Círculo de la Hispanidad 43rd Anniversary Spring Gala

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A Dream Realized! Círculo de la Hispanidad thanks RICHARD STEINBERG For his incredible $50,000 donation to support the college education of a youth scholar, “Mailin Moreno Euseda”

Join us in Recognition of the 2023 Honorees Honorees

D r . S hadab A hmed CHIEF OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE DEPARTMENT N assau U niversity M edical C enter

H arris B each PLLC ANDREW D. KOMAROMI, ESQ. JACK M. MARTINS, ESQ.

L ong I sland H ispanic B ar A ssociation

R osi P olanco SUPERVISOR OF SALES & MARKETING F idelis C are

D r . T abassum Y asmin HIV PROGRAM DIRECTOR N assau U niversity M edical C enter

!Si Podemos!

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Growing Stronger Together

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43 rd Anniversary Spring Gala C írculo de la H ispanidad May19, 2023 / Content Mr. Gil Bernardino, Executive Director and Founder of Círculo, addresses our community. Learn the History of Círculo. Mr. Leo Fernández, President of the Board of Directors of Círculo, addresses our community. 6 Addresses and History

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Evergreen Charter School

Elected Officials

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Letters from elected officials recognizing Círculo de la Hispanidad's efforts supporting vulnerable children and families of Nassau, Long Island. Letters of Acknowledgment

Learn the History of Evergreen. The Mission, the Promise and the Pledge. Meet the Board of Trustees, and the Executive Staff.

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Evergreen Groundbreaking

64 Sponsor Highlights Bronze 32 Silver

Evergreen's journey in keeping their promise to the community by continuing to provide the education essential to sustain a healthy and fruitful life. Experience the students' journey with Evergreen.

Supporter

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Media Friend

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Additonal Groundbreaking Photos

Executive Corporate

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Círculo de la Hispanidad Mission Statement and the Gala purpose.

Flashback 2022 Spring Gala In Memoriam

Booster

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Honorees Scholarship Recipients of 2022

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Business

In memory of our loved ones may we never forget them.

Círculo de la Hispanidad

Read about the 2023 Honorees. Learn about their vocations and their involvement with the surrounding communities. Read the attributes that make them unique and the accomplishments that have earned them the recognition as a 2023 Honoree.

122 Círculo Food Services / Join the Circle Get to know Círculo Foods Services' Chef, Joshua Poveda. Chef Joshua prepares freshly made courses for the students on a daily basis mindlful of their health.Join the Circle at tonight's Gala event and receive a discount on your annual membership. Experience Círculo’s initiatives.Take the journey with Círculo and experience the programs and community services. Read about how Círculo empowers their staff, colleagues and community through education.

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Grand Prize Raffles

Purchase Tickets from Círculo Employees.

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Index

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List of Sponsors by category and Journal credits.

Círculo Board of Trustees Círculo Staff 2023 Gala Planning Committee

Honoring our Past & Present... Continuing our course for the Future!

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Having good evaluations and audits allowed me to keep the dream alive. GRACIAS. A thousand thanks to all participants and sponsors over the years. You have helped us achieve our mission. I also want to express my gratitude to our 2023 participants and sponsors . Thank you to all our Honorees for accepting our invitation to be part of our history and supporting the Gala. Gracias. I want to thank the Gala’s Planning Committee for supporting our honorees and our Gala. Their support has been essential in the always stressful work of implementing a successful event. Thank you Círculo’s Board members, staff, colleagues, volunteers and friends for supporting the journal, the raffle and selling tickets. I also want to give a special thanks to Leslie Kringel , Gala Coordinator, as well as Nancy Iglesias, our consultant for the Gala. As always, I want to thank my family for their encouragement. They have helped me to face the many difficulties that I have encountered over the years. Gracias Sarah Brewster, my partner in work and in life. Gracias por todo, thank you for everything. You continue to inspire me and I enjoy working with you every day. Gracias to my deceased parents, brother, niece and sister-in-law. I miss them. They have always inspired me in my difficult times. I want to thank family and my three children, Deborah, Daniel and Gil Miguel for their support. They share not only my happy moments but also my challenging ones and they continue to give me encouragement to persevere. I continue to enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, my precious Rebecca, Sofía, Giuliana, Isak, Gabriella and Sebastián. My special thoughts are with Bárbara Dubow Bernardino, Co-Founder of Círculo de la Hispanidad. She passed away in August 2021 and is deeply missed. Her contributions to our organization, the Hispanic Community and the community at large, are countless. Without Bárbara, the mother of my children, Círculo de la Hispanidad could not have been founded. I am grateful forever!!! You will always be close to my heart.

