contribution to the art culture in Syracuse is well documented, but his legacy will be cemented in the various programs Juan taught teaching the arts to West Side neighbors and residents of Syracuse.

Juan Cruz Abstract Artist PHOTO CURTESY M. JACOBS FB

The Peacemaker

Ashley Rivera is a Latina with the kind of compassion and empathy usually reserved for people twice her age. As a teenager, she worked for ECA running book buddies for 5 years at Seymour and was one of the longest standing and most active volunteer peacemakers. Now, a Peacemaking Associate, Ashley relies on both her strong neighborhood ties and her Puerto Rican roots in order to successfully convey her life experiences through her role with the Center for Court Innovation's Peacemaking Center. Ashley grew up on the West Side where her family is a part of the rich ethnic tapestry of west side residents.

Ashley Rivera, The Syracuse Peacemaking Project

THE ART PENGUIN SERIES

LA COMIDA AUTHENTIC LATIN-OWNED EATERIES IN SYRACUSE

PHOTO CURTESY SYR.COM

PHOTO CURTESY SYR.COM

PHOTO CURTESY GOOGLE MAPS

DROP A FLAG FOR THE MOST DELICIOUS SPANISH FOOD IN THE CITY

Mr. E

As one of the youngest Executive Directors in the area, Jeff already is a trailblazer and a role model for young leaders in Central New York. Not only has Mr. E broken barriers, he's raised the bar. and effortlessly shattered stereotypes about race and age, giving our youth a role model they can identify with.

His passion with youth is clearly evident in the programs he helps administer through his role as the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club. As a young, Hispanic leader in a position of authority with decision making ability, Jeff is the quintessential role model.

Jeff Eysaman Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club

PHOTOGRAPHER SRDAN LUKIC

OnPoint

When college aged Hispanic and black youth are thinking of attending college, one of the most reliable local resources they have is Tealye Pinet of OnPoint for College. In this role, she connects youth with critical needs on their pathway to completing their education.

Tealye most notably works to place students in culturally enriching internships with minority and women-owned businesses-making vital employee/employer connections while providing key experience for the students. Undeniably committed to leading through her shared experiences, Tealye is the spark, the voice on the shoulder of our young population when it comes to choices in education.

Tealye Pinet Youth Education Advocate

PHOTO CREDIT T.PINET

Un Regalo

Natividad Cabrera is Founder of Lengualectuals, a translation and interpretation services company, and also Program Director for Mercy Works Inc., which provides programming that bridges the technology gap for disadvantaged households including Teen Tech, iCan Robotics and Synergy. A biligual educator and committed youth advocate, like her name would indicate, Natividad (Christmas in Spanish), has been a gift to Syracuse and the Hispanic community by providing vital translation services in the medical, real estate and educational fields. Natividad is a graduate of Suny Cortland and Fordham U.

Natividad Cabrera

Business Owner, Program Director

PHOTO CREDIT FB

Inseparables

Few love stories resonate quite like childhood sweethearts Miguel and Rosie Perez. The Puerto Rican couple are staples in the Hispanic community. Rosie a prominent public health official with more than two decades coordinating HIV prevention with the Department of Health. Both she and Miguel are intimately connected to a variety of social causes affecting Hispanic life and culture in CNY. Their philanthropic work includes Masks of Hope, with the entire family chipping in to produce thousands of masks to guard against covid. The revered husband and wife proudly and elegantly serve as ambassadors of Hispanic culture in Central New York. As models of success for their children, the college graduates have left a terrific legacy for their 3 children to follow. Their love and commitment stands as a beacon to many Latinos in Syracuse.

Miguel and Rosie Perez, Public Health/Social Justice

The Common Councilor

No name is currently more ubiquitous in the conversation about Hispanic culture in Syracuse than former Executive Director of La Liga (The Spanish Action League) and Commissioner of Education, Rita Paniagua. The current Syracuse City common councilor at large is a native of Puerto Rico, but has made a name for herself in politics in Syracuse. Elected to a 4 year term in 2019, Rita was the first Latina to serve as commissioner of the board of eduction. Her sister Tere Paniagua is also a pillar of the Hispanic community and serves as Executive Director of La Casita Cultural Center.

Rita Paniagua, Syracuse Common Councilor At Large PHOTO CREDIT R. PANIAGUA FB

TecnologĂ­a Technology, like many fields, can be dominated by men.

For Ali Grimes, a data optimization specialist with Columbian roots, Latinas in the tech space are rare, although exceeding less rare, thanks to Latinas like her.

Minorities make up less than 1% of the representation in technology field. While data analytics is highly specialized and would intimidate most, Ali has never been afraid to scale new heights. Ali brings much needed gender and racial equity to the technology space in Central New York.

