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expert marketer, Maldonado is a frequent speaker at the city’s higher learning institutions.
GERSON BORRERO
Political Commentator NY1
74 RUBÉN DÍAZ SR.
New York City Council Member New York City Council Member Rubén Díaz Sr. has been labeled as an outspoken homophobe and a relic of a bygone era. He is also considered formidable, and the Bronx politician was not underestimated during his ultimately unsuccessful run for the Democratic nomination in the 15th Congressional District primary, as he exploited his popularity in the South Bronx while fending off attacks from progressive candidates.
75 JUAN MANUEL BENÍTEZ Journalist NY1/ NY1 Notic ias
Whether chronicling the fallout of Puerto Rico’s corrupt government or highlighting policy proposals that could impact New York City’s Spanish-speaking community, Juan Manuel Benítez reports with the reliability and trust needed in a time when journalists’ credibility is
78 JENNY RIVERA
Juan Manuel Benítez brings his bilingual skills to NY1.
consistently under scrutiny. Benítez brings his bilingual skills to both departments on NY1 and its sister station, NY1 Noticias, where he anchors “Pura Política.” Benítez has been with the station since 2003.
76 NICK LUGO & CINDY ESTRADA
President and CEO; Executive Director New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerc e As president and CEO of the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which promotes the economic growth and vitality of the city’s Hispanic businesses, Nick Lugo has been a pioneer for Hispanic businesses across the city, including
Associate Judge State Cou rt of Appeals
the expansion of the 116th Street Festival into the largest Hispanic food festival in the world. Cindy Estrada, an entrepreneur in her own right, has driven the chamber’s growth since its 2006 launch.
77 LOUIS MALDONADO
Board Chair National Pu erto Ric an Day Parade The head of the largest parade honoring Boricua pride and accomplishments has been balancing the spirited culture with Puerto Rico’s recovery from back-to-back disasters over the years. For Maldonado, setting a theme for a cultural staple in New York City could carry throughout the next 12 months for Puerto Ricans. An
Crespo’s retirement left a leadership vac u u m, bu t this won’t be the last we hear of him.
Associate Judge Jenny Rivera is the second Latina named to the state Court of Appeals following an appointment by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2013, despite questions over a lack of judicial experience for the state’s highest court. Nevertheless, her resume prior to being nominated to the bench included serving as a clerk for then-Southern District of New York Judge Sonia Sotomayor and working for the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund.
79 MARCOS CRESPO
Senior Vice President, Community Affairs Montefiore Medic al Center The former Bronx Democratic Party boss and 85th Assembly District legislator’s retirement announcement threw a wrench into his path to the borough presidency and left a leadership vacuum to be filled. The socially conservative Democrat helped install the borough’s first female district attorney, but also faced criticism for perpetuating an “old boys club.” This won’t be the last we hear of Crespo: He’s now at Montefiore Health
SPECTRUM; NYS COURT OF APPEALS
Gerson Borrero is one of the veterans of the New York City political press corps, and he’s as well sourced as anyone in the business. Borrero, who previously served as editor-in-chief of El Diario and an editor-at-large at City & State, was known for his must-read gossip columns. He now remains in the public eye as a commentator at NY1, where he offers insightful and entertaining takes on the latest political news.