November 21st, 2014
www.milatinos.com
¡Felicitaciones! ¡¡Felicitaciones! Felicitaciones!
region an all-the-more vibrant and dynamic place Your contributions and hard work have made this to be. And for that, we owe youand our dynamic thanks. place region an all-the-more vibrant
PHLDiversity is proud to sponsor Impacto Latin Newspaper’s 2014 Delaware Valley’s Most PHLDiversity is proud sponsor Impacto Latin Influential Latinos andtoother events that celebrate Newspaper’s Delaware Valley’s Most the wonderful,2014 diverse collection of communities Influential Latinos and other events that celebrate that make up the heart and soul of Greater the wonderful, diverse collection of communities Philadelphia. that make up the heart and soul of Greater
to be. And for that, we owe you our thanks.
Philadelphia.
Congratulations to the Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos in 2014! Congratulations to the Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos in 2014! Your contributions and hard work have made this
PHLDiversity is proud to sponsor Impacto Latin Newspaper’s 2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos and other events that celebrate YOU CAN HELP US MAKE AN EVEN BIGGER IMPACT AND YOU CAN HELP US MAKE AN EVEN BIGGER IMPACT AND Your contributions and hard work have made this the wonderful, diverse collection of communities SUPPORT SUPPORT OUR OUR CITY’S CITY’S CULTURAL CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS INSTITUTIONS AT AT THE THE SAME SAME TIME. TIME. region an all-the-more vibrant and dynamic place that make up the heart and soul of Greater next special event to Philadelphia. your to be. And for that,Bring we owe you ourmeeting, thanks. convention orPhiladelphia. Find out how easy it is at discoverPHL.com/bringithome. Find out how easy it is at discoverPHL.com/bringithome. Congratulations to the Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos in 2014!
YOU CAN HELP US MAKE AN EVEN BIGGER IMPACT AND SUPPORT OUR CITY’S CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS AT THE SAME TIME.
THE DELAWARE VALLEY’S MOST INFLUENTIAL LATINOS OF 2014
A Message from the Publisher…
W
elcome to the 2014 edition of the Most Influential Latinos magazine. This annual edition is dedicated to highlight a selected crop of Latino Leadership. The magazine originated nine years ago and resulted in an incredible positive impact as the first publication of its kind, featuring the region’s Latino community at its best.
The Most Influential Latinos magazine showcases a large group of local Latino leaders that were nominated by their peers and selected through a distinguished committee. Developed as a way to display the accomplishments of our local Hispanic community, this publication recognizes these leaders for their contributions to Latinos and the community at-large. Our first edition was an eye-opener to many who suddenly started noticing the relevance of our community. This year, we continue building upon our previous successes and present a collection of esteemed professionals that really make us Latinos proud. This magazine is divided in three sections that present different groups of people, all of them successful within their professions. First, the Latino Leaders is a category that includes many seasoned executives, officials, and everyday heroes, who work tirelessly for the betterment of our community. Next, we have the Movers and Shakers, who are defined by their significant impact to create and generate opportunities that move forward and progress for the benefit of the larger community; and finally, the Most Influential are a group of individuals that have strongly influenced a course of events and changed the way people relate to one another through their accomplishments and extraordinary work during the past year. I personally invite all of our readers to enjoy this publication as it highlights some of the best and brightest stars that help make the Greater Philadelphia a great Region for Latinos. The 2014 awardees share individual success stories that play well as real role models for our youth. In our community, the success of some is the triumph of many. I really hope that you agree with the 2014 selection committee, truly enjoy this edition. Gracias!
Napoleon Garcia, VI Publisher Impacto
and
Congratulations!
I
s 2014, and we continue to have the great privilege of recognizing the accomplishments and successes of many Latinos in the Philadelphia region, great leaders that honor their community with their commitment and purpose in their daily lives, in order to generate better conditions for our people. As every year, in 2014 the selecting committee had a demanding task, as we looked deeper into the long list of nominees, to make sure the final list of awardees was as fair and accurate as possible. Our final 50 awardees were chosen from a list covering the entire region. Some names are well known within the community, some others do not sound familiar to many, but even people working far from the spotlight can have a huge impact over other people’s lives.
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The efforts to acknowledge our influential leaders is one small step toward a common, shared goal. A goal to unify our community and foster positive change. Thank you all for your diligence and hard work in achieving your dreams. The 50 Most Influential Latinos in the Delaware Valley in 2014 are a powerful example of what determination and leadership can achieve. Once more, Congratulations!
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There are Latino leaders in every path of life, including community activists, social leaders, business people, teachers, lawyers, doctors, and many others who go beyond their call to support their community.
P.O. Box 15358 Philadelphia, PA 19111 Main: 215-922-6407 www.impactolatin.com www.MILatinos.com
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Latinos are a powerful group of very diverse people linked by a common heritage. This heritage keep us united as a great force that the nation and the world have aknowledged. Hispanics are the largest ethnic group in the nation, and the relevance of our community is growing by the day. It is our hope that as we continue to gain strength in numbers, we will remain diligent in our efforts to highlight the greatness of our people.
2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
& SHAKERS
These are people who usually make things happen in the community, and who show a commitment that normally goes beyond their individual reach.
www.milatinos.com Publisher Napoleon García
Diseño y Diagramación Julissa Ivor Medina
director@impactolatin.com
juivor@gmail.com
Editor para esta publicación Eduardo García
Business Manager Gina Echeverry
editor@impactolatin.com
ginae@impactolatin.com
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2014 MOST INFLUENTIAL
THE
LATINOS
These leaders show the greatest achievement levels, serve as role models for our children, and oftentimes act as the public face of the Delaware Valley’s Hispanic community. Es una publicación independiente. Los puntos de vista expresados por los articulistas y escritores no reflejan necesariamente los de la dirección de este medio. Nuestras páginas están protegidas por la ley de derechos reservados (Copyright), y cualquier reprodución parcial o total sin autorización están prohibidas.
LATINO LEADERS2014 Leslie Acosta
Dr. Norma Alicea Álvarez
Pennsylvania State Representative
Leslie began her career as a social worker, providing services to children and families in their own home (SCOH). She is now an adjunct professor at Esperanza College of Eastern University, serving the Hispanic and local communities, enhancing knowledge and leadership skills of young adults. Leslie graduated from Mastbaum High School of Philadelphia. She attended Cairn University where she obtained dual degrees, bachelors of science and social work. She also earned an M.B.A. She was elected State Representative in 2014 for the redrawn 197 district. Although new to public service, she brings a career of experience working in human and community services.
Leslie empezó su carrera como trabajadora social, llevando servicios a niños y familias en sus hogares (SCOH). Ahora es profesora adjunta en Esperanza College de Eastern University, dedicada al servicio de la comunidad hispana, estimulando el conocimiento y el liderazgo en jóvenes de la comunidad. Se graduó de la Secundaria Mastbaum de Filadelfia y luego obtuvo doble títulos en Ciencias y Trabajo Social. También recibió un MBA. Fue elegida Representante Estatal en el 2014 por el Distrito 197, que fue retrazado. Aunque es nueva en el servicio público, trae un mundo de experiencia en servicios humanos y comunitarios.
Professor, Temple University School of Medicine
Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Norma Alicea-Alvarez is an Assistant Professor of the Center for Bioethics, Urban Health and Policy at the Temple University School of Medicine, and a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner. She is director for the Community Engagement course in the MA Urban Bioethics Program. She earned a Degree in Nursing from Villanova University and a M.S. in Pediatrics from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Alvarez has conducted clinical research focused in mitigating health care disparities of Latino communities of North Philadelphia, and has led sustainable programs to create and improve a culture of health.
Original de Puerto Rico, la Dra. Norma Alicia Álvarez es Profesora Adjunta del Centro de Bioética, Salud y Políticas Urbanas de la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Temple; y es también enfermera certificada en pediatría. La Dra. Álvarez es directora del curso de Community Engagement del master en Bioética Urbana. Obtuvo su grado como enfermera en la Universidad de Villanova y un Master en Pediatría de la Universidad de Pensilvania. Ha conducido investigaciones orientadas a mitigar las disparidades de salud entre las comunidades hispanas, y ha liderado programas sostenibles para crear e implantar una cultura de la salubridad.
Health Partners Plans proudly supports the 2014 Fifty Most Influential Latinos in the Delaware Valley.
2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
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LATINO LEADERS 2014
Debora Borges-Carrera Assistant Superintendent, Philadelphia School District
Gloria Bonilla-Santiago Professor, Rutgers University
Rubén Bermúdez Mayor, Vineland, NJ
Ruben Bermudez has been a successful Vineland businessman for 32 years as owner of Juvante Formal Wear on Landis Avenue in Vineland. His public service includes two terms on the Vineland City Council, serving as President from 20002004. He was elected the first Hispanic Mayor of the City in December of 2012. Mayor Bermudez was appointed to the New Jersey Conference of Mayors Board of Directors in 2013, and is a member of the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association. Mr. Bermudez serves as President of the Latin American Business Alliance of NJ and the Hand Foundation, which provides non-profit organizations with financial assistance. He is also a member of the Salvation Army Board. Rubén Bermúdez ha sido un exitoso empresario por 32 años como propietario de Juvante Formal Wear, en la Avenida Landis en Vineland, NJ. Su servicio público incluye dos términos en el Concejo de Vineland, del cual fue su Presidente de 2000 a 2004. Fue elegido el primer Alcalde hispano de Vineland en diciembre de 2012. En 2013 el Alcalde Bermúdez fue nominado con éxito a la Junta de Directores de la Conferencia de Alcaldes de Nueva Jersey, y es miembro de la Asociación de Alcaldes Urbanos de New Jersey. Bermúdez sirve ahora como Presidente de la Alianza de Negocios Latinoamericana de Nueva Jersey y de la Fundación Hand, la cual provee asistencia financiera a organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro. También es miembro de la Junta del Salvation Army.
