Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

As National Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 comes to a close, we continue to celebrate women leaders in our community. We are inspired by their experiences, their accomplishments, and their wisdom. To the women below -- Thank you for allowing the YWCA of White Plains to spotlight you!

Maria's Message I am a proud Latina from the Bronx. My Hispanic heritage reminds me of my mother, my grandmother, and all of my comadres. I remember their strength, resilience and commitment to family and community. This Hispanic Heritage month, I am hopeful that Latinas will come to know our worth and say no más to living up to others’ expectations. Rather I hope that we define our own destiny. Sí se puede. Maria L. Imperial, CEO .

Strong Alone. Fearless Together.

Judith Aucar, Deputy Director, El Centro Hispano Inc. "I emigrated as a political refugee from Cuba to the USA at 15. I did not have many options. I needed to learn English, work to help support my family and get a college education. I wanted to prove that my contributions were true assets to this country, and that I was adding to this tapestry of wonderful traditions, a rich language and cultural diversity. As a teacher and as a community leader, I have worked hard to show the younger generation and their parents the path to follow to achieve the American Dream while preserving their traditions, language, and culture."

Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, MPA, Founder & Strategic Growth Officer, Latino U College Access. "I have always lived between two cultures. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I moved to the United States when I was ten years old. English was my second language and I was the first in my family to attend college. I am proud of my Hispanic heritage and proud to be an American; I see my identity as my greatest 'superpower.' It informs and guides all that I do and all that I am."

Gina Avila, Founder, Women's Empowerment Institute (WEI). "The greatest joy of being a hispanic women is having lived the Colombian culture as a child and the privilege of experiencing what immigrant's challenges are in the US. This has allowed me to connect deeply and empathize with Hispanics at different capacities. Despite the turbulent times that Colombians have faced as a society, we pride ourselves in being resilient and have developed an unbreakable spirit and contagious joy, which are qualities that have translated into my success. We truly find joy in the wonderful things life has to offer - family, music, food and love for all people."

Arlene Burgos, Partner, Loeb Block & Partners LLP. "Being bicultural and bilingual has always been central in my career as a lawyer. Early on I realized the importance of Latinx role models and mentors in my path to success. I am grateful for the trailblazers that had the courage to challenge the status quo and to make opportunities for themselves where little opportunity existed, and then to open the doors for those behind them. I know it's not enough for me to be successful unless I can turn around and give others a helping hand. Change takes bold action."

Dr. Cheryl A. Burton, CEO/Owner, Cheryl A Burton Consulting. "I am very proud of my Afro-Latina heritage and am honored to be the product of such a rich heritage. Born in Panama, and immigrating to the US after graduating from high school was a very exciting experience for me. Our traditions are very family oriented and that has been the cornerstone of all of my many accomplishments. My immigrant experience has been a key factor in my resiliency. I feel a special bond with other immigrants as we share that wonderful experience of assimilation and hope, while keeping our special identity and cultural norms."

Faith Ann Butcher, Chief Impact Officer, United Way of Westchester and Putnam. "Being raised in a family of strong Hispanic women, I learned about strength and resilience. I knew that we could overcome challenges because of what we had already overcome. My grandmother was an orphan in Puerto Rico. She lived a hard life but made sure that her children had it better than she did. Each generation since has given of themselves to better the next. I would not be successful today without the sacrifices made before me. I believe in having hope in what could be and not dwelling on past trauma."

Ruth Noemí Colon, VP & Senior Advisor to the President’s Office, New York Power Authority. "I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where being Hispanic was not the exception; I was not a minority. Once I moved to New York, it hit me like a brick and I was able to relate to the stories of my aunts and cousins that lived in New York before me. I felt the responsibility to create spaces that were not available for them. Every time I reached a milestone that was negated to them, I felt I did for them. Simultaneously, I was standing in the shoulders of those that came before me opening paths for us."

Dr. Alexandria Connally, Founder and CEO at Culturally Responsive Environments and Discipline (C.R.E.A.D., LLC). "For me it is about the culture. Latinx is a beautiful collective of diverse races. As an Afro-Latina it is important for me to dismantle racism in my community. We are all beautiful! Latinx history is Black History."

