Honors Latino Community Leader and Immigration Advocate
White Plains
El lunes último, la Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Westchester conmemoró su celebración anual del Mes de la Herencia Hispana con una ceremonia virtual que elogió los esfuerzos de dos potencias latinas: Martha Mercedes de Yonkers y Carola Otero Bracco de Mount Kisco.
La presidenta de la Junta, Catherine Borgia dio la bienvenida a todos a la celebración anual de la Junta del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, que comienzó el jueves 15 de septiembre y dura hasta el 15 de octubre.
“This year’s theme, ‘United: Inclusion for a Stronger Nation,’ encourages us to ensure all voices are represented and welcome to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation.”
Majority Whip José Alvarad introduced the first proclamation saying, “I am very pleased to recognize Martha Mercedes as an inspiration to the Hispanic community and present this proclamation to her…Even with her busy career in the hospitality industry, Martha still finds time to volunteer and work with the Park Hill community you love so much. She has contributed and distributed toys and meals to families in need during the holidays and, in the midst of the pandemic, volunteered to conduct COVID testing at St. Bartholomew Church and donated 100 lunches cooked by her and her husband, Martin, to Saint John’s Hospital. Martha has served 15 years with the Park Hill Residents Association as Treasurer. Between her professional accomplishments and her giving spirit, she is truly a mentor to the community.”
Ms. Mercedes thanked legislator Alvarado for the honor saying, “When I decided to move to Westchester 20 years ago, I chose the Park Hill area of Yonkers. Logistically, it was a great choice for my daily commute, but the diversity of different cultures is what most attracted me to the community… Serving Hispanic and other minority communities has always been something I have believed in.”
Legislator Erika Pierce of Bedford, Lewisboro, Mt. Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers, presented the proclamation to first-generation Bolivian-American Carola Otero Bracco.
“While I am always proud to be from District 2, tonight I am particularly proud that Mount Kisco and District 2 are home to Carola Otero Bracco, one of this year’s outstanding Hispanic Heritage honorees. Tonight, I am very pleased to share Carola’s accomplishments, her passion for empowering immigrant families, her advocacy work on behalf of immigrant educational and economic development, and her many contributions to the people of the Westchester County”.
Posted on September 16, 2022