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2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
Gloria Bonilla-Santiago is a Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor of the Graduate Department of Public Policy and Administration at Rutgers Unversity, and is also director of The Community Leadership Center at Rutgers. Dr. Santiago has received the Warren I. Susman Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the L’Oreal Paris Women Of Worth award. She led the development of a model charter school in Camden that now serves 1,500 students and their families through a number of LEAP portfolio schools. She has fundraised over 100 million dollars to finance her education projects. Dr. Santiago is the author of numerous articles and three books. She is also a blogger for US World News, the Huffington Post, and a commentator for ABC, MSNBC, NBC, and CBS News on issues of education and Community Development. Gloria Bonilla-Santiago es Profesora de Servicios Distinguidos de la Junta de Directores del Departamento Graduado de Política Pública y Administración en la Universidad de Rutgers, y es también directora del Centro de Liderazgo Comunitario de Rutgers. Ha recibido el premio Warren I. Susman a la Excelencia Educativa y el premio L’Oreal Paris a Mujeres Ejemplares. Desarrolló un modelo de Escuela Charter en Camden que ahora sirve a 1.500 estudiantes y sus familias a través de un portafolio de escuelas LEAP. Ha recogido más de 100 millones de dólares para financiar sus proyectos educativos. Es autora de numerosos artículos y 3 libros. También es bloguera para US World Noticias, el Huffington Post, y es comentarista para ABC, MSNBC, NBC y CBS News en temas de educación y desarrollo comunitario.
Debora Borges-Carrera is the Assistant Superintendent of Learning Network 1 and supports 32 schools in the school district of Philadelphia. She received her undergraduate degree in Early and Elementary Education from Temple University, and a master’s in Educational Leadership from St. Joseph’s University. As Principal, Debora led McKinley Elementary to making Adequate Yearly Progress for three years, earning two Keystone Awards for Academic Success, and being recognized in American Educator magazine for the school’s progress. As Principal at Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School, she transitioned the school into a state of the art facility with the highest environmental certification in the state. She also leads mission work helping impoverished children in La Ceiba, Honduras. Débora Borges Carrera es Superintendente Adjunta de Learning Network 1 que apoya a 32 escuelas en Filadelfia. Recibió su licenciatura en Educación Temprana y Elemental en la Universidad de Temple, y un Masters en Liderazgo Educativo de la Universidad Saint Joseph. Como Directora, Debora llevó a Escuela Elemental Mckinley a un progreso anual sostenido hasta obtener dos premios Keystone al Éxito Académico, y a ser reconocida en la revista Educador Americano por los progresos hechos. Como directora en la Secundaria Kensington para las Artes Escénicas y Creativas, dirigió la transición hacia un Centro Educativo con los más altos estándares ambientales del estado. Ella también dirige un trabajo misionero en favor de niños pobres en La Ceiba, Honduras.
Independence Blue Cross
Salutes
The 2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos Independence Blue Cross is proud to recognize The Most Influential Latinos Foundation and the positive impact it has on our community. For more than 75 years, Independence Blue Cross has been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve. We are committed to transforming health care through strategic corporate sponsorship of innovative wellness and education programs.
ibx.com 2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
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Peter Crespo Executive Chief, Philadelphia Fire Department
Patricia Boshuizen President, ALPFA Philadelphia
Venezuelan born Patricia Boshuizen, is the National Lead Partner for Facts to Value and the IT Lead Partner in the integrated audits for public and private clients at KPMG. She has spent her career serving major global, national and regional public companies in financial and technology roles. She is a Pan American Association board member, member of the Philadelphia Forum of Executive women, and a KPMG member of the National Board for Corporate Responsibility, Diversity and Inclusion. She earned her BS in Systems Engineering at Universidad Nacional Abierta de Venezuela, and she went on to obtain her diplomas as Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified in Risk and Information System Controls (CRISC). Nacida en Venezuela, Patricia Boshuizen es Asociada Nacional Líder en “Facts to Value”, y una Lider en el uso de las IT para auditorías integradas con clientes públicos y privados en KPMG. Ha hecho carrera prestando asesoría a corporaciones internacionales y nacionales en roles financieros y tecnológicos. Es miembro de la Junta de la Asociación Panamericana; miembro del Foro de Mujeres Ejecutivas de Filadelfia y miembro de KPMG de la Junta Nacional para la Responsabilidad Corporativa, la Diversidad y la Inclusión. Se graduó en Ingeniería de Sistemas en la Universidad Nacional Abierta de Venezuela, y continuó sus estudios hasta obtener diplomas como Auditora Certificada en Sistemas Informáticos; Experta en Gerencia de Proyectos y Especialista en Control de Riesgos en Sistemas de Información.
Peter Crespo is Deputy Commissioner and Executive Chief of the Philadelphia Fire Department. At 37, he is the youngest to hold the Executive Chief’s position and the highest ranking Latino serving to date. Chief Crespo was chosen for his tried field experience, diverse educational background and impressive knowledge base. Chief of the fifth largest public safety department in the U.S., among his many responsibilities he heads the Department’s Media & Public Relations division and assists with special projects coordination. A proud Puerto Rican, Chief Crespo holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Community College of Philadelphia and a Bachelor Degree from Philadelphia University. He is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Homeland Security. Peter Crespo es el Vice Comisionado y Director Ejecutivo del Departamento de Bomberos de Filadelfia. A sus 37 años es el más joven oficial a dirigir esa importante División, y el latino que más alto ha llegado en la Institución. Crespo fue elegido por su probada experiencia en campo; su background educativo diverso y su gran conocimiento técnico. Jefe del quinto Cuerpo de Bomberos más grande de los Estados Unidos, Crespo dirige también las Relaciones Públicas del Departamento y la Coordinación de Proyectos. Orgulloso puertorriqueño, Crespo posee un Diploma en Seguridad contra Incendios del Community College y es graduado en Manejo de Emergencias de la Universidad de Filadelfia. En la actualidad cursa su Master en Seguridad Nacional.
Daisy Cruz Union Officer, 32BJ SEIU
Daisy Cruz oversees the Philadelphia office of 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, one of the largest unions in the country, which represents immigrant workers from over 60 countries, including more than 10,000 property service workers in the region. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Cruz is passionate about giving back to the city she loves and help the Latino community through her work with the union. Her many accomplishments include her leadership in the union’s successful campaign to raise the minimum wage for subcontracted airport workers to $10.88 an hour. Cruz is also active in the ongoing fight for common sense immigration reform.
Daisy Cruz supervisa la oficina de Filadelfia de 32BJ de la Unión Internacional de Empleados de Servicios SEIU, uno de los sindicatos más grandes del país, que representa a trabajadores inmigrantes de más de 60 países, incluyendo más de 10,000 trabajadores de servicios en la región. Nacida en Filadelfia, Cruz es apasionada en su labor de ayudar a su ciudad y su comunidad mediante su trabajo con la Unión. Entre sus logros está el liderazgo de la campaña que logró elevar el salario mínimo de los trabajadores subcontratistas del aeropuerto a $10.88 la hora. También está muy activa en la lucha por la reforma de inmigración.
Dr. Marcela Díaz-Myers Chair, PA GOP’s Hispanic Advisory Council
Dr. Marcela Díaz-Myers is the Director of the Pennsylvania Center for Practice Transformation and Innovation at the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Her office is the home of the Chronic Care Initiative and oversees the State Innovation Model Grant. Dr. Myers was the president of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and a school board member with Lower Dauphin SD since 2003. She was NSBA minority delegate in 2008, 2009 and 2010. She graduated from Escuela de Medicina Juan N. Corpas in Bogota, Colombia, and is currently employed
LATINO LEADERS 2014
by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. She has received the GACLA Award for outstanding service as a Latina elected official. She is the Chair at Pennsylvania GOP’s Hispanic Advisory Council La Doctora Marcela Díaz-Meyers es Directora del Centro para Innovación y Práctica Transformativa del Departamento de Salud de Filadelfia. Su oficina es sede de la Iniciativa de Cuidados Crónicos y supervisa las Subvenciones al Modelo de Innovación Estatal. Díaz-Meyers fue Presidente de la Asociación de Juntas Escolares de Pensilvania, y miembro de la Junta Escolar de Lower Dauphin SD, desde 2003. Fue delegada por minorías a la NSBA en 2008, 2009 y 2010. Es graduada de la Escuela de Medicina Juan N. Corpas, de Bogotá, Colombia. Ha recibido el Premio de GACLA por sus sobresalientes servicios como Oficial Latina elegida. Ella es la Presidenta del Consejo Asesor Hispano del Partido Republicano en Pensilvania.
A leader is someone who connects with the needs and aspirations of others, and who connects his or her success to the achievements of those who came before. Comcast, NBC10, and Telemundo62 are proud to salute the Delaware Valley’s 50 Most Influential Latinos. Thank you for your commitment to community. comcastcorporation.com 62 2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
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LATINO LEADERS 2014
Joe Garcia
Juan I. Guerra
Captain, Temple Police Department
Executive Director, ACLAMO Family Centers
Joe Garcia is a 26-year veteran of the Temple University Police Department, where he holds the rank of Captain and title of Commanding Officer of its Communication Center, Training, Law Enforcement Accreditation and Grants Development units. Joe actively serves the community in various capacities: he was a plaintiff in a law suit filed against the state challenging their Reapportionment Commission, while in pursuit of viable Latino districts in Pennsylvania. Joe is an active board member of the Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, and the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights. He is a proud Marine Corps veteran, and earned an undergraduate degree from Temple University and a Masters from Chestnut Hill College.
Joe García es un veterano con 26 años de servicio en el Departamento de Policía de la Universidad de Temple, donde es Capitán con el cargo de Oficial Comandante de su Centro de Comunicaciones, Entrenamiento, Cumplimiento de la Ley, Acreditación y Unidades de Desarrollo de subvenciones. Activo en su servicio comunitario, fue parte en una demanda contra el Estado denunciando a la Comisión de Rezonificación Electoral, para defender distritos latinos viables en Pensilvania. Joe es un miembro activo de la Junta de la Escuela Charter de Filadelfia Community Academy, del Congreso Nacional por los Derechos de Puerto Rico. Es un orgulloso veterano de la Marina, y obtuvo su licenciatura en Temple University y su Masters en el Chesnut Hill College.
Juan Guerra is the Director of ACLAMO Family Centers, an agency that provides Latino and low income residents of Montgomery County and near by areas with improved access to education, health and social services. He was founding Executive Director of Friends of the Orphans and Associate Director of Living Bridges, in Rosemont, PA. Born in Havana, Cuba, Juan obtained a degree in Fine Arts at the Temple University, and a Graduate Degree from Hahnemann Medical University. In the 1980s helped to stablish an orphanage in Honduras and later he brought children to Philadelphia from overseas to provide them with valuable medical care within the US. Guerra has received the Channel 10 News Spirit of Philadelphia Award and the Young Adult Group’s Community Service Award, among others.