Message from the Founder & Executive Director Círculo de la Hispanidad Gil Bernardino

While this year was challenging, it was also fruitful. I am grateful to all who continue to support Círculo on our journey to support the vulnerable and to lift up lives through education and resources. I am excited to be back in the Garden City Hotel. Due to the pandemic, it has been four years since we last celebrated at this location. We held our Gala last year at Círculo Center in June. We had a fantastic experience and were happy to share, celebrate successes and raise funds to support youth scholarships and community programming. Thus far, Círculo has been able to sustain programs and we continue to provide important services to clients affected by HIV, mental disabilities, domestic violence, and families with limited resources. While we have had some cuts in funding this year, we have also continued to search for alternative funding sources. We are happy to announce that we have expanded our domestic violence services to offer additional support to victims of violence and other crimes. Our food pantry has continued to be a main source of support to many in the community and we are grateful to all for donations to help address food security issues in our region. Over the year we have provided hundreds of meals to individuals and families through a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, milk, dried and canned goods. Evergreen Charter School, founded with the support of Círculo de la Hispanidad, continues to grow. We now serve 975 students from kindergarten to eleventh grade. We continue to expand and will serve 1,100 students this fall from grades kindergarten to twelfth grade. Sadly, we continue to have over 500 students on the waiting list. We were happy to celebrate the Groundbreaking of Evergreen’s new Secondary School facility on April 22, 2023. This 85,000 square foot building will be one of the first schools on the East coast to use cross laminated timber in its structure. The school is seeking Gold LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building design has received a national award! You may ask why I report the news of Evergreen Charter School in my letter about Círculo. Círculo founded Evergreen. Evergreen would not have existed without Círculo. While we maintain separate boards and funding sources, we celebrate Evergreen’s success as our success. In conclusion, Evergreen’s vision of providing hope and a future for children’s right to an excellent education is the result of the same vision and mission of Círculo de la Hispanidad. Thank you to all Círculo de la Hispanidad supporters, current and past, who in different ways, have impacted the establishment of Evergreen Charter School by supporting our organization. In the name of the many students who are and will benefit throughout the years. Gracias. As the Founder and Executive Director, I understand the importance of Círculo’s staff and their contributions through our history. They supported the organization with their daily work and ensured that programs and activities have been implemented in a financially sound manner.

"Cambiar el mundo amigo Sancho, que no es locura ni utopía, sino justicia".

" To change the world my friend Sancho, is not madness nor utopia, it's justice".

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M essage F rom T he P resident of T he B oard

CÍRCULO DE LA HISPANIDAD 1980 – 2023

43 Years “A Remarkable Journey” 43 Años “Una Historia Admirable” Thanks to you and to all who have supported us throughout our forty-three years. Gracias a todos ustedes y a todos los que nos han apoyado a través de estos cuarenta y tres años.

Each year I reflect about our recent accomplishments that have come to fruition through support from dedicated staff, the Board and from you our friends and supporters in the community. We have much to celebrate as we reflect on 43 years of commitment, dedication and a deep sense of service to the most vulnerable people in Nassau County (Hispanics and Non-Hispanics alike). Círculo received its articles of incorporation in 1980. However, the history of Círculo began some years earlier. Círculo’s founder, Gil Bernardino, came to the United States in 1974 to discover the many needs of the Long Beach Hispanic community. Concerned about the oppression of immigrant populations, including Hispanic students in schools, and other underserved groups, Gil formed the vision of Círculo. Bárbara DuBow, the mother of my children, through her ideas, advice and support provided the essential tools for Gil to make the dream of Círculo a reality. Another key and trusted advisor who assisted Gil in developing the organization was Pat McCormack. In 1980, New York State awarded Círculo its first grant of $25,000 to operate independently as a youth oriented organization. It was difficult to open doors in the beginning. Círculo started with three employees and a typewriter which had some missing keys. Now, the organization has a team of over forty full and part-time staff and a sophisticated computer system including a technology center, as well as many other amenities thanks to the commitment and vision of Círculo’s dedicated staff, volunteers and Board members. Many individuals have supported Círculo along this “Remarkable Journey”. Former Senator Dean G. Skelos, provided the seed funding for Círculo’s Center about thirty years ago. His vision and support enabled us to think large and dream of a Center that would serve thousands and thousands of individuals and families for many generations to come. We are especially grateful to Eileen Mullin and Lance Roth of Non-Profit Preferred Funding. They were instrumental in securing the loan for this project. Non-Profit Preferred Funding purchased the bonds made available through the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency. Welquis R. López, a longtime friend of Círculo, has also been very supportive of our organization for many years and assisted Círculo achieve its dream to build a Center. Former County Executive Ed Mangano provided financial support to the Center and through his support Círculo was able to enhance the Center. Thank you. In addition, former Supervisor Kate Murray, of the Town of Hempstead, helped to support activities and programming at the Center and provided Círculo with funding in the past. Gracias Supervisor Murray for your support. We also extend our thanks to former Mayor Wayne Hall, Sr. who supported our Center including our Nature Explorer Classroom Project. We are grateful to all of them. Círculo is also grateful to the dedication and commitment of Dr. Sarah Brewster, my companion in life and in mission who has supported Círculo’s stability and growth through grants and the construction of Círculo Center. Dr. Brewster also supported me in the foundation of Evergreen Charter School, a great accomplishment. As we continue on our mission to improve the lives of individuals and their families through a comprehensive continuum of social service, recreation, education, cultural, economic development and social justice programs, we are grateful for the special efforts of dedicated employees, supportive volunteers, Board members, corporate partners and friends who have helped us live our mission. Together we can make a difference. Thank you. 8

