Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre's director is a 'Woman of Distinction"

Margarita Grasing, executive director of the Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre, was among eight women honored by Assemblyman Brian Curran, in his first annual Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony at the Lynbrook Public Library last Saturday.

“My Women of Distinction Ceremony is meant to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of eight women, who through their hard work, commitment and determination, have made the communities of Valley Stream, Lynbrook, Malverne, East Rockaway, Rockville Centre, Oceanside and Baldwin a better place to live and raise a family,” said Curran, who represents the 14th Assembly District and was joined at the ceremony by New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray and Christian Browne, candidate for the Nassau County Legislature.

“Each of these eight ladies has earned the recognition as a Woman of Distinction. One such lady is Margarita Grasing from Rockville Centre who has dedicated her life to enhancing and improving the lives of the Hispanic community on Long Island. Through her not-for-profit organization, this lady has created and fostered innovative programs for Hispanic youth and seniors that promote social, emotional and academic enrichment,” Curran said.

During the 27 years Grasing has managed the Hispanic Brotherhood, she developed an After School Tutorial Program for students 5-to-12 and an employment program for students 14 years and older. Three days a week, a Senior Nutrition Program serves more than 300 senior citizens currently registered. Families are assisted with programs such as the Housing Counseling and Foreclosure Program. Employment, immigration and entitlement assistance are also provided.

Grasing has been affiliated with a number of organizations including the Rockville Centre Education Foundation, Nassau County HIV Commission and the Nassau County Coalition of Youth Agencies.

Married to Robert, she is the mother of three — Marguerite, Kathleen and Robert and the grandmother of William, Stephen, Margaret and Rebecca.