Juan I. Guerra es el Director de ACLAMO Family Centers, una agencia que provee a latinos y residentes de bajo ingreso del Condado de Montgomery y alrededores con acceso mejorado a educación, salud y servicios sociales. Guerra fue fundador y Director Ejecutivo de “Friends of the Orphans”, y Director Asociado de “Living Bridges”, de Rosemont, PA. Nacido en La Habana, Cuba; Juan obtuvo su Diploma en Bellas Artes de la Universidad de Temple, y un postgrado en Hahnemann Medical University. En los 80 ayudó a establecer un orfanato en Honduras, y después trajo niños del extranjero a Filadelfia para brindarles atención médica especializada. Guerra ha recibido el Premio Espíritu de Filadelfia, del Canal 10; y el Premio al Servicio Comunitario del Grupo de Adultos Jóvenes, entre otros.
¡Felicitaciones a los Latinos Más Influyentes del 2014! Les desea:
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2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
Neurologist, Pottstown Memorial Hospital
Dr. Marta R. Jiménez is a prominent neurologist, and is actually the Stroke Program Director of Pottstown Memorial Hospital; chief for Tri-County Neurology and Professor Emeritus of Neurology back in the Dominican Republic. She graduated as MD at Universidad Central del Este in Dominican Republic; then had his internship at The Lankenau Hospital of Philadelphia and gained her Post-Laureate in Neurology, Stroke and Critical Care at The Thomas Jefferson, Medical College of Philadelphia. She has been Stroke Program Director at Wellspan Neurolgy, Assistant Professor at Hershey School of Medicine, and Research Coordinator at the Presbyterian Hospital of Columbia University. She has been also visiting neurologist at Casa Corazón in Honduras, and
Renato M. Lajara School Santo Niño in Nicaragua. She was born in Cuba. La Doctora Marta R. Jiménez es una prominente neuróloga, actualmente Directora del Programa de Derrames del Hospital Memorial de Pottstown, PA; Jefe de Tri-County Neurology y Profesora Emérita en la República Dominicana. Se recibió en Medicina en la Universidad Central del Este en RD, hizo su internado en el Hospital Lankenau de Filadelfia y obtuvo su especialidad en Neurología, Ictus y Cuidados Intensivos en el Colegio de Medicina Thomas Jefferson de Filadelfia. Ha sido Directora del Programa de Ictus Cerebral en Wellspan Neurology; Profesora Adjunta en la Escuela de Medicina Hershey y Coordinadora en el Hospital Presbiteriano de la Universidad de Columbia. Ha sido neuróloga visitante en la Casa Corazón de Honduras, y la Escuela El Santo Niño de Nicaragua. La Dra. Jiménez nació en Cuba.
Principal, John B. Stetson Charter School
Renato M. Lajara was born in the Dominican Republic. He quickly understood he needed to pursue an education. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Gwynedd-Mercy College. He taught at Julia de Burgos Elementary School for 5 years, then he was back to G.M.C. where he obtained his Masters in Educational Administration. He started the turn around of John B. Stetson Middle School, an under performing school considered at risk; and the school that has seen positive changes. Afterwards he obtained a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Arcadia University. He is now the principal of John B. Stetson Charter School, a position from where he continues to positively impact the city’s broader community.
Renato M. Lajara nació en República Dominicana. Muy pronto entendió la importancia de obtener una buena educación. Obtuvo su grado en Educación Elemental en el GwyneddMercy College, y después enseñó en la Escuela Julia de Burgos por 5 años, para luego regresar al G.M.C. y obtener su Master en Administración Educativa. Inició el proceso transformativo de la Secundaria John B. Stetson, una escuela con muy pobres resultados, donde los cambios han sido positivos. También obtuvo su Carta de Elegibilidad como Superintendente en Arcadia University. Actualmente es el Director de la Escuela Charter John B. Stetson administrada por Aspira, posición desde donde continúa día tras día impactando positivamente a la comunidad.
2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
LATINO LEADERS 2014
Dr. Marta R. Jiménez
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LATINO LEADERS 2014
Julio César Largo Anchor, Univision 65
Since launching Univisión 65 News in March 2008, journalist Julio César Largo has stood for the professionalism and quality of his news stories. His commitment to promote Colombian culture in the area led him to work as Director of the Radio Station “The Voice of Colombia” in New York for several years. In 2002 he joined Univisión 65 Philadelphia, becoming the official voice of the Station. In 2008 Julio César joined the Univisión 65 News Team as a reporter, quickly earning a place in the hearts of viewers in the city area. He has been awarded as one of the Most Influential Latinos in the Delaware Valley and also with the Best Colombian News Reader Prize, in New York.
Desde el lanzamiento de Noticias Univisión 65 en marzo de 2008, el periodista Julio César Largo se ha destacado por el profesionalismo y la calidad de sus reportajes. Su compromiso en promover la cultura colombiana en el área lo llevó a trabajar como Director de la Radio Estación “La Voz de Colombia” en Nueva York por varios años. En 2002 se unió a Univisión 65 Filadelfia y desde entonces se convirtió en la voz oficial de la estación. En 2008 Julio se integró al equipo de Noticias de Univisión 65 como reportero, ganándose muy pronto un espacio en el corazón de la audiencia local. Ha sido honrado como uno de los Latinos Más Influyentes del Valle Delaware y con el Premio al Mejor Lector de Noticias Colombiano en la ciudad de Nueva York.
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2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
President, Lima Consulting
Named one of the nation’s top Hispanic information technology executives by HITEC, Paul Lima has over twenty years of experience in the IT field. Until 2007, Paul served in the US Army Reserves, where he played a key role in defining the future of the Internet as part of the National Defense Strategy. In 2004 he founded the Lima Consulting Group. He currently serves as a Board Member with the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the West Point Society of Philadelphia and the Wharton Alumni Association Board of Directors. Paul holds a B.S. from the United States Military Academy, and a Masters Degree in the Management of Technology, awarded jointly by
the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School. Considerado uno de los más importantes ejecutivos en tecnología informática en la nación por la revista HITEC, Lima tiene más de 20 años de experiencia en el campo de IT. Hasta el 2007 sirvió en la Reserva del Ejército, donde jugó un rol clave en definir el futuro del Internet como parte de la Estrategia Nacional de Defensa. En 2004 fundó el Grupo Lima Consulting. Actualmente es Miembro de la Junta de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana del Gran Filadelfia; de la Sociedad West Point de Filadelfia, y de la Asociación de Exalumnos de Wharton. Obtuvo su licenciatura en la Academia Militar de los EEUU y un Masters en Gerencia y Manejo de Tecnología en un diploma conjunto de Wharton y la Universidad de Pensilvania.
Eddie Lopez Sr. President, SALEA
Born in New York, Lopez moved to Philadelphia and graduated from Olney High School. In 1990 he entered the Philadelphia Police Academy. He has been a Spanish American Law Enforcement Association -S.A.L.E.A. member for over 25 years and been on S.A.L.E.A.’s board for over 16 years, moving up the ranks from Sergeant of arms, Treasure, Vice President for 5 years until December 2013, when he became President of S.A.L.E.A. On 2014 he was part of a group of 11 boxers who went to Mayaguez Puerto Rico and won 7 out of 11 fights, bringing home the trophy. In 2014 he became Chairman of MIMIC (Man In Motion In The Community) and 2nd Vice President of the NCLO
(National Coalition Of Latino Officers). Nacido en Nueva York, Eddie López Sr. se graduó en la Secundaria Olney de Filadelfia. En 1990 entró a la Academia de Policía de Filadelfia. Ha sido miembro de SALEA (Asociación Hispano-Americana de Oficiales de la Ley) por 25 años y parte de la Junta Directiva por 15, escalando en varias responsabilidades hasta llegar a Vicepresidente por 5 años. En diciembre de 2013 se convirtió en su Presidente. En el de 2014 hizo parte de un grupo de 11 boxeadores que compitieron en Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, y ganaron 7 de once peleas conquistando el premio. En el 2014 se convirtió en Director de MIMIC, (Hombres en Movimiento en la Comunidad), y en Segundo Vicepresidente de la NCLO (la Coalición Nacional de Oficiales Latinos).
LATINO LEADERS 2014
Paul Lima
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2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
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LATINO LEADERS 2014
Cynthia Mota Councilwoman, Allentown, PA
Ricardo Morales Principal clarinet, The Philadelphia Orchestra
Ricardo Morales joined The Philadelphia Orchestra as principal clarinet in 2003 and prior to that was principal clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. His virtuosity and artistry as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician has been recognized in concert halls around the world. A native of Puerto Rico, Morales began his studies at the Escuela Libre de Musica and continued at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and Indiana University, where he received his Artist Diploma. He has been a featured soloist with many orchestras, including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, the Seoul Philharmonic, and the Flemish Radio Symphony. He also serves on the faculties of Temple University and the Curtis Institute of Music. He is a co-creator of MoBa, a top-of-the line clarinets and clarinet accessories. Ricardo Morales se unió a The Philadelphia Orchestra como Clarinete Principal en el 2003, proveniente de la Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Su virtuosismo y arte como solista y músico de cámara y orquestal ha sido reconocido en auditorios alrededor del mundo. Nativo de Puerto Rico, Morales empezó sus estudios en la Escuela Libre de Música y continuó en el Conservatorio de Música de Cincinnati, y en la Universidad de Indiana, donde recibió su Diploma de Artista. Ha sido solista en muchas orquestas, incluyendo la Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, la Sinfónica de Chicago, la Filarmónica de Seul, y la Flemish Radio Symphony. También enseña en la Universidad de Temple y el Curtis Institute. Es co-creador de MoBa, una línea de clarinetes y accesorios de alto nivel. 14
2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
Cynthia Mota was appointed to Allentown City Council in January of 2012, and brings a fresh, community service-based vision to her role as a Councilwoman. With Dominican roots, she earned a Degree in Sociology and Spanish from East Stroudsburg University and a Master in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, CA. She began her career in human services working as a mentor and a tutor while still a student, before working as a Peer and Youth Counselor in the Highline School District in Seattle. Afterwards she returned to the Lehigh Valley where she continued her work as a Family Counselor, Case Manager and Clinical Director for several area Community Service Organizations. Cynthia Mota fue nombrada Concejal de Allentown en enero de 2012, y trae una visión fresca basada en el servicio comunitario a su rol en el Concejo. Descendiente dominicana, Cynthia se graduó en Sociología y Español den la Universidad de East Stroudsburg y su MA en Desarrollo Humano del Pacific Oaks College de Pasadena, California. Cynthia empezó su carrera en servicios humanos trabajando como mentora siendo todavía estudiante, antes de irse como consejera estudiantil al Distrito Escolar de Highline en Seattle. Después regresó al Valle Lehigh, donde continuó su trabajo como Consejera de Familia, Administradora de Casos y Directora Clínica de varias Organizaciones de Servicio a la Comunidad.