Maribel Cruz-Brown, Director, Commercial Operations, New York Power Authority. "At the Puerto Rican Day Parade, I walk around proudly chanting 'Yo Soy Boricua, Pa'Que tu lo Sepas!' Outside of the parade, I chant internally and every day try to live the characteristics influenced from my Hispanic Heritage to help improve my community and environment. My Faith in God that I was made for a purpose. Diligence and pride in my work and contributions. Compassion with colleagues. Courage to use My Voice, share my perspectives and ideas. I am most hopeful for continued advocacy for our youth and that we continue to empower them as resilient, authentic leaders."

Luisa Fairborne, Sales Director at FETV - Family Entertainment Television. "My Dominican heritage is my badge of honor. I am an immigrant. My parents taught my sisters and me the value of family, education, hard work, and community. So, it’s no surprise that throughout my professional career in sales & marketing I’ve represented the U.S. Hispanic/Latinx market by educating marketers on the nuances of this extremely diverse market and clientele. This led me to seek out opportunities to share my experiences as a mentor with younger Latinx as they started their professional careers. Our talks are simple. They start with family, education, hard work and community. That’s my special sauce!"

Sara Frontera, Senior Director of Early Learning, YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester. "Growing up in Puerto Rico, the daughter of a Puerto Rican mother and a Spanish father, I moved to New York at age 21 to complete my education. My upbringing and family values placed great emphasis on the importance of nurturing and educating children. My three brothers and I were the center of my parents' world. These are lessons that I am privileged to pay forward in my role as Director of the YWCA's Children's Learning Center. The children in our care are precious. Each one is special. I love to watch our teachers help them to bloom."

Kathleen Macias-Torres, Executive Director, Sparc, Inc.. "In 1969 my parents emigrated from Cuba to the U.S. in search of freedom and a better life. While assimilating to a new country, they ensured that our culture and language was never lost. Growing up in a Latino household taught me the essence of hard work and the power of resiliency. This has given me the discipline to lead programs that serve the community and empower young women. I also have a superpower, the ability to be bilingual. Speaking in Spanish has provided me the opportunity to advocate for those who are discriminated against due to disability and race."

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Jeanette Gisbert, Executive Director, Volunteer New York "I am so proud to be a first generation Cuban American. My life has been grounded in these core values: the importance of family, the value of education and in making a positive impact on our communities. My family, like so many immigrants, worked tirelessly to provide new opportunities for the next generation. I was especially inspired by incredibly strong women - moms, abuelas, tias, and primas - who still encourage me to this day. I hope that I can inspire others to see that volunteerism is powerful strategy towards building connected and resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity."

Cosette Gutierrez, Latino U College Access Executive Director. "From an early age, I always thought that being Latina was a super power. I was never shy about my Dominican heritage and proudly belonged to Hispanic organizations. Raised by a single mother who instilled in me a strong work ethic and a sense of family, I knew that education was the key to opening doors to opportunity. Being the first in my family to graduate from college gives me first hand experience to support our Scholars at Latino U College Access. I'm hopeful for the bright futures of our LUCA Scholars as they make their college dreams come true!"

Milagros Lecuona, Principal, Lecuona Associates. "My family values are the main driving force behind my pursuit of a better world. While my children and I went through an exhausting immigration process, my persistence and dreams for a better life helped me to persevere and never give up. Witnessing the inequalities immigrants have to overcome made me more aware of human suffering, and increased my sense of empathy, getting involved in my community, first volunteering for several Hispanic and/or charitable organizations and later becoming a member of the city council in White Plains."

Valentina Loaiza, Student at Cornell University. "My Colombian roots guide my success in multiple aspects, especially as a first-generation college student. My definition of success is making myself and my mother proud wherever I find myself in the future. Family is among our core values and I constantly receive support from my mother and family abroad. I am inspired to persevere and work arduously knowing that my success is a collective effort. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!"

