August 7, 2018 -- Recognizing the importance of maintaining an open line of communication between Westchester County government and the Hispanic community, County Executive George Latimer appointed new leadership to the Westchester County Hispanic Advisory Board. Linguistic and cultural barriers can sometimes prevent individuals from gaining access to valuable service and assistance programs, and Latimer wants to ensure the necessary resources are in place for the Hispanic and Latino communities.
Latimer said: “The Hispanic Advisory Board serves as a liaison between County Government, and the Hispanic and Latino communities. This Board is crucial because it provides a platform to discuss issues of importance, and creates a way for the Hispanic and Latino communities to recommend policies to advance development in Westchester County.”
Martha Lopez, Assistant to the County Executive, will serve as a liaison to the Board. Thus far, the new appointees are as follows:
Sergio Serratto, Pleasantville – Serratto has been appointed as the new Chair of the Hispanic Advisory Board, having previously served on the Board from 2006 through 2011. Serratto possesses a vast knowledge of the principles, practices, laws and regulations related to non-discrimination and equal opportunity, as well as understanding of the problems of minorities, women and other protected classes.
Rev. Dr. Martha Cruz, Port Chester – Cruz is the Spiritual Director and Presiding Minister of the United Church of Christ. She has also served as the Director of Public Relations and Communications, responsible for the development and distribution of all print, electronic, social media and video communications to clergy members and lay members of the Church.
Madeline Sanchez, Cortlandt Manor – Sanchez has a New York State Certification in TESOL K-12, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She has been a Professor of Language Acquisition and English Learning at Pace University and Westchester Community College.
Dr. Carmen Leonor Martinez-Lopez, New Rochelle – Martinez-Lopez has served as the Dean of the School of Business and Professional Careers at Westchester Community College since 2016. Martinez-Lopez helped to lead the implementation of the new four-school organizational structure at WCC, coordinating with the academic and support services divisions and departments from admissions, to the registrar, financial aid, IT and human resources.
Wilfredo Morel, Peekskill – Morel is a highly acclaimed artist known for his sculptures utilizing recycled materials, related to the communities where the materials are found. Morel is also a community relations professional at Hudson River Health Care, where he assists migrant workers, HIV/AIDS patients and the LGBT population with health care disparities, concerns and needs.