Vivian Ortiz President, National Conference of Puerto Rican Women - NACOPRW Vivian Ortiz is a former National President of NACOPRW, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the participation of Puerto Rican and other Hispanic women in their social, economic and political life in the United States and Puerto Rico. Vivian Ortiz is a Chartered Financial Consultant with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC in Philadelphia. She is involved with a numerous community and civic organizations including: The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Pennsylvania Statewide Latino Coalition (PSLC), the Executive Women’s Golf Association, the Women’s Medical Fund (Board Member), American Cancer Society (Hispanic Advisory Committee member), Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Philadelphia Affiliate, American Cancer Society Latinas United for the Cure, and Philabundance, among others. Ortiz is a graduate of LaSalle University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and in English.
Vivian Ortiz fue presidente nacional de NACOPRW, una organización sin ánimo de lucro dedicada a promover la participación de Puertorriqueñas y otras mujeres hispanas en la vida social, económica y política en los Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico. Vivian es una Asesora Financiera con Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC en Filadelfia. Está envuelta en numerosas organizaciones cívicas y comunitarias, incluyendo: La Cámara de Comercio hispana del Área de Filadelfia, La Coalición Latina del Estado de Pensilvania (PSLC), La Asociación de Golf de Mujeres Ejecutivas, El fondo Médico de Mujeres (Miembro de la Mesa Directiva), La Sociedad Americana del Cáncer, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Latinas Unidas para la Cura, y Philabundance, entre otras. Tiene un grado en Inglés y Español de la Universidad de La Salle.
TEMPLE HEALTH is proud to support Impacto Latin Newspaper and congratulates our colleagues MARISOL TELLEZ-MERCHÁN, BDS, MPH, PHD Associate Professor, Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry
NORMA ALVAREZ, MD
Professor, Center for Bioethics, Urban Health, and Policy, Temple University School of Medicine
JOE GARCIA
Captain, Campus Safety, Temple University
for being honored as Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
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Margarita Queralt Mirkil
LATINO LEADERS 2014
Margarita Queralt Mirkil es Presidente y President, La Directora Comunidad Hispana Ejecutiva de La ComuniMargarita Queralt Mirkil is the dad Hispana (LCH). Fundada President and CEO of La Comunien 1973, y con 30 empleados dad Hispana en Kenneth Square, y $3.4 millones de presupuesPA. Founded in 1973, and with to, LCH impacta directamente a staff of 30 and a $3.4 million la vida de más de 5,000 budget LCH directly impacts the individuos al año. Desde la lives of more than 5,000 indillegada de Mirkil en el 2008, viduals a year. Since Ms. Mirkil’s LCH ha obtenido logros claves, arrival in 2008, LCH has reached como la construcción de una some key milestones including nueva sede, la designación the construction of a new facilfederal como un Centro de ity, designation as a Federally Salud Cualificado por la HRSA, Qualified Health Center from y el ascenso a Centro Médico HRSA and an upgrade to a Level Centrado en el Paciente de 2 Patient-Centered Medical Home nivel 2, por parte de la NCQA. from NCQA. Ms. Mirkil received Mirkil Recibió su pregrado de her BA from the University of Penn, y su MBA de la Escuela Pennsylvania and her MBA from de Negocios de Columbia. Columbia Business School. She Ella tiene más de 25 años de has over 25 years in marketing experiencia en marketing y and business development. desarrollo empresarial. Impacto Distinguished ad_2014-hal.ai 11/7/2014 3:19:52 PM
Carmen G. Rodriguez Camden County Freeholder
Born in Puerto Rico, Freeholder Carmen G. Rodriguez graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School with honors, and then earned a Bachelor in biological science from Rutgers University; a Master of Education in Teaching ESL, and a Master of Chemistry Education from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2013 she became Principal of Kingdom Charter School of Leadership in Gloucester. She was the first Hispanic member of the Camden County Board of Freeholders. The mother of 4, her concern, kindness and compassion has touched many lives throughout the county. She has been honored with the Good Neighbor Award by the Camden County Red Cross and the Legislator of the Year Award from
the National Association of Women Business Owners. Oriunda de Puerto Rico, la Comisionada Carmen G. Rodríguez se graduó con honores de la Secundaria Woodrow Wilson, obtuvo su Licenciatura en Biología de la Universidad de Rutgers, y grados de Maestría en Enseñanza del Inglés y otro en Educación en Química de la Universidad de Pensilvania. En el 2013 se convirtió en Directora de Kingdom Charter School of Leadership, en Gloucester. Fue la primera miembro hispana de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Camden. Madre de 4 hijos, su preocupación compromiso y compasión ha tocado la vida de muchas personas necesitadas en su comunidad. Ha recibido el Premio al Buen Vecino de la Cruz Roja de Camden y el Premio al Legislador del Año de la Asociación Nacional de Mujeres Empresarias.
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Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha congratulates the 2014 Delaware Valley Most Influential Latinos Award Recipients and thanks to Impacto Latin Newspaper for their efforts toward acknowledging the valuable contributions of Latinos throughout the Delaware Valley.
Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc. 1900 N. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 888-APM-5408 • www.apmphila.org 16
2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
Professor, Temple University
Dr. Marisol Tellez-Merchan, a native of Colombia, joined the faculty of Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry in 2010. Since then, she has accomplished an impressive career in public health, conducting research in patient dental anxiety, securing a $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. After her arrival, the Dental School of Temple and Colgate-Palmolive conducted systematic reviews on caries research. An oral epidemiologist, Dr. Tellez and her colleagues hosted a conference in 2012 to present their findings in cariology, bringing some of the most important experts from the nation and around the world to Philadelphia. More recently, Dr. Tellez has been looking to tie her research efforts into the North Philadelphia communities, in an effort to improve
early and permanent childhood access to dental care. La Doctora Marisol Téllez Merchán, oriunda de Colombia, se unió a la Escuela de Dentistería Kornberg, de la Universidad de Temple en el 2010. Desde entonces ha logrado una impresionante carrera en salud pública, conduciendo investigaciones sobre ansiedad dental en pacientes, obteniendo una beca de $250.000 del Departamento de Salud de Pensilvania. Después de su llegada, Temple y Colgate-Palmolive iniciaron una revisión sistemática sobre investigaciones de las caries. Epidemióloga Oral, Téllez y sus colegas organizaron una conferencia sobre cariología trayendo los mejores expertos del país y del mundo a Filadelfia. Actualmente la Dra. Téllez trabajar por unir los frutos de sus investigaciones con las necesidades de la comunidad, en un esfuerzo por mejorar el acceso temprano y permanente de los niños a la salud dental.
Rebecca Acosta
public service to the people of Reading. She is married to Reading Council President Francis G. Acosta, and has two children.
Oriunda de Yauco, Puerto Rico, Rebecca Acosta es una líder comunitaria reconocida y respetada Born in Yauco, Puerto Rico, en el área de Reading. Ha sido Rebecca Acosta is a recognized miembro de la Junta Escolar de and well-respected community Reading desde el 2011, y es la leader in the Reading area. She primera persona latina en presidir has been a Reading School Board el Distrito Escolar de Reading. Acmember since 2011, and she is tualmente trabaja como asistente the first Latina to preside over legislativa en la Cámara de Reprethe Reading School District. sentantes de Pensilvania. Antes Currently, Rebecca work as Legis- de ello trabajó en la Autoridad de lative Aide for the Pennsylvania Vivienda de Reading. Rebecca es House of Representative. Before, miembro de la junta del Reading she worked for the Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Housing Authority. Rebecca is Center, y vicepresidente de la a board member for the Reading Autoridad de Vivienda de Reading. Muhlenberg Career & TechnolTambién fue pastor en una iglesia ogy Center and vice-chair of local hasta que se retiró para the Reading Housing Authority. dedicarse al servicio público. Está Rebecca also served as a senior casada con el Presidente del Conpastor at a local church in Read- cejo de Reading, Francis Acosta, y ing until retiring to pursue her tienen dos hijos.
President, Reading School Board
2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
LATINO LEADERS 2014
Marisol TellezMerchan
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LATINO LEADERS 2014
Helen Ubiñas Columnist, Philadelphia Daily News
Michael Toledo Executive Director, Centro Hispano de Reading
Michael Toledo is the Executive Director of the Centro Hispano in Reading, PA. He is also The School Board Director in the Fleetwood School District, a Trustee at Reading Area Community College, and is a member of the Community Advisory Board for Alvernia University, Albright College, and Penn State Berks. Michael professional career includes sixteen years of banking experience in Greater Reading. He has a bachelor’s degree in BA from Shippensburg University. In 2011, he was invited by President Obama to participate in the first ever White House Hispanic Policy Conference. In 2013 and 2014, he served as the Pennsylvania State lead for the National Council of La Raza. Michael Toledo es Director Ejecutivo del Centro Hispano de Reading, PA. También es Director de la Junta Escolar del Distrito Escolar de Fleetwood; es Trustee del Reading Area Community College, y es miembro de la Junta Asesora de la Universidad Alvernia, Albright College y Penn State Berks. Su carrera profesional incluye dieciséis años de experiencia bancaria en Reading. Se graduó en Administración de Negocios de la Universidad de Shippensburg. En 2011 fue invitado por el Presidente Obama a participar en la Primera Conferencia de la Casa Blanca sobre Politicas para los Hispanos. En 2013 y 2014 sirvió como líder de Pensilvania al Concejo Nacional de la Raza.
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2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
Helen Ubiñas is an award-winning columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News. Prior to coming to Philadelphia, Ubiñas was a longtime reporter and columnist for the Hartford Courant, Connecticut’s longest continuously published newspaper, where she was awarded a number of honors, including a team Pulitzer Prize for breaking news in 1999. Ubiñas was born in New York. She received her bachelor’s degree from Boston University and her master’s degree from Trinity College. In 2000, she became the Courant’s first Latina columnist. In 2007, she was one of 12 US journalists awarded the prestigious John S. Knight journalism fellowship at Stanford University. In April, she won the top honor in column-writing at the 2014 Keystone Press Awards. Helen Ubiñas es una laureada columnista del Filadelfia Daily News. Antes de venir a Filadelfia, Ubiñas fue por largo tiempo reportera para el Hartford Courant, el periódico más antiguo de Connecticut; donde recibió varios premios, incluido un Premio Pulitzer en Equipo, por primicias informativas en 1999. Nacida en Nueva York, Ubiñas recibió su Licenciatura de la Universidad de Boston y su Masters en el Trinity College. En el 2000 se convirtió en la primera columnista latina del Courant. En 2007 fue una de los 12 periodistas en recibir el prestigioso fellowship John S. Knight, en la Universidad de Stanford, y en abril ganó el primer lugar como columnista en los Premios de Periodismo Keystone del 2014.
