For Immediate Release
Sep 19, 2024
Contact:
Rachel Noerdlinger, rnoerdlinger@actumllc.com
Jason Elan, jelan@actumllc.com
FPWA CELEBRATES NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH ‘LATINAS LEADING IN PUBLIC SERVICE’ EVENT
FPWA Brings Together More Than 100 Leaders in the Human Services Sector for a Special Event That Honors and Strengthens Support and Development for Emerging Latina Leaders in the Nonprofit Sector
New York, NY (September 19, 2024) In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, more than 100 emerging Latina leaders and allies across the nonprofit sector gathered at FPWA’s conference center on September 18 for “Latinas Leading in Public Service,” a special event led by FPWA to celebrate the remarkable contributions, leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment of Latinas uplifting their communities. The event honored the achievements and leadership of Latina women in public service, as well as the policy opportunities that FPWA is committed to advancing to meet the myriad of needs of within Latine communities.
“Today’s event reflects FPWA’s investment in creating the platform for Latina women leaders to be celebrated and uplifted for their profound impact on the nonprofit and human services sector, says Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and Executive Director of FPWA. “The dynamic women who joined us for this crucial conversation are pillars in their community, and we’re committed to continuing this work in partnership with Latine communities this Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.” “Too often, Latinas’ unique perspectives and experiences are overlooked in conversations of race, diversity, and equity,” says Raysa S. Rodriguez, Chief Program and Policy Officer, FPWA. “Today’s event was about fostering greater community and shared purpose among Latines, allies, and attendees in a celebratory environment.”
The special day also included a keynote address by the trailblazer Dr. Rosa Gil, Founder and President Emerita of Comunilife.
Dr. Gil has published numerous articles on mental health, ethnicity, child welfare, and gender issues in addition to co-authoring The Maria Paradox, a book on self-esteem and Hispanic women. Some of her accomplishments include the development of 3,000 units of affordable and supportive housing for persons living with mental illness, HIV/AIDS, and young adults from the Child Welfare System, the
implementation of Medicaid-managed care in New York City, and the creation of innovative and nationally recognized equity mental health program, Life is Precious, for Latina adolescents at risk of suicide. She was the first Latina woman appointed to key positions, such as Chairperson of the NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation, Health Policy Advisor to the NYC Mayor, University Dean for Health Sciences at CUNY, and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, District 12.
“Latina leaders are not just breaking barriers; we are redefining what leadership looks like. Our unique perspectives and resilience inspire change and foster inclusivity in every space we occupy,” says Dr. Gil. “Latinas are not just the future; we are the present. Our voices, our stories, and our leadership are essential to shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.”
Two panels titled “Prominent Latina Leaders in Public Service,” and “Policy Solutions for Most Urgent Needs in Latine Communities” featured remarks from:
- Ana J. Almanzar, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives, New York City Government
- Alexa Avilés, New York City Councilmember D38
- Grace C. Bonilla, President and CEO, United Way New York
- Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Commissioner, NYC Aging
- Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and Executive Director of FPWA
- Linda Lausell-Bryant, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Director, Adaptive Leadership in Human Services Institute, NYU Silver School of Social Work
- Maria Lizardo, Executive Director, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC)
- Jennifer Montalvo, Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff, NYCEDC
- Lisette Nieves, Executive Director, Fund for the City of New York
- Karines Reyes, New York State Assemblymember D87
- Raysa S. Rodriguez, Chief Program and Policy Officer, FPWA.
- Michaelle C. Solages, New York State Assemblymember, D22
- Emerita Torres, Vice President of Policy, Research and Advocacy, Community Service Society
“Latinas Leading in Public Service” was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Mutual of America and TD Bank. This event serves as a companion to last year’s groundbreaking forum and luncheon “Women of Color: Leading and Succeeding.” FPWA’s inaugural forum brought together more than 100 women of color in c-suite and executive leadership roles from across the nonprofit sector for a day of empowerment and capacity building on June 14, 2023.
ABOUT FPWA
FPWA is a leading anti-poverty policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening human services organizations and faith institutions, and advancing economic opportunity and justice for New Yorkers with low incomes. Since 1922, FPWA has driven groundbreaking policy reforms to better serve those in need. We work to dismantle the structural and systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity.
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