Local elected officials joined 500 residents in honoring distinguished Puerto Rican trailblazers helping to better our borough. Hosted by Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr., assembly members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake and Councilman Rafael Salamanca, the annual ‘Abrazo Boricua in New York’ was celebrated on Thursday, June 9 at Maestro’s Caterers to honor five distinguished members of the Puerto Rican community. This year’s leaders included Congressman Jose Serrano; Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, Urban Health Plan CEO; Bronx County Supreme Court Justice Lucindo Suarez; Luis Torres, C.S. 55 principal and Julia Cruz, Community Board 2 second vice chairwoman. Each honoree received citations of merit and proclamations.
Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez (3rd on l), Urban Health Plan CEO, graciously accepted her citations and proclamations from the elected officials.
Photo by Miriam Quin
Councilman Salamanca (l) and Borough President Diaz presented Julia Cruz, Community Board 2 second vice chairwoman, her awards.
Photo by Miriam Quin
Musical artist ECSalero entertained this year’s guests with a memorable performance.
Photo by Miriam Quin
Ms. Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Women’s Pageant winners (l) Dona Carmen, 2005 first princess, and Carmen Soto, second princess, enjoyed celebrating the evening’s festivities.
Photo by Miriam Quin
(l-r) Councilman Salamanca, Assemblyman Crespo, 2016 Queen of the Universe Miss Puerto Rico Gloria Sophia, assembly members Sepulveda and Blake.
Photo by Miriam Quin