Martha Lopez, Director for Minority & Women Owned Business Development, Westchester County Government Office of Economic Development. "The beauty of this country is its incredible diversity. I arrived here at the age of 15 with nothing but the clothes on my back - determined to make my "dreams" come true. Through hard work and determination I learned the value of education (I hold an MSW from Columbia University). My life in the United States has been in the not-for-profit and government sectors. Forty eight years later, I am the Director of Minority & Women Owned Business Development and Immigrant Affairs. I am also an elected official and a proud grandmother of a Latina/Asian trilingual 5 year old."

Blanca Lopez, Assistant Director of Operations, Westchester County Government. "I am very proud of my Peruvian heritage. I think the lessons learned from my parents about hard work, perseverance, sacrifice and above all, love for family, is what keeps me grounded. I take those values with me and apply them to everything I do - at work and at home. I'm hopeful about the future generation of Hispanic Americans, like my children. I want to make sure that they learn Spanish and become bilingual, maintain communication with extended family members and grow up in a caring and supportive environment just like I did."

Meiling Macias-Toro, Westchester Chapter President / Partner & Exec. Producer, Freedom Studios, Inc.,100 Hispanic Women of Westchester. "I often think about how hard it must have been for my father and mother in the early 60s to leave their family and children in Colombia, and come to the United States in search of a better life. They did not speak the language, they did not know the culture or had much money, but they were resilient and hard working. I inherited their entrepreneurial spirit and zest to succeed. I am most hopeful seeing the children and young Latinas that I advocate for achieve higher education and be the best version of themselves!"

Lorraine Lopez, Host/Social Activist, Latino Reign. "As Hispanics we stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, it is my responsibility to honor them and make them proud. Being Hispanic is about language, tradition, values, food, empowerment amongst many other things. My goal is to continue to help my community by educating, empowering, and always being there when they call. To get them out the "box" and show them a different world where they can become the best Hispanic leaders and professionals they can be. Show them how beautiful and special they are. La sangre me llama and I'm there. Pa'lante!"

Aleida Frederico, VP Senior Relationship Manager in Commercial Lending at TD Bank Westchester. "I have always been determined to excel to pay tribute to the courage my family showed in leaving Cuba. They left everything behind, to start anew. I am proud of the strong work ethic and values my parents instilled in me. Self-identifying has helped me to open the door to new opportunities and allowed me to be more visible as a leader/mentor both internally and externally as a professional banker and also as a Latina woman. Thirty years ago, I became a member of a newly incorporated county-wide Hispanic Chamber, eventually being voted its first woman president and current chair of the board. I am also a founding board member of a Women’s organization whose mission is to mentor and empower Latinas to achieve their highest potential with a commitment to excellence. Today, As Co-Chair of TD Bank’s Regional Diversity Council for Metro New York I play an active role in championing diversity and inclusion and the development of emerging leaders from all walks of life and backgrounds. During Hispanic Heritage month, I am hopeful for continued recognition of the valuable contributions and impact made by this community - Latinos/Latinas professionals, business owners, community and corporate leaders that so enrich our community."

Isabella Malouf, Clinical Director Residence & Girls Empowerment of YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester. "Watching my parents struggle to give me a better life when migrating to the US and leaving all they knew behind in our home country of Brazil is my main drive to be where I am today as a Latina. Having to work tirelessly hours to pay for my undergrad without knowing if I would be able to pursue my career goals due to my immigration status was extremely discouraging. However, anytime I hit one milestone I was reminded of how much my parents gave up for me to succeed. Going through the process of learning a whole new language, watching my parents struggle for years the pain, the suffering, the hurdles and stigma attached to being an Immigrant gave me hope to help others, to show them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel you just have to want it for yourself more than others do for you! I am most hopeful that we will continue to work in unity where no matter the country you came from, the language you speak, the color of your skin, the gender you identify yourself with, the diagnosis you have been given, the trauma you have endured and the pain you hold onto will not be our sole defining characteristic."