Alberto Vargas Principal, Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School
Alberto Vargas, a Dominican-American, was born in New York but raised in South Philadelphia. He attended Temple University where he earned a Bachelor degree in Business and a Master’s in Elementary Education. Alberto earned his principal certification at Gwynedd Mercy College. He has been involved in education since 1993, as an elementary teacher, Assistant Principal and currently the Principal at Aspira’s Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School. His leadership philosophy follows the quote: “Lead by example”, his former employees, as well as his current employees attest to that. Alberto’ s pride and joy are his kids Alberto and Carina. Alberto Vargas, un Dominicano-Americano, nació en New York, pero creció en el sur de Filadelfia. Asistió a Temple University, donde obtuvo un bachillerato en Negocios, y una Maestría en Educación Elemental. Su certificado de Principal lo obtuvo en Gwynedd Mercy College. Ha estado vinculado a la educación desde 1993, como profesor de escuela elemental, Principal Asistente, y actualmente como el Principal de Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School, la escuela de Aspira. Su filosofía del liderazgo se rige por la frase “Lidera con el ejemplo”, como lo atestiguan sus empleadores, anteriores y actuales. Su orgullo y alegría son sus niños, Alberto y Carina.
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Thomas A. Warnock Regional President, Hispanic National Bar Association
Thomas A. Warnock, Corporate Counsel with DuPont Legal, is an AV Preeminent rated bilingual attorney with experience in litigation and transactional matters and is proud of his Cuban and Venezuelan roots. He joined DuPont in 2006, and in 2012 he became a commercial lawyer providing business counsel to DuPont’s Crop Protection business. He is a former Chair of the DuPont Minority Counsel Network, former President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Penn-
sylvania and is currently a Regional President of the Hispanic National Bar Association. He received his bachelor degree from Florida State University and his J.D. degree from The Temple School of Law. He is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida and Delaware. Thomas A. Warnock, Consejero Legal Corporativo de DuPont, es un abogado bilingüe calificado AV Preeminente, con experiencia en asuntos de litigios corporativos; orgulloso de su herencia Cubana y Venezolana. Se unió a DuPont en 2006, y desde junio del 2012 proporciona consejería empresarial a la unidad de Protección de Cultivos de DuPont. Warnock es ex Presidente de la Red de Consejeros Minoritarios de DuPont, ex presidente de la Asociación de Abogados Hispanos de Pensilvania y actualmente es Presidente Regional de la Asociación Nacional de Abogados Hispanos. Recibió su pregrado de la Universidad Estatal de la Florida y su Juris Doctor en la Escuela de Leyes de Temple. Está licenciado por Pensilvania, Nueva Jersey, Florida y Delaware.
2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
Raymond A. Yabor President, Havana Holdings
Ray Yabor is the Founder of Havana Holdings, a Commercial Real Estate Investor, and has been President of 503 Corporation, a Philadelphia full service distributor of Commercial and Industrial Supplies & Equipment, the largest Certified Hispanic distributor in the Delaware Valley. During his outstanding carrier in business he has been CEO of corporations like PAT-RAM, Maxim Decorators Inc. and Thermo-Press Isolation. He obtained his GED from the Pennsylvania Board of Education and his Associate Degree from Villanova University. He was the Founder & Past President of LACEO -the Latin-American Cultural Exchange Organization-; dedicated to teaching English to the Latino inmates at the State Correctional Institute at Graterford, PA. He es a Board Member of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Ray Yabor es Fundador de Havana Holdings, una comercializadora de Bienes Inmobiliarios; y ha sido el presidente de 503 Corporation, el mayor distribuidor hispano de Equipos y Suministros Industriales en Filadelfia y el Valle Delaware. Durante su destacada carrera en el mundo de los negocios ha sido Director de varias corporaciones comerciales como PAT-RAM, Maxim Decorators Inc. y Aislamientos Thermo-Press. Obtuvo su Diploma GED de la Junta de Educación de Pensilvania y su Asociado en la Universidad de Villanova. Fue fundador y anterior presidente de LACEO, una organización dedicada a enseñar inglés a reclusos latinos del Correccional de Graterford, PA. Es miembro de la Junta de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana del Gran Filadelfia.
Gran Amigo of the Year award: PECO E
very year the Most Influential Latinos Foundation, Impacto and PHL Diversity give the Gran Amigo of the Year award to an organization doing outstanding work in promoting diversity and multiculturalism, while supporting the Latino community and culture. In 2014, this special recognition is being awarded to PECO, an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, for its unwavering commitment and advocacy for a diverse and empowered community. PECO invests in organizations that support education, the environment, arts and culture, and neighborhood development programs, which demonstrate a proven track record in addressing key community needs. • Energy for Education programs encourage students to stay in school and develop their full potential; promote math and science; improve workforce skills; and provide opportunities for limited income students through scholarships, mentoring and internships. • Energy for the Environment programs improve the quality of our environment, promote environmental education, conservation and preservation; develop cleaner sources of energy; and protect endangered species. • Energy for Arts & Culture programs make the arts more
Fine & Performing Arts
PECO supports programs that make the arts more accessible to a wider audience. We celebrate the fact that the arts play a major role in human development and have a substantial regional economic impact.
City & Culture
The PECO Crown Lights, a Philadelphia tradition, now feature two million new, energy-efficient LED bulbs.
In a city well known for its history and culture, we are an enthusiastic supporter of special events and activities that promote youth leadership, diversity, literacy, and other individual community development opportunities.
Museums & Zoos
With a dedication to institutions that add to the accessible to a cultural vitality of the Philawider audience and delphia area and emphasize showcase the wide educational outreach, we variety of performhave built strategic partnering and visual arts ships with the Philadelphia organizations in the Zoo, The Franklin Institute, Greater Philadelphia The African American Muregion. Romulo Diaz, Vice President and General Counsel at PECO seum and many other local • Energy for Neighmuseums. borhood Development programs that enrich community diverTechnology & Education sity; support economic development One of the ways PECO is helping prepare and promote and assist children and the workforce of tomorrow is through families in the communities we serve. its active support of STEM (Science, PECO is building partnerships with a Technology, Education, Math) initiavariety of educational, environmental, tives that prepare students to compete arts and culture and community develeffectively in a global economy. opment organizations. Through these partnerships, we seek to provide opportunities for employee and customer engagement and community impact. 2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
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MOVERS SHAKERS 2014
MOVERS & SHAKERS 2014
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Maria D. Cabrera Councilwoman, Wilmington, DE
Maria D. Cabrera was elected on 2012 to the Wilmington City Council and is the first Hispanic woman to serve on Council. She is an independent business woman, head of household, and mother of four. Councilwoman Cabrera formerly worked in the Wilmington Office of Cultural Affairs and was Director of Education and Community Relations for the Grand Opera House. Through her company, Los Angeles Agency, she managed a newspaper and performed community outreach for many organizations in Delaware. Councilwoman Cabrera has received many commendations, including a letter of appreciation from President Bill Clinton, Women of the Next Century from the YWCA, and recently she was recognized on MSNBC’s The Daily Run Down with Chuck Todd, Chief White House Correspondent, as a Rising Star in Politics in the State of DE. She was a founding member of the Hispanic Business Association of Delaware and served as its President. María D. Cabrera fue elegida en 2012 al Concejo Municipal de Wilmington y es la primera mujer hispana en llegar a ese Concejo. Es una empresaria independiente, jefe de familia y madre de cuatro niños. La Concejal Cabrera trabajó para la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales de Wilmington y fue la Directora de Educación y Relaciones Comunitarias de la Grand Opera House. A través de su compañía, Los Angeles Agency, Cabrera administra un periódico y cubre espacios comunitarios para muchas organizaciones en Delaware. La Concejal ha recibido muchas menciones y premios, entre ellos, una carta de reconocimiento del Presidente Bill Clinton; Mujer del Nuevo Siglo de la YWCA, y recientemente fue destacada en MSNBC’s The Daily Run Down con Chuck Todd, jefe de corresponsales para la Casa Blanca, como una Estrella Creciente en Política en Delaware. Fue miembro fundadora y presidente de la Asociación de Negocios Hispanos en Delaware.
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2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
Rev. Bonnie Camarda
Varsovia Fernandez
Board member, Philadelphia Housing Authority
President & CEO, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Reverend Camarda is a board member at the Philadelphia Housing Authority, Esperanza USA, the Philadelphia Leadership Foundation, and Hope for Philly, among others; and has been president of Philadelphia’s Hispanic Clergy. She has been a pioneer in many ways. Bonnie earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Wharton in 1973, at a time when few women were admitted to MBA programs. She also graduated from Luther Rice Seminary a conservative institution where women were a tiny minority of students. She is The Salvation Army’s current director of church partnerships, and Program Development specialist for the Greater Philadelphia area. Born in Havana, Cuba, she graduated from the University of Madrid, with a degree in Business Administration. Reverend Camarda has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for her work in the community. La Reverenda Bonnie Camarda es miembro de la Junta Directiva de la Autoridad de Vivienda de Filadelfia, Esperanza USA, la Philadelphia Leadership Foundation, y Hope for Philly, entre otras; y ha sido presidente del Clero Hispano de Filadelfia. Ha sido una pionera en muchas formas. Bonnie obtuvo una Maestría en Administración de Negocios de Wharton en 1973, en una época en que pocas mujeres eran admitidas a programas de MBA. También se graduó de Luther Rice Seminary, una institución conservadora, donde las mujeres eran una muy pequeña minoría. Actualmente es la Directora de Sociedades de la Iglesia y especialista en Desarrollo de Programas del Salvation Army para la región de Filadelfia. Nacida en La Habana, Cuba, se graduó de la Universidad de Madrid, con un título en Administración de Negocios. La Reverenda Camarda ha recibido numerosos premios y reconocimientos por su trabajo con la comunidad.