LEO FERNÁNDEZ

As President of the Board of Directors of Círculo de la Hispanidad and on behalf of its board members, I would like to extend my appreciation to all our 2023 honorees for their support and dedication to Círculo’s mission to improve the lives of individuals and families. Tonight, we pay homage to our honorees and thank them for their commitment to strengthening our community and supporting vulnerable populations. We admire them for their professional achievements and for their examples of leadership and service. At this time, we also pay tribute to all those individuals that have made our Spring Gala 2023 possible. Thank you to all of you attendees tonight for supporting us with our mission and vision. Thank you sponsors as well for contributing in large and small ways to the success of our journal and Gala. Thank you, Planning Committee members, for your dedication and support. Your hard work has helped us to have a special evening tonight. The Board would also like to recognize the staff of Círculo and thank them for their efforts and dedication to our organization. With your help, all of us together are working to make our community a better place every day. I hope you enjoy our 43rd Anniversary Spring Gala Celebration. Again, my thanks to all.

Leo Fernández President of the Board of Directors

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CDLH Mission To improve the lives of individuals and families through a comprehensive continuum of education, social services, recreation, cultural, economic development and social justice programs.

Círculo de la Hispanidad’s Annual Spring Gala Serving Two Purposes

• Funds support college scholarships for high school graduates from Long Beach and Hempstead who are matriculating in college or vocational training.

Scholarship funds raised from the event are bestowed to youth at Círculo’s Annual Awards Night held every June at the Long Beach High School. This year we will hold the event on June 17thth, at 7:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. • Funds raised from the Gala Support also agency programs including youth programs (after-school programming, homework assistance, summer camp, and cultural enrichment activities); domestic violence support services (legal advocacy, support groups, a 24 hour bilingual hotline, crisis intervention and case management services); housing services (for individuals living with a mental health diagnosis, victims of domestic violence, and homeless individuals and families); adult education (English for speakers of other languages, GED preparation, literacy, citizenship preparation, computer instruction); health programs for individuals with HIV/AIDS (case management, educational prevention, testing and transportation services); recreational programs (dance, basketball, tae kwon do, soccer); cultural programs (Sábado Cultural, Hispanic Heritage activities); and crisis intervention services and supports (a food pantry, referral services and other support). We hold our Annual Spring Gala every May. At the Gala we recognize individuals and companies for their contributions to the community.

Growing Stronger Together!

Growing Stronger Together!

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Spring Gala 2022

Scholarship Recipients

Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters who made this possible!

Círculo de la Hispanidad’s Scholarship Fund has distributed over $500,000 in scholarships to youth over the past thirty-five years thanks to your support.

Scholarship - Long Beach

Scholarship - Hempstead

Nicolas Cartagena-Chavez Daniel Cipra Oscar De Avila Gabriella Kouletsis Dillan Lazo

Danielle E. López Randall Ordoñez- Escobar Nicole Pérez Freddy Ramón Amy Ramos

Mario Reyes Massiel Rodríguez Steven Soto Lorelei Tarco Jafet Velasquez

Alejandra Escalante Yair Espinal Karla Guzman

Adriana Morena Mailin Moreno Christian Perez Ana Rios William Sagastume

Emely J. Sanchez Alissa Tokumoto Marjorie G. Yanes

Yesenia López Andrea Mesa

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Círculo de la Hispanidad 2023 Honoree

