City Councilor Kateri Walsh, New North Citizens Council Executive Director Maria Ligus, retired Springfield Assistant Superintendent Lydia Martinez-Alvarez, and Waleska Lugo-DeJesus were also in attendance.
The event was sponsored by Springfield Pharmacy and recognized some important Latina women in our community. Councilor Perez presented awards honoring local Latina’s for their commitment and dedication serving the community. City Clerk Gladys Oyola, the first Latina Clerk and Cabinet Head under my administration and in the city’s history, and Mayoral Aide Mini Marrero were among those being recognized.
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank City Councilor Maria Perez and the Women on the Vanguard for organizing this wonderful event. Councilor Perez is a strong advocate for women and is always there to help care for the wellbeing of our community. From her time as a School Committeewoman working with my administration to build a brand-new state-of-the-art school in Brightwood-Lincoln, to her time as the Ward 1 City Councilor, she is always working to enhance the quality of life for our residents. This first annual Latina Women’s Day Breakfast, in observance of International Women’s Day, is an opportunity to thank and appreciate our Latina women in our community. I want to acknowledge two of the honorees that are very special to me and my administration. Gladys Oyola, the first Latina City Clerk in the city’s history and my Mayoral Aide Mini Marrero. Both do such a tremendous job and are shining examples of what strong leadership and community dedication is for not only our young women but for all of our citizens. Special thanks to Tobias Billups, his lovely wife, owners of Springfield Pharmacy for sponsoring this event – they are truly wonderful community minded people!”