During her tenure Varsovia has helped GPHCC achieve record levels of membership, revenues and member-driven activities through the implementation of new strategies and programs. She launched the GPHCC’s Professional Mentoring Network, a workforce development initiative to help Hispanic professionals connect with executives and with Hispanic youth. Varsovia has co-hosted three trade missions to Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Panama and Peru, in partnership with the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia. New programas like the Latina Leadership Network, and the “10,000 Small Businesses” initiative with Goldman Sachs, have started under her leadership in the GPHCC. Fernandez serves on various boards, including the Philadelphia Zoning Code Commission, Community College of Philadelphia Board of Trustees, the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation, Philadelphia Youth Network Council for College and Career Success, and PHL Diversity, among others. Durante su administración, Varsovia ha implementado nuevas estrategias y programas; ha impulsado a la Cámara a alcanzar niveles record de membresía, ingresos y actividades dirigidas a los miembros. Varsovia creó la Red de Mentores Profesionales de la Cámara, una iniciativa para desarrollo de trabajo que ayuda a profesionales hispanos a conectarse con ejecutivos y jóvenes hispanos. En coordinación con el World Trade Center de Filadelfia Varsovia ha organizado tres misiones de negocios a Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Republica Dominicana, y Perú. Nuevos programas como la Red de Liderazgo de Mujeres Latinas, y la iniciativa “10,000 Pequeños Negocios”, con Goldman Sachs, han empezado en la GPHCC bajo su liderazgo. Ella es miembro de varias juntas de directores, incluidas la Comisión de Código de Zonificación de Filadelfia, el Community College of Philadelphia Board of Trustees, la Fundación del Community College de Filadelfia, el Philadelphia Youth Network Council for College and Career Success, y PHL Diversity, entre otros.
New Jersey Assemblyman
Angel Fuentes was raised in Camden, NJ, where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He then attended St. John Vianney College and Seminary in Miami, Florida, earning a B.A. degree in Philosophy. Fuentes was elected to City Council in November of 1993. He served as President of Camden City Council from 2000 to 2010. In November 2009, he was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly, where he represents the 5th Legislative District. He is a member of the National Hispanic Legislative Caucus. Fuentes is the force behind the Annual Hispanic Leadership
Summit of New Jersey, that every year gathers the most representative of the Latino leadership in his state. He has served on the boards of directors for the Camden County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Greater Camden Partnership, Center for Family Counseling Services of Southern NJ, Municipal Economic and Recovery Board, Cramer Hill Lions Club, and the Cooper’s Ferry Development Association Board, among others. Angel Fuentes creció en Camden, NJ; se graduó de la Escuela secundaria Woodrow Wilson, y obtuvo su diploma en Filosofía
en St. John Vianney College and Seminary en Miami, Florida. Fuentes fue elegido al Concejo de la Ciudad de Camden en noviembre de 1993, siendo su presidente entre el 2000 y el
MOVERS & SHAKERS 2014
Angel Fuentes
2010. En noviembre del 2009 fue elegido a la Asamblea General de New Jersey, donde representa el 5th Distrito Legislativo. Fuentes es miembro del Caucus Nacional legislativo Hispano. Fuentes es la fuerza detrás del Encuentro de Liderazgo Hispano de New Jersey, que anualmente reúne a lo más representativo del liderazgo latino del estado. Ha servido en la Junta de Directores de la Cruz Roja Americana, Capitulo del Condado de Camden; en el Centro para Servicios de Consejería Familiar del Sur de NJ; en la Junta Municipal de Recuperación Económica; en el Club de Leones Cramer Hill y en la Asociación de Desarrollo Cooper’s Ferry, entre otras.
Congratulations to the
2014 Honorees of Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos Thank you for your service and your commitment to the growth of the Latino community in the Delaware Valley.
A message from Philadelhia’s 7th District Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez 2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
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MOVERS & SHAKERS 2014
Richard Negrin, Esq. Deputy Mayor for Administration and Coordination and Managing Director, City of Philadelphia.
Farah Jimenez Member, School Reform Commission
The child of immigrant parents, Farah Jimenez was raised to both believe in the promise of the American Dream and to recognize its promise might at times be out of reach to the most vulnerable of its citizens. She worked with the homeless as the former President of the People’s Emergency Center –a comprehensive social services agency that serves vulnerable and homeless families throughout West Philadelphia; and served lowincome residents of Northwest Philadelphia while at the helm of Mt. Airy USA. In early 2014, Governor Tom Corbett nominated Farah to be a member of Philadelphia’s School Reform Commission. In this volunteer role, she seeks to improve educational outcomes for the more than 200,000 children being educated through Philadelphia’s system of public and charter schools. Herself a public school graduate, Farah earned both her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990 and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1996. Hija de padres inmigrantes, Farah Jiménez creció creyendo en la promesa del Sueño Americano, y reconociendo que dicho Sueño puede estar a veces fuera del alcance de los ciudadanos más vulnerables. Ha trabajado con los sin techo cuando era presidente del People’s Emergency Center –una agencia de servicios sociales que ayuda a familias vulnerables y sin hogar en West Filadelfia; y ayudado a residentes de bajos ingresos del Noroeste de Filadelfia, siendo la directora de Mt. Airy USA. A principios del 2014 el Gobernador de Pensilvania Tom Corbett la nominó para ser miembro de la Comisión de Reforma Escolar. En este rol voluntario ella busca mejorar los resultados educativos para los más de 200.000 niños que están recibiendo educación en el sistema de escuelas públicas y charter de Filadelfia. Un producto de las escuelas públicas, Farah obtuvo su bachillerato en 1990 en la Universidad de Pensilvania, y su Doctorado en Leyes de la Escuela de Leyes de la misma universidad en 1996.
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2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
As Managing Director, Negrin oversees several high-profile, cross-departmental initiatives and supervises the City’s key infrastructure departments, including the Office of Human Resources, the Office of Information Technology, and the Procurement Department. In 2009, Richard was appointed by Mayor Michael Nutter to serve as Executive Director of the Board of Revision of Taxes. From 2006 to 2009, Richard served as Vice-Chair of the independent Philadelphia Board of Ethics. Prior to joining the City of Philadelphia, he was Vice President, Associate General Counsel of ARAMARK Corporation. Before that, he was with the law firm of Morgan Lewis, and was a prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Richard is a graduate of Rutgers University School of Law. He received his Bachelor’s degree in political science from Wagner College. Richard played briefly in the National Football League, with the Cleveland Browns in 1988, and the New York Jets in 1989. Como Director Administrativo, Negrin supervisa varias iniciativas de alto perfil entre varios departamentos de la ciudad, y coordina varios departamentos de infraestructura claves, incluyendo la Oficina de Recursos Humanos, la Oficina de IT, y el Departamento de Adquisiciones. En el 2009, Richard fue nombrado por el Alcalde Michael Nutter como Director Ejecutivo de la Junta de Revisión de Impuestos. Del 2006 al 2009 Richard sirvió como Co-Director de la Junta Independiente de Ética de Filadelfia. Con anterioridad a su posición en la Ciudad de Filadelfia, fue Vicepresidente, Consejero General Asociado de la Corporación ARAMARK. Antes de esto, Richard trabajó para la firma de abogados Morgan Lewis y fue fiscal en la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito. Richard es graduado en ciencias políticas de Wagner College y graduado de la Escuela de Leyes de Rutgers University. El jugó en la Liga Nacional de Futbol, con los Cleveland Browns en 1988 y los New York Jets en 1989.
Regional Administrator, SBA, Mid-Atlantic
Natalia Olson-Urtecho is the Regional Administrator for the United States Small Business Administration. As Administrator for Region III, OlsonUrtecho is responsible for the delivery and management of SBA’s small business programs, financial assistance, and business development program initiatives throughout the MidAtlantic region. Olson-Urtecho has more than 15 years of experience working with international, regional and local entities in the Philadelphia region and abroad in Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia.
Olson-Urtecho received the Business Journal 2010 Minority Business Leader Award and in 2009 received the Women of Distinction Award for her work toward building a green economy. She has lived in seven countries and speaks Spanish, French and Portuguese. She holds a Master’s degree in city and regional planning from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Design and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Northeastern University, and has been a guest lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. Natalia Olson-Urtecho es la administradora regional para la Administración de Pequeños
Negocios. Como Administradora de la Region III, Olson-Urtecho es responsable de programas de pequeños negocios del SBA, asistencia financiera y las iniciativas de programa de desarrollo de negocios en toda la región del Medio Atlántico. Olson-Urtecho tiene más de 15 años de experiencia trabajando con entidades internacionales, regionales y locales en la región de Filadelfia y en el extranjero
en América Latina, Europa oriental y Asia. Olson-Urtecho recibió el premio de el Business Journal 2010 Minority Business Leader y en 2009 recibió el premio de Mujeres de Distinción por su jo hacia el desarrollo trabade una ‘economía verde’. Ella ha vivido en siete países y habla español, francés y portugués. Tiene una Maestría en Planificación Urbana y Regional de la Escuela de Diseño de la Universidad de Pensilvania, y una Licenciatura en Ciencias Políticas de la Universidad de Northeastern; y ha sido conferencista invitada en la Universidad de Pensilvania y la Universidad de Temple.
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL LATINOS 2014
Natalia OlsonUrtecho
DATIL INSURANCE AGENCY Usted está en buenas manos
Gracias a Allstate y sus nuevo beneficios, aunque tuve la culpa en el accidente, me perdonaron y no me subieron el seguro! ¡Felicitaciones a todos los Latinos Más Influyentes del Valle Delaware en el 2014!
Agencia Bruce Datil
4201 ‘I’ Street, Philadelphia, PA
215 288 7992
Los servicios son opcionales y están sujetos a los términos, condiciones y disponibilidad. Las pólizas de Allstate están disponibles solo en inglés. Allstate FIRE and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL © 2006 Allstate Insurance Company.
2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
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MOVERS & SHAKERS 2014
Nilda Iris Ruiz President, CEO, Asociación de Puertorriqueños en Marcha
Walter Perez Reporter, WPVI-TV 6ABC.