Congratulations to the 2023 Honorees

D r . S hadab A hmed

Chief of infectious Disease Department Nassau University Mediacl Center

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D r. Shadab H. Ahmed’s journey has been one of struggle and immense hard work. Her father, a doctor and Professor of Anesthesiology in Karachi, Pakistan, passed away at the young age of 52 leaving her mother, a homemaker, a widow. Life was hard. Following her father’s footsteps, Dr. Ahmed pursued study in medicine at Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan. She graduated from Dow Medical College with a Gold Medal in ear, nose and throat. Later she came to the United States with help from her aunt who sponsored her and her family. She completed her fellowship in Infections Diseases at St. Vincent’s Hospital & Medical Center in New York, New York and in 1992 she completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Woodhull Medical & Mental Health Center in Brooklyn, New York. This was an amazing accomplishment; she had started her residency as a young mother of an 18-month-old and a 2-month-old. In 1993 she became certified in Internal Medicine. In 1994, Dr. Ahmed became certified in Infectious Diseases. After completing her fellowships and board certifications she joined Nassau University Medical Center as an Infectious Diseases Attending in 1998. That same year she took on the responsibility of the Directorship of of HIV Prevention Services. Professional positions held include Director of HIV Prevention Services at Nassau University Medical Center. In addition, she has served as Chair of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee at Nassau University Medical Center and is a Professor of clinical medicine at the State University of New York at Stoney Brook. Dr. Ahmed has received numerous certifications including certification from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) in 2000. She also is currently certified as a HIV Specialist from the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVS) through 2024 and has been since 2005. She has been a Fellow of the American College of Physicians since 1997 (FACP) and a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America since 2005 (FIDSA) She has presented many abstracts at national and international meetings and has published over twenty-five articles in Peer Reviewed Journals. Throughout her career, she has been fortunate to have served the underprivileged. The Department of Medicine and Positive Health Clinic at NUMC has always been an example of high standards and teamwork. Dr. Ahmed has had a supportive family. Her husband completed his master’s degree in engineering at the University of Washington, in Seattle. As Project Manager, he has many Manhattan buildings and at least two JFK terminals to his credit. By God’s grace, her son has completed two bachelor’s degrees and has chosen a career in Information Technology. Her youngest son has a Master’s in Finance and is a CPA. He too recently completed a second bachelor’s degree in IT. Currently, Dr. Shadab Ahmed serves as the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at NUMC. She saw some very rough times recently with the Covid Pandemic. Daily she sees patients and teaches students, residents, and fellows. She recognizes and cherishes the association with Círculo de la Hispanidad, starting as a grassroot organization serving both the Hispanic and Non-Hispanic communities. Her faith and belief hold those who serve the under-served in highest regard. Providing education and schools is the best return one can give to the community.

We Thank You!

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Círculo de la Hispanidad 2023 Honoree

Círculo de la Hispanidad 2023 Honoree

H arris B each PLLC Andrew D. Komaromi, Esq Jack M. Martins, Esq.

L ong I sland H ispanic B ar A ssociation

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O UR MISSION Since its inception in 2001, the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association (LIHBA) has dedicated itself to promoting and fostering the advancement of the Long Island Hispanic legal profession as well as the Hispanic community as a whole. OUR HISTORY Pioneers worked hard to give the association life and viability… In 2001, former Family Court Magistrate Phil Goglas and a handful of Hispanic attorneys met to discuss the formation of the Suffolk County Hispanic Bar Association. At that meeting, the attorneys agreed that the time had come for Hispanic attorneys in Suffolk to integrate and form an association that would dedicate itself to the science of jurisprudence, and the protection of civil and political rights of the Hispanic community in the county, as well as the community at large. With these objectives in mind, the attorneys founded the Suffolk County Hispanic Bar Association, and on January 17, 2002, we had our inaugural dinner where Phil Goglas was installed as president, Robert Garcia was named Vice President, Noel Bonilla was named Secretary, and Aletha Fields Ferraro was named Treasurer. These pioneers worked hard to give the association life and viability, and through their efforts, it slowly took form and evolved into the association it is today. In 2004, the association passed a resolution to change the name from the Suffolk County Hispanic Bar Association to the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association (LIHBA) so that we could encourage the Hispanic attorneys in Nassau to join us. In 2005, the new name became official, and with this change, more Hispanic attorneys from all over Long Island have joined. We now have over 100 attorney, professional and law student members from the East End of Long Island to Queens. Our attorney members work in all areas of law, including Immigration Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Patent Law, Employment Law, Commercial Law, Tax Law, and Appeals. Over the years the LIHBA has increased its outreach and involvement in the Hispanic Community. The LIHBA has conducted free community education seminars, provided continuing legal education programs, networking events with members of the government and the judiciary and developed a referral hotline and has worked with other advocacy groups and government officials to address some of the systemic problems encountered by Hispanics on Long Island. The LIHBA also provides an outstanding paid internship program to law school students and most recently will be giving substantial scholarships to deserving students. The LIHBA is continually offering educational seminars, career improvement workshops, and networking events to develop and strengthen the economic opportunities within the Hispanic legal and business community. Through internship programs and the scholarship fund, the LIHBA also seeks to encourage and empower young Hispanic professionals to become leaders in their respective fields. The LIHBA strives to elevate the Hispanic community by educating them on their rights and building relationships. The LIHBA also provides charitable support to the community throughout the year.

