HISPANIC WOMEN RECEIVE AWARD FOR THEIR EMPOWERMENT AND COMMUNITY WORK IN CT

Yanina Cuentas, the leader, spearheaded the initiative "Hispanic Woman Connecticut", which honored 13 distinguished women from Connecticut for their contributions to the community. Ten of these women attended the event. Photo: Boceto Media.

Berlin, CT - The 13th Hispanic Woman Connecticut Award took place at Casa Mia in Berlin on Sunday, marking another milestone in celebrating the success and resilience of Hispanic women in the state.

Yanina Cuentas founded the initiative in 2009 with the aim of empowering Hispanic women who stand out for their professional and community achievements, awarding them recognition for their outstanding work.

"In 13 years, I have seen women making progress in the healthcare sector, education, mental health, in libraries," Cuentas said. "Women can demonstrate their great strength, their great love for human beings."

Yanina Cuentas, introducing the honorees at the "Hispanic Woman Connecticut" celebration on Sunday at Casa Mia in Berlin, CT. Photo: Boceto Media.

Cuentas says it is important to recognize the unique value, strength, and resilience of Hispanic immigrant women, which focuses on inspiring leadership, self-esteem, and the comprehensive development of women and their descendants.

"Women play a very important role," adds Cuentas. "Firstly, overcoming adversity, breaking with patriarchy, and many stories that we bring from our ancestors."

Yolanda Colón, an educator with over a decade of experience in the field, was honored. Photo: Boceto Media.

Yolanda Colón, a social worker from the school district, was honored for her passion and determination in community service.

"I feel very excited and honored,"  Colón said. "This makes me very, very happy because we see unity, and in unity there is strength."

 

Roxana Videla, pastoral leader of First Episcopal Church in Hartford, received her award for community assistance. Photo: Boceto Media.

With over two decades of experience in Hispanic ministry, Roxana Videla, a reverend of Argentine origin, has been an inspiring voice for immigrant women in Connecticut, providing spiritual support and leadership through her work at the Episcopal church, Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford.

"I feel truly honored and very grateful to God and Yanina Cuentas for this fantastic idea of ​​especially recognizing immigrant women," Videla said. "And yes, very happy to be able to serve the immigrant community and women who come alone with their children in this difficult country."

During the tribute celebration, the Andean music group Sin Fronteras and the Brazilian José Paulo added a touch of Latin American music, reminding that Hispanics are a rich amalgam of cultures.

Cuentas emphasizes that the Hispanic Woman Connecticut initiative is from the community and for the community, operating as a non-profit. Despite not being a non-profit organization, she calls for more volunteers to join in supporting more Latinas on their path to success.

----