By THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER JIMMY VAN BRAMER
47-01 QUEENS BLVD, SUITE 205
SUNNYSIDE, NY 11104
(718) 383-9566
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 24, 2013
CONTACT: Jason Banrey / O: 718-383-9566 ext. 7/917-657-5246/ JBanrey@council.nyc.gov
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***PHOTO RELEASE***
COUNCIL MEMBER JIMMY VAN BRAMER HOLDS HIS 4th ANNUAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY
On October 23rd, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer hosted his Fourth Annual Hispanic Leadership Awards Ceremony at Tierra NY Restaurant in Woodside. Over 150 local residents, and community leaders came together with the Council Member to honor and recognize the notable contributions that this year’s awardees have made to New York City:
· Ana Maria Archila, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road NY
o A native of Colombia, Ms. Archila immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 17. Since then she has emerged as an important immigrant advocate for civil rights, health care access and education reform in New York City.
· Edgar Cartagena, Community Leader
o Mr. Cartegena, born in Puerto Rico, is known throughout the community for his unyielding commitment toward strengthening our neighborhood. He has become a selfless volunteer who has worked tirelessly to ensure Doughboy Park is taken care of. His work throughout the neighborhood has become a testament to the dedication he has to the community of Woodside.
· Officer Luis Diaz, Community Affairs Officer for the 108th Precinct
o Officer Diaz, son of two parents from the Dominican Republic, has served with the New York Police Department since 2005. During his time as a police officer he has worked closely with the community within the precinct’s Community Affairs Division to keep Western Queens’ neighborhoods safe.
· Ramona Miranda Ortega, Founder of Cidadao Global
o Ms. Ortega is a Mexican-American who has an extensive career in fighting to progress international human rights campaigns. Ms. Ortega has worked for over 10 years in the area of social justice and human rights, beginning at UCLA, where she was a founding member of the Queer Latino Youth Conference.
· Antonio Reynoso, Democratic Nominee of the 34th New York City Council District
o Mr. Reynoso, son to immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, has worked within the New York City Council to advance progress policies and legislative reforms for affordable housing, job creation education and public safety.
· Elba Santiago, Community Board 2 Member
o Ms. Santiago is a Muslim Puerto Rican mother of four from Woodside who is currently pursuing a degree in liberal arts, social sciences and humanities. As an active member of her community she has played a pivotal role in beautifying the community and serving on PS 11’s School Leadership Team.
· Orlando Sarmiento, Principal of Newcomers High School
o Born in Colombia, Mr. Sarmiento has become a strong education advocate for immigrant students in New York City. As a school leader, Mr. Sarmiento has focused on strengthening the high school’s quality of teaching, learning and support services for immigrant students and English Language Learners.
· Christina Serna, Director of Ravenswood Senior Center
o Proud of her Puerto Rican and Colombian heritage, Ms. Serna began her career working with the Hellenic American Action Committee (HANAC) at the age of 19 when she became the assistant director of Ravenswood Senior Center. On a day-to-day basis Ms. Serna works closely with the New York City Housing Authority to help improve security and housing situations for countless seniors in Ravenswood.
During the annual event Ayazamana Cultural Center also performed. This year Council Member Van Bramer has funded the Queens-based cultural in an effort to promote Ecuadorian culture and educate the public through its customs and traditions through the arts.
In this photo, Council Member Van Bramer is joined by Ana Maria Archila and her daughter Emilia, Christina Serna, Orlando Sarmiento, Edgar Cartegena, Ramona Miranda Ortega, Antonio Reynoso, Elba Santiago and Officer Luis Diaz.
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