F ounded in 1856, Harris Beach provides legal services to clients across New York state, as well as nationally and internationally. Harris Beach is among the country’s top law firms as ranked by The National Law Journal. Clients include Fortune 100 corporations, privately held companies, emerging businesses, public sector entities, not-for-profit organizations and individuals. Principal industries Harris Beach represents include cannabis, education, energy, financial, food and beverage, health care, insurance, manufacturing, medical and life sciences, real estate developers, science and technology, state and local governments and authorities. Our more than 210 lawyers and consultants practice from offices throughout New York state in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, New York City, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, Syracuse, and White Plains, as well as from offices in Washington, D.C. New Haven, Connecticut and Newark, New Jersey. Our Long Island office is located at 333 Earle Ovington Blvd., Suite 901, Uniondale, New York 11553. Partner Andrew Komaromi focuses on public finance and economic development matters with an emphasis on revenue backed finance transactions and economic development tax incentives in the areas of health care, education, housing, transportation and infrastructure, as well as Industrial Development Agencies and companies accessing tax-incentive programs in economic development projects. Partner Jack Martins primarily handles construction and real estate matters, helping clients to bring their projects from the initial planning stages through completion. Jack has served as an elected representative for more than a decade, in both local and state government. Jack’s background in the public and private sectors gives him a unique perspective to advise clients in strategically navigating their operational challenges on Long Island and across New York state. For more information, go to www.harrisbeach.com.

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Círculo de la Hispanidad 2023 Honoree

Círculo de la Hispanidad 2023 Honoree

D r . T abassum Y asim

R osi P olano

HIV Program Director | Tuberculosis Program Director Nassau County Medica; Center D r. Yasmin completed her schooling at Carmel and then attained her medical school education at Patna Medical College in India (Formerly called Prince of Wales Medical College). She completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow in 2001. Other postdoctoral training included a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, New York. She has attained the title of Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Her current professional positions in division of Infectious Diseases at Nassau University Medical Center include Director of HIV Program, Director of Tuberculosis Program, Director for Center for Positive Health Clinic, Director of HIV/ Hepatitis C Clinic. Dr. Yasmin has also done clinical research and immunology at Nassau University Medical Center and served as a Clinical Researcher in Infectious Diseases at Nassau University Medical Center. She was involved in educational projects and research trials in field of HIV and served as Director of Nicholas Rango HIV Clinical Scholars Program, a New York State AIDS Institute clinical educational initiative and treatment adherence in collaboration with the New York State Aides Institute. Certifications include the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Academy of HIV Medicine-HIV Specialist. Dr. Yasmin currently serves as a member of various hospital committees directed in field of antibiotic stewardship, HIV program and Quality Initiative Projects Dr. Yasmin has published cases in several medical journals and has written articles on Hepatitis C invention, nutrition treatment, and asthma. She has published a chapter in the book for American College Physicians titled Manual of Critical Care. She continues to be active in ongoing research on Treatment Adherence for individuals living with HIV, among other topics. Dr Yasmin feels fortunate to be working in the field of infectious diseases which has seen advancement in clinical medicine and research. She also feels a sense of accomplishment taking care of people and sharing their joys and sorrows.

Supervisor of Sales & Marketing Fidelis Care

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R osi Polanco is a native of the Dominican Republic and has been residing in the United States since 1998. She has over 27 years of experience in the healthcare industry, collecting praise and accolades along the way. Her passion for changing the lives of others led her to rise up from the bottom of the totem pole to become the first member of her family to hold a supervisory role. This has been rewarding for her as she continues to cultivate the resources necessary to assist communities in need. After completing her studies at Santiago Institute of Commercial Accounting in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Rosi began her journey in the corporate world working in one of the best hospitals in the up-and-coming Dominican city. After arriving in the USA, she has continued her journey of educating herself in other areas of the healthcare industry as well as learning English by listening to the radio and watching Barney & Friends with her son. Her competency in English steadily rose, and she subsequently began her career at Fidelis Care as a Health Benefit Representative. Through hard work, determination, and a commitment to her mission of helping those in need, Rosi quickly rose through the ranks to become a Supervisor of Sales and Marketing at Fidelis Care. In her current role, she leads an exemplary team of professionals and oversees all aspects of sales and marketing operations, from market research, coaching and strategy development to campaign execution and sales performance analysis. Rosi is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world, and she approaches every project and initiative with this in mind. She has been an instrumental part of many successful marketing campaigns and has helped her team achieve some of the highest promotion rates in the region. She believes in the power of giving back and uses her skills and expertise to help those around her. Outside of work, Rosi is actively engaged in community service projects, fundraising, and is dedicated to teaching others the importance of financial literacy and wealth building. She is a big believer in achieving the American Dream, having done so herself. For Rosi, the true reward comes from seeing the positive impact her work has on the lives of those who are less fortunate. While raising a family and working on her career, she was also deeply involved in her children’s lives; she attended their sports games, traveled with them as they performed in concerts, worked tirelessly to fund their passions, and ensured that she would always be their rock in times of need. This undying passion to support her children was not without its hard moments; she would travel to different parts of the country, sometimes crying out of frustration after getting lost many times using paper directions with MapQuest to get her children where they needed to be. All those efforts, and the support of her husband for 27 years, Mr. Tony Polanco, have helped their children to pursue higher education. Their son played baseball at Penn State University and has graduated, and ther daughter is currently pursuing a medical degree at St. John’s University. Overall, Rosi is a dynamic and inspiring professional who embodies the values of hard work, determination, and a commitment to making a difference in the world and leaving a legacy.

