By KELSIE RADZISKI & ROKSANA AMID
Dozens of women gathered at Molloy University’s Public Square for an evening of connection and empowerment, hosted by 100 Hispanic Women. The event aimed to foster relationships and strengthen support for Latinas across Long Island.
The evening, on April 30, featured a mix of presentations, guided conversations and networking opportunities designed to encourage attendees to share their personal stories and form meaningful bonds. Prompted by thoughtful questions like “What is your favorite tradition?” and “What brought you to this meeting?” participants quickly grew comfortable with one another, opening the door to authentic connections.
Judith Rivera of Sea Cliff, a board member of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce and Director of Community Relations at Care First Home Solutions was one of the evening’s attendees. She is also the first in her family to attend college. A Puerto Rican native, Rivera has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from New York University.
“I feel the event was important, especially since it was held at Molloy University, because 100 Hispanic Women is an organization dedicated to supporting Latinas on their path to a college education and towards excellence in leadership,” Rivera said in a call to the Herald.
“I was fortunate to be the first in my family to be able to attend New York University with the help of scholarships and grants. Because of the great education I received there, I want to give back to other young Latino women who may not have the chance to do so without the help of this wonderful organization and it’s partnership with Molloy University. I am deeply impressed by Molloy University and that it has a program and a place for everyone.”
Attendees also learned more about the mission and goals of 100 Hispanic Women, which has been working to support Latinas since its founding in 1996 by Shirley Rodriguez-Remeneski, then the Executive Director of Hispanic Affairs for Governor Mario Cuomo. President Alicia McGrath leads the organization’s Long Island Program, launched just over three years ago.
“We have different programs because it was very difficult for people who wanted to get involved and participate in activities coming from different areas,” McGrath said. “And Long Island has so many wonderful professional Latinas, we had to have a program here.”
The local chapter brings together members from both Nassau and Suffolk Counties to advance the organization’s mission: “to eliminate obstacles and encourage Latinas to be innovative, maximize our potential, create strategic partnerships, promote inclusion in government and corporate America, and improve Hispanics’ status,” according to its website.
One of the evening’s attendees was Vanessa Lockel, Executive Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Suffolk County, which focuses on agriculture, aquaculture, youth camps, and community education around health and family wellness.
“Our goal is to help,” she said, “and no matter what room you’re ever in, one of us will always stand and be there in support of you at any time.”
100 Hispanic Women also supports education through scholarships at institutions like Molloy University and Hofstra University. Partners such as Ocean Financial Bank contribute $5,000 annually to these efforts.
Among the scholarship recipients is Julisa Vargas, a Hofstra student preparing to graduate and pursue a career in law.
“Being able to come to every event and having that welcome and that support system has been just so, so incredibly empowering,” she said.
Beyond scholarships, the organization hosts a range of seminars and events designed to help women embrace their identities, nurture their well-being and connect with one another in supportive spaces.
“I think it’s important now more than ever to recognize the excellence in the Latina community and also support the Latina community so that we can support our communities overall,” McGrath said.
To learn more or get involved, visit 100HispanicWomen.org.