Walter Perez is a reporter for Channel 6 Action News in Philadelphia where he co-anchors the top-rated weekend morning programs. Walter came to Action News more than ten years ago from WNBC-TV in New York. There he anchored the #1 rated Weekend Today in New York. Before his TV career, Walter was the color commentator for the Princeton Football Radio Network. He has received several prestigious awards over the years including a New York Press Club Award and an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of the World Trade Center disaster. In recent years he has become the face of many Latino events trough the Philadelphia region, where he is a preferred Master of Ceremonies for many galas and celebrations. Walter’s parents came to the US from Argentina back in 1964. He is a graduate of Duke University and lives with his wife and three children in the Philadelphia Suburbs. Walter Pérez es reportero para el Canal 6 Action News en Filadelfia, donde es co-presentador del programa de noticias de más alto rating, en la mañana los fines de semana. Walter llegó a Action News hace unos diez años, proveniene de WNBC-TV en New York. Allí, era el presentador del programa con el rating numero 1, Weekend Today in New York. Antes de su carrera en televisión fue comentarista para la Cadena de Radio de Football de Princeton. Walter ha recibido numerosos reconocimientos prestigiosos, incluyendo el Premio del Club de Prensa de New York; y el Premio Edward R. Murrow por su cubrimiento del desastre del World Trade Center. En años recientes, Walter se ha convertido en la cara visible de muchos eventos latinos en la región de Filadelfia, donde es un maestro de ceremonias preferido para muchas Galas y celebraciones. Los padres de Walter vinieron de Argentina a Estados Unidos en 1964; él es graduado de la Universidad de Duke y vive con su esposa y 3 hijos en los suburbios de Filadelfia.
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Nilda Iris Ruiz is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Asociación de Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc. (APM) since 2005. With a staff of 115 employees, a $60 million combined budget, and $100 million leveraged in real estate development projects, APM provides direct services to 40,000 individuals per year. In 2011, APM completed Sheridan Homes, an award-winning ‘green’ affordable housing project. In 2013, APM inaugurated Paseo Verde, a $48 million dollar Transit Oriented Development in Eastern North Philadelphia, where they have their new headquarters. Nilda Ruiz is known for her progressive stands on neighborhood revitalization, leadership development, self-empowerment, passion for children, protective services and her embrace of ‘green’ projects. Ruiz and APM were featured in a front page cover story in the Philadelphia Daily News, an 8-part series by PlanPhilly.com and numerous KYW News Radio and television appearances. Nilda has an undergraduate degree from Temple University and a Masters in Business Administration from Eastern College. Nilda Iris Ruiz es Presidente y Directora Ejecutiva de la Asociación de Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc. (APM) desde 2005. Con un equipo de 115 empleados, presupuesto combinado de $60, y $100 millones invertidos en proyectos de desarrollo comunitario, APM ofrece servicios directos a 40.000 personas por año. En 2011, APM completó el proyecto Sheridan Homes - proyecto de vivienda asequible. En 2013, APM inauguró Paseo Verde – un proyecto de desarrollo urbano de $48 millones en el norte de Filadelfia, orientado al transporte público y, donde tienen sus nuevas oficinas. Nilda Ruiz es conocida por sus ideas progresistas en cuanto a revitalización de vecindarios, desarrollo de liderazgo, empoderamiento, pasión por los niños, servicios de protección domestica y desarrollo de proyectos ‘verdes’. Ruiz y APM han aparecido en la portada del Philadelphia Daily News, una serie de 8 artículos en PlanPhilly.com y en numerosas entrevistas radiales y de televisión. Ella tiene una licenciatura de Temple University y una Maestría en Administración de Empresas de Eastern College.
The 2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos edition
David Suro Piñera Restaurateur, Tequila producer
Born in Guadalajara, David Suro Piñera migrated to Philadelphia in 1985 and opened the city’s first upscale Mexican eatery, Tequilas Restaurant, the following year. Suro Piñera launched the tequila brand, Siembra Azul, in 2005 to rave reviews. In 2010, Suro Piñera helped found the Tequila Interchange Project, a nonprofit organization that advocates for sustainable, traditional and quality practices in the tequila industry. He also founded the Siembra Azul Foundation, a nonprofit that empowers Mexican migrant workers and Hispanics in the U.S. to achieve their goals. The foundation also helped to build an education, health, and arts program in San Mateo Ozolco, Puebla. Suro Piñera is currently on boards for Puentes De Salud, Advisors for Drexel University’s culinary school, Philadelphia Academies Inc. and Friends of Farmworkers. He has expanded in the agave distilled spirits industry by creating Siembra Spirits and is preparing to release a line of new agave distillates. Nacido en Guadalajara, David Suro Piñera emigró a Filadelfia en 1985, y abrió el primer restaurante mexicano de alto nivel, Tequilas, al año siguiente. Suro Piñera lanzó su marca de tequila Siembra Azul en el 2005 y recibió excelente crítica. En el 2010 ayudó a fundar el Tequila Interchange Project, una organización sin ánimo de lucro que aboga por prácticas sostenibles, tradicionales y de calidad en la industria del tequila. También creó la Fundación Siembra Azul, que ayuda a los trabajadores mexicanos e hispanos migrantes en EEUU a alcanzar sus metas. La Fundación ayudó a crear un programa de educación, salud y artes en San Mateo Ozolco, Puebla. Suro Piñera participa en las juntas de Puentes de Salud, de Asesores en la escuela de culinaria de Drexel University, en Philadelphia Academies, y Friends of Farmworkers. Se ha expandido en la industria de destilados de agave con la creación de Siembra Spirits, y prepara el lanzamiento de una nueva línea de destilados de agave.
THE
MOST
INFLUENTIAL LATINOS2014
Rev. Luis Cortés Jr. President, CEO, Esperanza
The Reverend Luis Cortés Jr. is one of Philadelphia’s most influential advocates, working on behalf of the Hispanic community for over three decades at local, state, and national levels. He founded Esperanza in North Philadelphia, an organization that currently has over 300 employees and that sold a $32 million bond to investors on Wall Street last year to finance expansion. His staff runs one of the highest-performing charter high schools in the nation, and the best workforce training center in the city. At a national level, Esperanza maintains a network of thousands of Hispanic faith and nonprofit leaders. Reverend Cortés counts among his friends Presidents and
Prime Ministers, Secretaries of State, Nobel Prize and Grammy award winners, among other renowned figures. He has served on advisory councils to Presidents Bush and Obama, and has hosted both Presidents multiple times as speakers at Esperanza’s biennial conference. In recent years he attended a White House state dinner with the President of South Korea, and led an invocation prayer at Obama’s inauguration in 2013. Internationally, he has been hosted by Prime Ministers Sharon and Netanyahu in Israel, Prince Charles in England (at the Prince’s private residence), President Calderon of Mexico, and the President and First Lady of Panama. He has three honorary doctorate degrees, and serves on the boards of a bank and a hospital.
El Reverendo Luis Cortés Jr. es uno de los voceros más influyentes de Filadelfia, y ha trabajado en defensa de la comunidad Hispana por más de 3 décadas a nivel local, estatal y nacional. Fundó Esperanza en el Norte de Filadelfia, una organización actualmente con más de 300 empleados, que el año pasado colocó un bono de $32 millones en Wall Street para financiar su expansión. Su equipo dirige una de las Escuelas Charter con más alto rendimiento en la nación, y el mejor centro de entrenamiento laboral de la ciudad. Esperanza mantiene una red de miles de líderes religiosos y de organizaciones Non-profit a nivel nacional. El Reverendo Cortés cuenta entre sus amigos a Presidentes, Primeros Ministros, Secretarios de Estado, y ganadores de Pre-
mios Nobel y Premios Grammy, entre otras personalidades. Ha sido parte de Consejos Asesores de los Presidentes Bush y Obama, y ha tenido a ambos varias veces como oradores en la Conferencia Bienal de Esperanza. En años recientes participó en la Cena de Estado de la Casa Blanca al Presidente de Korea, y dirigió la oración durante la Posesión del Presidente Obama en 2013. Internacionalmente, ha sido huésped de los Primeros Ministros Sharon y Netanyahu en Israel, el Príncipe Carlos de Inglaterra (en su residencia privada); del Presidente Calderón, de México, y del Presidente y Primera Dama de Panamá. Ha recibido tres doctorados honoris-causa y es parte de las Juntas Directivas de un Banco y un hospital local.
ALTO MERIDIANO MASONIC CLUB congratulates the recipients of the
2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
Alto Meridiano Masonic Club, was created in January 2013 by a group of Bilingual (Spanish/English) freemasons working towards the establishment of the first Spanish language masonic lodge in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Esperanza • Fe • Caridad
For more information: Tel: 610-255-0134 AltoMeridiano@gmail.com Alto Meridiano Lodge (closed group) . @AltoMeridiano . 2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
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THE MOST INFLUENTIAL LATINOS 2014 28
Jose Garces Iron Chef America, President Garces Trading Company
Nelson A. Diaz El Honorable Nelson Diaz concen-
Lawyer, Civic Leader. Partner, tra su práctica legal en el área de Dilworth Paxson LLP litigios, resolución de disputas, The Honorable Nelson Diaz concentrates his practice in the areas of litigation, dispute resolution, public housing issues and government relations. He has represented public entities, corporations, hospitals, banks, and nonprofit organizations in both state and federal Courts. Nelson served as a judge for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 1981 through 1993. He was the youngest judge elected to the Court and the first Latino judge in Pennsylvania history. In addition to his legal practice, Nelson served as the City Solicitor of Philadelphia and was appointed by President Clinton to be the general counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he focused on reforming public and mixed-use housing programs. Judge Diaz is a member of several Boards of Directors, including those of PECO, Exelon corporation, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, among others and is a Temple University Trustee. He is a former Board member of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and PHL Diversity. Nelson also served as a White House Fellow as special assistant to Vice President Walter Mondale. He earned a Law Degree from Temple University.
problemas de vivienda pública, y relaciones gubernamentales. Ha representado a entidades públicas, empresas, hospitales, bancos y organizaciones sin fines de lucro, tanto en tribunales estatales como federales. Nelson fue juez de la Corte de Casos Comunes de Filadelfia desde 1981 hasta 1993. Fue el juez más joven elegido a la corte de primera instancia y el primer juez latino en la historia de Pensilvania. Además de su práctica legal, Nelson se desempeñó como Procurador de la Ciudad de Filadelfia, fue nombrado General Counsel del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de EE.UU. por el presidente Clinton, donde se enfocó en la reforma de programas de vivienda pública y de uso mixto. El Juez Diaz es miembro de la junta de directores de diversas organizaciones, incluyendo a PECO, Exelon Corporation, y el Museo de Arte de Filadelfia, entre otras, y es un Trustee de la Universidad de Temple. Ha sido miembro de la Junta de la Autoridad de Vivienda de Filadelfia, y PHL Diversity, entre otros. Nelson también fue un “White House Fellow” como asistente especial del Vicepresidente Walter Mondale. El obtuvo un grado de Leyes de la Universidad de Temple.