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Círculo de la Hispanidad Board of Directors

Círculo de la Hispanidad Staff Members

SARAH BREWSTER Chief Director of Services & Operations

GIL BERNARDINO Executive Director/Founder

LEO FERNÁNDEZ P resident

MARIELA ACOSTA Salva Domestic Violence Advocate

ANATALIA AGUILAR Domestic Violence Housing Advocate

GABRIELA BARILLAS HIV/AIDS Program Assistant

WENDY CACERES Fiscal Director

EVELYN TAVÁREZ S ecretary

HÉCTOR MARTÍNEZ T reasurer

WENDY CASTRO Financial Consultant

ZULAY CARSON Fiscal Account-Receivable

SANDRA CARRILLO Fiscal Bookkeeper Claims

LUIS DAPELLO IT Specialist

EMMA MARTÍNEZ Adult ED. Coordinator HIV Program

LESLIE KRINGEL Office Administrator/ Program Assistant

NICOLE LIMA CRUZ Ryan White Transportation Asst.

VANESSA GALVIS Housing Director Assistant

AMY FLORES M ember

SYLVANA LOYOLA M ember

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2023 Gala Planning Committee

Círculo de la Hispanidad Staff Members

YADIRA MEZA Housing Director

MARISOL MUÑOZ Youth Services Director, Long Beach

CÉSAR NUESI HIV/AIDS Target Preventing Support Services (TPSS) Program Director

BLANCA NUÑEZ RWT Director

GIL BERNARDINO

SARAH BREWSTER

YENFI PAREDES HIV/AIDS Linkage Coordinator

AYLEENE PARADA Victims of Crime Asst. Program Coordinator

BETHZAIDA PÉREZ Domestic Violence liason

CAROLINA ORTA GUERRERO HIV/AIDS Health Educator

LESLIE KRINGEL G ala C oordinator

JAQUELINE SLEEFE Human Resources Payroll

MAUDETH RABANAL Fiscal Accounts Payable

JOSHUA POVEDA Chef Culinary & Hospitalary Services Dir.

DULCE RODRÍGUEZ CHEVEZ Domestic Violence Housing advocate

MARÍA ELISA DE LA CUADRA

LEO FERNÁNDEZ

STEVEN GILLEN

SARI VAYDA Partners After School Program Director, Long Beach

REUBEN TRABI HIV/AIDS Regional Prevention & Support Ser. Initiative Program Coordinator

DAMARIS VARGAS Volunteer

ELIZABETH WACHSBERGER Youth Services Director, Hempstead

NANCY IGLESIAS-GILLEN

BLANCA L. GONZÁLEZ

DILCIA GRANVILLE

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2023 Gala Planning Committee

LISETT KNOX

EMMA MARTÍNEZ

YVONNE MARÍA MOWATT

MARTINE MICHEL-TOURE

CAROLINA ORTA

ALFONSO GARCÍA-OSUNA

JIMMY PÉREZ

CÉSAR NUESI

Growing Stronger Together!

ROSI POLANCO

JOSHUA POVEDA

VERÓNICA RENTA-IRWIN

GLORIA ROBLES

2 023 Gala Planning Committee

Thank you...

Gala Committee Members!

EVELYN TAVÁREZ

BETTY RODRÍGUEZ

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Letters from Elected Officials

The Elected Officials who have helped us achieve our goals.

We Thank You!

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Letters from Elected Officials

Letters from Elected Officials

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Letters from Elected Officials

Letters from Elected Officials

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Silver

Triple Crown Foods, Inc. “Purveyors to the Quality Trade” TRIPLECROWNFOODS.COM TEL: (800) 427-6965 ORDERS@TRIPLECROWNFOODS.COM

Congratulations Círculo de la Hispanidad on its 43 rd Anniversary Spring Gala and Honorees for your support. Keep up the good work! Acknowledgements from your friends at, Triple Crown Foods!

We Thank You!

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Bronze

We Thank You!

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Executive

We Thank You!

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Community Organization for Parents and Youth.

21 North Station Plaza, Great Neck, NY 11021 • P: (516) 466-2509 • Fax: (516) 482-3146 BILINGUAL INCLUSIVE CONTEMPORARY TRANSFORMATIONAL

Congratulations Círculo de la Hispanidad on your 43 rd Anniversary and your continuous advocacy of our communities in the quest for Social Justice!

