September 29, 2018 – In a room filled with jubilant Westchester residents, County Executive Latimer was proud to host his Administration’s first Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Hosted by Mercy College, the County Executive brought together various community organizations for this night filled with music, dancing and great food.
County Executive Latimer said: “Here in Westchester, we are proud of our roots – and on this night we were proud to celebrate the contributions of our Latino and Latina brothers and sisters to our diverse community. I thank Mercy College for graciously playing host and I thank all who joined us for this inspiring evening.”
The celebration included members of Centro Hispano, United Community Center of Westchester, Community Resource Center, the Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Cabrini Immigrant Services, Capital Resources, Women’s Enterprise Development Center, Westchester Community College and others. Also in attendance were Willie Colon, Isabel E. Villar, Westchester County Department of Corrections First Deputy Commissioner Louis Molina and Westchester County Chief Information Officer Marguerite Beirne.
The highlight of the event was an opening program including music, singing and a children-led procession of flags representing each Hispanic culture being celebrated.
Assistant to the County Executive for Advocacy and Immigrant Affairs Martha Lopez said: “Part of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is recognizing the contributions of individuals who have made tremendous strides toward reaching the American dream. With us tonight are attorneys, professors, business owners, educators and social workers. These leaders who have climbed the ladder of success make us all proud. Si se Puede!”
Mercy College President Tim Hall said: “As New York State’s largest private minority-serving college, Mercy is excited to be co-hosting this Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration with County Executive George Latimer. Thank you to County Executive Latimer for starting this incredible tradition of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Westchester. Here at Mercy College, we are proud to have Hispanic students add to the rich fabric of our college. Mercy is committed to supporting these students and putting them on the path to achieving an advanced degree.”