Lucria Ortiz, President/CEO, Yonkers Family YMCA. "I am a proud Puerto Rican woman. Understanding my island's history and important figures has been a guiding force in my life. Puerto Rican leaders I have studied, are curious, they challenge, give the world creativity and extend a hand to others. I am happy to continue that tradition that is rooted in an experience of hardship, but also much hope. I love the breadth and scope of Latinidad in the U.S. with its immense diversity. I am hopeful that our next generation of Hispanic/Latino leaders will continue to demonstrate our strength that comes from our cultures and ancestors."

Milagros (Milly) Pena, President of Purchase College, SUNY. "When often asked what made the biggest difference in my personal and professional life, I reply that I follow my grandmother’s and family’s north star. It is a shaped by the LatinX community I grew up in—with its foundational commitment to supporting others. They taught me to accept success with humility, as success comes from the sacrifice of others. I learned that with success comes standing for what is right and to have that be your north star. I see hope across our generations, even in these challenging times—as we all look to answer the call for justice."

Ariana Quinones, former YWCA Director of Racial Justice & Youth Programming. “Being Puerto Rican is a foundation for how I've come to love and navigate the world around me. My extensive community is full of powerful Latinx women who have showed me throughout my life that my power and strength have no limit. But neither does my vulnerability and ability to prioritize myself. I am most hopeful for a more expansive conversation about who we leave out in our conversations about Hispanic Heritage month and how we can honor and support folks beyond September and October.”

Rossana Rosado, New York Secretary of State. "As the daughter of Puerto Rican transplants to the Bronx, New York Secretary of State, Rossana Rosado worked hard and grew up to become a newspaper reporter and Emmy winner before she found her way to government. She also worked for almost two decades as the publisher of the Spanish-language publication, El Diario, and has been a constant voice for women’s leadership, Latino empowerment and for helping folks coming home from prison. She is a proud Bronx-born Puerto Rican who believes that success is to be shared with the whole community. As a Latinx Leader, Ms. Rosado feels that true power comes from being in service of others. Hispanic Heritage month is about how we honor those brave people who came here. 'Wherever I stand, I am never not one of them.' Secretary Rosado believes in paying homage to her culture by continuously seeking to serve others."

Maria Trusa, Founder of the Yo Digo NO MÁS Movement. "For me, being a Latina is something that I am extremely proud of. We are people that have had to adjust through a lot, especially as we immigrated to this country. Adjustments are part of our daily life. We learn to be more flexible and that comes from this ability to adjust. We also bring our love and commitment to our family no matter how hard we need to work to make sure that the next generation keeps going, and we try to make sure they do better than we did. Hispanics are powerful and we're just getting started." Maria is an author, businesswoman, podcaster in addition to founding the YoDigoNoMás movement.

Isabel Villar, Founding Director of El Centro Hispano Inc. "At the age of 18, I was faced with the difficult reality of learning a new language and culture while trying to get a college education. My experiences as a political refugee from Cuba prompted me to work towards opening the path for other Hispanics. They gave me the strength to fight for the well-being of others. I looked for opportunities where I could help ease the transition into a new culture for immigrants like myself, while also encouraging them to before self-sufficient and maintain their cultural traditions. I hope my hard work and dedication will inspire others."

Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden, Executive Director Westchester County Youth Bureau . "The African Diaspora is a marvel, albeit painful. This dispersion of Africans to the Caribbean and the Americas during the slave trade had the unintended consequence of creating a beautiful mosaic. I am proud of my family’s diversity; there is a flavorful flare of Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto-Rico, the U.S., the Seminole Tribe, and Wales. My Hispanic heritage accounts for traditions and tastes, including the appetite for hard work and success. I am grateful for the love, laughs, life lessons, and resilience of my Hispanic grandfather, brothers, aunts, and cousins, some of whom are deceased pero viven en mi corazon."

About Us

The YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester and its new Westchester Center for Racial Equity impacts families in our community via direct services, issue education, advocacy and public policy. The YWCA is a 501c3 Not for Profit Organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester is part of the oldest and largest multiracial women’s organization in the world serving over 2 million in the United States and 25 million worldwide. For comprehensive information about our important work visit us online.

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