MARÍA ELISA CUADRA , LCSW-R, ACSW, CASAC, CPP, ICAD executive director | ceo ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, ORGANIZATIONS & COMMUNITIES

OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE & CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH CARE Diagnostic & Psychiatric Assessment Family Therapy Couple/Partner Therapy

PREVENTION SERVICES -- CHILDREN & TEENS After School Program Summer Program Academic Skills Development Tutoring & Mentoring Leadership Development Social & Problem-Solving Skills Development Community Attachment Activities Community Service & Volunteering Preparation for Higher Education Healthy Living & Stress Management Prevention of Substance Abuse, Gangs Problem Gambling & Teen Pregnancy Youth Training & Employment Assessment & Counseling Psycho-education on Contemporary Topics

Our Compliments to our fellow Honorees, and your support of such an essential organization.

Marital Therapy Parenting Skills Group Therapy Individual Therapy Medication and Care Grief Counseling Special Needs Groups Anger Management

HIV/AIDS Support Services Substance Abuse Education 12 Step Recovery Groups Problem Gambling Prevention/Care Smoking Cessation Toxicology Screening Referrals for other needed services OTHER SERVICES Family Reunification Counseling Cultural Transition Counseling Immigration - Grief and Loss Orientation to Community Life

Acknowledgements from, The Long Island Hispanic Bar Association.

SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Community Lectures and Training TV and Radio Presentations Conferences and University Lectures Consulting for Leaders and Educators “Working Together for a Better Community!”

LONG ISLAND HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 418 | Garden City, New York 11530 | (516) 430-7043 | lihbacontact@gmail.com | www.lihba.org

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In recognition and gratitude to Círculo de la Hispanidad and Honorees for their hard work, services and dedication to the surrounding communities in need. Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad on its 43 rd Anniversary ~ “Growing Stronger Together!”

Í

Tel. 631•964•1400

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to Long Island’s Bringing Efficiencies and Reliability Energy Network & Resources

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Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad on its 43rd Anniversary Spring Gala

2023

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Corporate

Full Service Pharmacy & Surgical Supply Free Prescription Delivery Ask about discounts for Círculo members

Servicio Completo de Farmacia y Suministro Quiruirgico Entrega de Recetas Gratis Pregunte de descuentos para miembros de Círculo

Congratulations to Dr. Shadab Ahmed & Dr. Tabassum Yasmin NUMC HIV Program Most Insurances Accepted Medicaid, Managed Care Insurances, such as Fidelis and most private insurances

We Thank You!

“Damos la Bienvenida a la Communidad Hispana”

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Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad on its 43 rd Anniversary and acknowledgements to the 2023 Honorees.

Congratulations Círculo de la Hispanidad on its 43 rd Anniversary Spring Gala and Honorees. Acknowledgements from, the Team at Ponder Investment.

NYBS is certified by New York State as a Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE). NYBS wants to be your MBE partner and help you to win more contracts and provide the means for your business to run smoother. 150 Fulton Avenue • Garden City Park, NY 11040

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Business

We Thank You!

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Congratulations “Círculo de la Hispanidad” and Special Honoree... “Long Island ~ Hispanic Bar Association”

Central Islip (631) 232-9555 Huntington Station (631) 427-1158

Hempstead (516) 214-6340 Riverhead (631) 740-9150

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Service

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T axi L atino H empstead (516) 489-2222 T axi L atino F reeport (516) 623-3333 DOWNLOAD OUR APP

All Island Transportation and Taxi Latino are proud supporters of Círculo de la Hispanidad. Congratulations to all honorees and scholarship recipients.

We thank you for your support and dedication to our community!

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The Healthcare Education Project Salutes Círculo de la Hispanidad and congratulates its Honorees Dr. Shadab Ahmed Harris Beach PLLC Long Island Hispanic Bar Association Rosi Polanco Dr. Tabassum Yasmin

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Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad and the 2023 Honorees

FLAVORS OF SPAIN

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We Thank You!

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Live Music Thursday thru Saturday

Open 6 Days for Lunch & Dinner Closed Mondays

R estaurant & C atering S panish C ontinental & A merican C uisine

At Marbella, Chef Gerardo Martínez and Cooks are proud to present the most flavorful dishes from various regions of Spain as well as a number of French and Italian masterpieces.

We cater private parties and banquets for up to 150 people in our Ball Room, East Room, & Dining Room. Whatever your plans require, we can help make it memorable.

Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad & the 2023 Honorees

Dr. Shadab Ahmed Harris Beach PLLC Long Island Hispanic Bar Association Rosi Polanco Dr. Tabassum Yasmin

SERVANDO CID & JUAN ESTEVEZ Marbella Restaurant 220-33 Northern Blvd Bayside, NY 11361

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Tel: 718-423-0100 Fax: 718-423-0102

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M ention this A nnouncement to receive a 10% D iscount & F ree D elivery

Congratulations Círculo de la Hispanidad & the 2023 Honorees!