2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
Since opening his first restaurant, Amada, in 2005, Chef Jose Garces has emerged as one of the nation’s most gifted chefs. Today he is the owner and operator of more than a dozen restaurants across the country; authored two cookbooks; won the James Beard Foundation’s prestigious “Best Chef Mid-Atlantic” award 2009; and won Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef, making him one of only a few chefs in the country to hold the title of Iron Chef America. His Philadelphia ventures are each counted among the city’s best: Amada; Tinto; Distrito; Village Whiskey; Garces Trading Company; JG Domestic; Distrito Taco Truck, Rosa Blanca, Volvér, and Garces Catering, a full-service event planning division that designs and executes gatherings ranging from casual business luncheons to formal black-tie weddings. In addition, Chef Garces creates menus for all special events and concessions for the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music and Merriam Theater. Garces Group operates restaurants in Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; Scottsdale, AZ; Palm Springs, CA; Washington, D.C.; and Moorestown, NJ. In addition, Chef Garces is the owner of 40-acre Luna Farm in Bucks County, PA, where he and his team grow produce used throughout his East Coast restaurants.
In 2010, Garces won Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef, and now appears regularly on Iron Chef America. Garces was raised in Chicago, born to Ecuadorian parents. Desde la apertura de su primer restaurante, Amada, en el 2005, el Chef José Garcés ha surgido como uno de los más celebrados chefs de la nación. Actualmente es dueño y operador de más de una docena de restaurantes alrededor del país; ha publicado dos libros de cocina; ganó el prestigioso premio de la Fundación James Beard “El Mejor Chef del Medio-Atlantico” en el 2009, y en el 2010 ganó el Next Iron Chef de la cadena de televisión Food Network, convirtiéndose en uno de los poquísimos chef en el país que han ganado el título de Iron Chef of América.. Sus restaurantes en Filadelfia se cuentan cada uno entre los mejores de la ciudad: Amada; Tinto; Distrito; Village Whiskey; Garces Trading Company; JG Domestic; Distrito Taco Truck, Rosa Blanca, Volver, y Garces Catering, a división organizadora de eventos que diseña y realiza reuniones de todo tipo, desde almuerzos de negocios hasta bodas de gala. Adicionalmente, Garces crea menús para todos los eventos especiales y las concesiones para el Kimmel Center, la Academia de Música y el Merriam Theater. Garces Group opera restaurantes en Filadelfia, PA; Chicago, IL; Scottsdale, AZ; Palm Springs, CA; Washington, D.C.; y Moorestown, NJ. Adicionalmente, Garces es dueño de la Granja Luna, de 40 acres en el Condado Bucks, PA, donde con su equipo produce vegetales frescos que utiliza en sus restaurantes de la costa del Este. Jose es hijo de padres ecuatorianos y creció en Chicago; y ahora aparece regularmente en el programa Iron Chef America.
Councilwoman Philadelphia City Council District 7.
Maria is the first Latino elected to a district City Council seat and the first Latina to serve on the Philadelphia City Council. She have sponsored business tax reform legislation to make Philadelphia manufacturing industry competitive again; helped to create of a Land Bank in Philadelphia to deal with the problem of property blight. In City Council, Councilwoman Sanchez serves as Chair of the Committee of Licenses and Inspections, Vice Chair of the Streets and Services, Public Health and Human services Committees.
She is a veteran activist with over 25 years of public and volunteer service, who advocates for economic development, women’s and workers’ rights, family wages, voter registration, and health care availability, among others. Maria is a founding member of the Pennsylvania Statewide Latino Coalition. From June 1996 to June 2000 she served as the Executive Director of ASPIRA of Pennsylvania. She was also for several years Director of PRFAA in Pennsylvania, the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration office. Maria is a graduate of Philadel-
The Latino Partnership
phia public schools and completed the Masters in Human Services program at Lincoln University in 1992. She is married to Tomas Sanchez and they have two sons, Edgar and Tomasito. María es la primera Latina concejal por un distrito, y la primera concejal Latina de Filadelfia. María ha patrocinado una reforma de los impuestos a los negocios para hacer la industria manufacturera competitiva nuevamente. Impulsó la creación de un Banco de Tierras en Filadelfia, para buscar resolver el problema de las propiedades abandonadas en la ciudad. En el Concejo ella es la Presidenta del Comité de Inspecciones y Licencias, y vicepresidenta de los Comités de Servicios y Calles, Salud Pública,
y Servicios Humanos. Ella es una veterana activista con más de 254 años de servicio público, que lucha por los derechos de las mujeres, los trabajadores, mejores salarios, incremento en el registro de votantes, disponibilidad de seguro de salud para todos, y desarrollo económico, entre otros. Maria es miembro fundadora de la Coalición Latina del Estado de Pensilvania; de junio de 1996 a junio del 2000 fue Directora Ejecutiva de ASPIRA de Pensilvania. Después fue directora en Pensilvania de PRFAA, la Oficina de Asuntos Federales de Puerto Rico. María estudió en las escuelas públicas en Filadelfia, y recibió su Maestría en Servicios Humanos de la Universidad Lincoln en 1992. Esta casada con Tomas Sánchez y tienen dos hijos, Edgar y Tomasito.
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL LATINOS 2014
María D. QuiñonesSánchez
Congratulates all of the
2014 Delaware Valley’s
Most Influential Latinos
EN LA UNIÓN Está LA fUErzA To join the Latino Partnership call 215-685-5460 2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
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THE MOST INFLUENTIAL LATINOS 2014
Kenneth I. Trujillo Lawyer, Businessman, Candidate
Ken has served as the City Solicitor of Philadelphia, as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and as a Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. In November 2008, Trujillo was appointed to President-Elect Barack Obama’s Presidential Transition Team. Trujillo is a former Chair of the Board of Directors of Congreso de Latinos Unidos, and former Chair of the Board of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Health Partners, serves on the Boards of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and the National Council of La Raza. He has been a Commissioner of the Delaware River Port Authority. Trujillo is now involved in the Media and Communications industry, with the creation of a Spanish-language Radio Station in Philadelphia, El Zol 1340 AM, and the opening of a local station of Azteca TV. He launched Miphilly. com, a website for the latest information in Spanish about the Latino community in the Delaware Valley. He is a partner at, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, the same firm where Trujillo started his legal career, when he agraduated from Law School at the University of Pennsylvania. He was recently launched a bid for a mayoral race in Philadelphia, aiming to be the candidate for the Democratic Party.
miembro de la Junta de Control de Juegos de Azar en Pensilvania, entre el 2009 y 2012. En noviembre del 2008 Trujillo fue nombrado como parte del equipo de transición del Presidente electo Barack Obama. Trujillo ha sido Presidente de la Junta de Directores del Congreso de Latinos Unidos y de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Filadelfia; Vice-presidente de la Junta de Health Partners; y miembro de la Junta de Directores del Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts y del Concejo Nacional de la Raza. Trujillo fue Comisionado de la Autoridad Portuaria del Rio Delaware. Trujillo es parte ahora de la industria de los medios de comunicación. En el 212 lanzó la estación de radio en español, El Zol 1340 AM, abrió una estación local de Azteka TV, y lanzó Miphilly.com, un portal web para las últimas noticias en español de interés para la comunidad latina del Valle Delaware. Es socio de la firma de abogados Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, la misma firma donde Trujillo comenzó su carrera legal cuando se graduó de la Escuela de Leyes de la Universidad de Pensilvania. Recientemente ha incursionado en la política, lanzándose como candidato para la alcaldía de Filadelfia, donde busca ser elegido por el Partido Demócrata.
Ken ha servido como Procurador de la Ciudad de Filadelfia, como Asistente del Fiscal Federal de Distrito, y como
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2014 Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos
Cid Wilson President, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility’s
Cid Wilson was named the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility’s (HACR) President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2014, bringing in his more than 20 years of corporate finance and Wall Street equity research experience. Working with a talented staff and Hispanic organizations, Wilson directs programs and initiatives aimed at encouraging Fortune 500 companies to include Hispanics in the areas of Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance. Wilson has been featured and quoted in numerous publications and by news media, including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Times, and Bloomberg TV and in February 2004, he was featured on the cover of Black Enterprise Magazine. In September 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Wilson to the Latino Study Commission that proposed construction of a new Smithsonian Museum, the National Museum of the American Latino, on the National Mall in Washington. A proud Dominican American, with Bergen County, NJ roots, Wilson graduated in Economics from The Ohio State University. His interest in serving the community has been exemplified through board membership with leading minority advocacy groups, including LatinoJustice PRLDEF, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and Dominicans on Wall Street. He is the former national president of the Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR), and a Gold Life Member of the NAACP.
Cid Wilson fue nombrado Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de la Asociación Hispana de Responsabilidad Corporativa (HACR) en Julio de 2014, trayéndo sus más de 20 años de experiencia en finanzas corporativas y experticia en mercados bursátiles. Trabajando con un equipo talentoso y organizaciones hispanas, Wilson dirige programas e iniciativas orientadas a estimular a compañías Fortune-500 a incluir a los hispanos en áreas como empleo, contratos, filantropía y gobierno. Wilson ha sido reseñado en numerosas publicaciones, incluidos el Wall Street Journal, USA Today, el New York Times y Bloombert TV. En febrero de 2004 fue portada en la revista Black Enterprise. En Setiembre de 2009 el Presidente Barack Obama lo nominó a la Comisión Latina para estudiar la propuesta de construcción de un nuevo Museo Smithsoniano, el Museo de la Herencia Hispana en el Mall de Washington. Orgulloso de su raíz dominicana y radicado en Bergen County, N.J., Wilson se graduó en Economía en la Universidad de Ohio. Su interés en servir a la comunidad se ha evidenciado en su membresía en las Juntas Directivas de distintos grupos de defensa de los latinos, incluidos el Latino Justice PRLDEF; el Concejo Nacional de La Raza (NCLR) y Dominicanos en Wall Street. También fue presidente de la Mesa de Trabajo Dominico-Americana (DANR) y es Miembro Gold Life de la NAACP.
We put our energy into the power of diversity. PECO is pleased to sponsor the 2014 Most Influential Latinos Event and honor Latino leadership in government, education, business and the community. But our support doesn’t stop there. At PECO, we are deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, both in our workplace and the community. It’s just another way we celebrate the power of diversity all year round.
© PECO Energy Company, 2014
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