Ali Grimes Data Optimization Specialist

PHOTO CREDIT A. GRIMES FB

Él Director Cuban transplant José Miguel Hernández is thoroughly entrenched in the arts scene in Syracuse. For as long as one can remember he's directed stage productions through his position as Director of La Joven Guardia Del Teatro Latino—The Latino Theater of Youth Through Dance, a youth arts program. A major influence and critical connection to the arts for young, the program has a distinct record of success in both high school and college graduation rates at 100% and 98% respectively. José brings an unbridled enthusiasm and passion for teaching the both the arts and Hispanic culture to Syracuse.

José Miguel Hernández Hurtado

PHOTO CURTESY FB J.M.HERNANDEZ

Community Liaison

Michelle is the Community Liaison for the Syracuse Peacemaking Project. She connects residents with conflict resolution services and coordinates the adult, resident-led Community Impact Team and the Youth Impact Team. She participates in community outreach and covid relief efforts to bring essential supplies to high needs areas across the city. She assists with the Peacemaking Project's community development and crime prevention activities. Previously Michelle with Syracuse Neighborhood and Business Development and residents with housing challenges in an effort to make city code enforcement more efficient and equitable. A passionate and committed advocate who grew up on the West Side of Syracuse with proud Puerto Rican heritage.

Michelle Aliyeva, Community Liason

Las Noticias

When it comes to cultural institutions in Central New York, few resonate or impact a community quite like CNY Latino, the only Latino-owned and circulated newspaper in the area. Publishers Hugo Acosta and Marisol Hernandez are tied to a number of causes, but their bilingual publication serves as a major platform for social and political life in the Hispanic community. Marisol dedicates much of her time to women's empowerment and entrepreneurship, a mentor of sorts, for a number of Latina entrepreneurs. As a pillar of Hispanic culture, the paper takes great responsibility in remaining a viable news outlet and a window to the world of Hispanic life in Central New York.

Hugo Acosta and Marisol Hernandez, CNY Latino

PHOTO CURTESY FB M. HERNANDEZ

Politics

In the history of Syracuse, few trailblazers match the track record of Juanita Perez. Not only is she the first Latina to successfully launch both mayoral and congressional campaigns in city history, Juanita is a nationally recognized political figure with strong democratic ties and a former Assistant New York State Attorney General and Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy. The second generation Mexican-American is originally from outside of San Diego, California. An accomplished lawyer, Juanita has resided in Syracuse since the early 90's.

Juanita Perez, Politician/Public Figure PHOTO CURTESY SYR.COM

Housing

For bilingual Rey Ortiz Jr, life was different growing up Puerto Rican in New York.

The former housing counselor and real estate professional at Home HeadQuarters Inc., also served as the only Latino loan officer in the area for many years. The current Executive Director of the Syracuse Model Neighborhood Corporation oversees hundreds of housing units on the South Side of Syracuse.

Rey recently purchased his second home, settling into the St. Joe's neighborhood overlooking a city he first saw as a challenge having grown up completely submerged in Hispanic culture in NYC. No longer looking to take flight, Rey and his family have made a home in Syracuse. Hopefully, for generations.

Rey Ortiz Jr., Executive Director, SMNC PHOTO CREDIT FB

Honorable Mentions Hispanic Heritage Month Honorees:

CENTRAL NEW YORK THANKS YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO HISPANIC LIFE AND CULTURE.

Felicidades a todos!

HAPPY

HISPANIC

HERITAGE

MONTH

FROM

CERTIFY CNY

Inspired by YOU! WE ASKED: WHICH LATINOS

OTHER HONOREES

INSPIRE YOU LOCALLY? 1. We could not possibly include the complete list.

LK Semidey, Bennie Guzman, Margarita Gonzalez, Joann Yarrow, Ana Gil, Haydee

We pledge to make this an annual issue AND due to

Rolon-Manifee, Edgar Martinez, Nina

the high volume of response of this community-wide

Vergara, Lillian Zayas, Rebecca Fuentes,

survey, will follow up with features on many of the honorees.

2. We wanted to give you a cross-section

Abraham Massara, Ofelia Villareal, Tere Paniagua, Erica Lopez-Brown, Luz Encarnacion.

of Hispanic Life In Central New York.

Based on the responses we received, many Latinos

Kennia De la Fe, Belkis Espinal, Dr. Maribel

view thieir everyday neighbors as inspiration. Our list

Quiñones, Dr. Triana, Dr. Castro, Gina

is filled with every profession, young and old, men

Grullon, Sylvia Martinez Daloia, Edna

and women, but most importantly, it reflects how

Pagan, Lydia Vazquez, Magaly Nobles,

Hispanics see themselves in CNY.

3. What we learned.

One circulation honoring Hispanic life will never do justice to the contributions, the many

Wilmarini Hernandez Waded Gonzalez, Teresita Mann, Hero Fernando Ortiz, Sam Velázquez, Jose

accomplishments, the legacies of the names

Perez, Jesus M. Rolon, Emily Ivelisse, Joe

attached, but we do hope by celebrating Hispanic

Rodriguez, Rosie Pérez, Marisol

Heritage in Central New York, we bring higher

Hernandez, Henry Gonzalez Rosado.

visibility to the many important brown faces in our communtiy.

HAPPY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH FROM CERTIFY CNY