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111 West Merrick Rd. Freeport, N.Y. 11520 | (516) 223-8486

Best Wishes to All the Honorees

Best Wishes to All the Honorees And Círculo de la Hispanidad & Congratulations to

Thank You for Your Many Years of Support Círculo de la Hispanidad on its 43 rd Anniversary Spring Gala!

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Círculo de la Hispanidad on its 43 rd Anniversary Spring Gala. Best wishes to the, 2023 Honorees. Expert and Professional Heating and Plumbing Technicians Family Owned and Operated | Fully Licensed and Insured Over 60 Years of Experience

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Harris Beach PLLC

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Congratulations Círculo de la Hispanidad on its 43 rd Anniversary and best wishes to all of the 2023 honorees.

Media

í

We Thank You!

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Friend

B E

E R

E

E Y

C O M

GH T

P A N

B R I

Y

Is proud to be a supporter of the invaluable services Círculo de la Hispanidad provides to individuals and families in the Long Island Community.

We Thank You!

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50 West Park Ave • Long Beach, NY 11561 • (516) 543-5736 • www.brighteyebeerco.com

LA FERNANDEZ INSURANCE AGENCY

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LEO FERNÁNDEZ

English / Español

Congratulations to all the honorees and thank you to Círculo De La Hispanidad for all you do and have done for the Long Island community over the past 43 years. And thank you to our dear friends, Nancy Iglesias Gillen and Steve Gillen, for your commitment to the organization and the community.

CONGRATULATIONS CÍRCULO DE LA HISPANIDAD, INC. ON YOUR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY

From all of us at

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Congratulations to all the Honorees! Brian Bergman and staff Congratulations Círculo de la Hispanidad and all the Honorees! Brian Bergman and staff

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UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE SOUTH SHORE VAAD SVS

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(516) 868-7330 | (800) 718-4233 Fax: (516) 868-7330

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Booster

We Thank You!

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Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad on its 43rd Anniversary “Spring Gala” & the 2023 Honorees! Best Wishes, Yvonne María Mowatt

Betty Rodríguez FOUNDER

PERUVIAN CUISINE

"Every Sandwich is a Score!" Best Wishes to all Honorees! Thank You Círculo de la Hispanidad for your service and support to the community! Fabiana & staff OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK SERVING BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Tel. (516) 444-8752

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Congratulations Círculo de la Hispanidad on the 43 rd Anniversary!

TERMITE INSPECTIONS CERTIFICATES FOR MORTGAGES & REFINANCING ISSUED HEALTH VIOLATIONS CORRECTED BED BUGS AND TERMITE SPECIALISTS FREE ESTIMATES SAME DAY SERVICE AVAILABLE

To the 2023 Honorees Best Wishes, Tina Posterli

In Loving Memory of Barbara Dubow Bernardino Phyllis Libutti

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Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad and the 2023 Honorees

E njoy Y our P arty as O ne M ore G uest Leo & Jess Waitstaff

Buddy

W ait S taff S ervices Bartenders · Waiter · Waitresses · Grillers Cooks · Valet Service · Event Planning A ll O cassions !

Phone: (516) 472-8306 blancaleonor20@gmail.com Blanca L.González · Jessica A. Lopez

We Thank You!

NOTHING STOPS A MAN ON A MISSION!

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P ATIO C ATRACHO

Comida Hondureña

66 West Park Avenue Long Beach, N.Y. 11561 (516) 889 • 0124

Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad on its 43 rd Anniversary!

Take-Out & Catering Available

Thank You For Your Business!

J & J LYNBROOK

Y ou C an M ake A D ifference ...

S ponsor a S tudent S cholarship !

AUTOREPAIR EDUARDO & JOSÉ 510 SCRANTON AVE.· LYNBROOK. N.Y. 11563 (516) 569-4100

Michael Tailoring & Dry Cleaning C leaning /A lterations S pecialist

TUXEDOS • WEDDINGS • PROMS QUINCEAÑERAS

48 East Park Avenue Long Beach, New York, 11561 Phone: (516) 889-9047

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E njoy Y our P arty as O ne M ore G uest Leo & Jess Waitstaff W ait S taff S ervices Bartenders · Waiter · Waitresses · Grillers Cooks · Valet Service · Event Planning · A ll O cassions !

To those that believe in the Círculo Mission

Phone: (516) 472-8306 leoandjesswaitstaff@yahoo.com www.leoandjesswaitstaff.com Blanca L. Gonzalez · Jessica A. Lopez

Aimee Scher Corkrey Electric Services Inc. Gil Miguel Bernardino

Explore Círculo Join us for the journey...

Mirko Vasquez Mr. Pollo, Oscar NYBS, Craig Sweezey N. Studios, LTD., Nancy Iglesias Ntiva, Paul Carideo Taxi Latino, Marianne Blessinger The Fernandez Agency, Leo Fernandez TKS Services, Paul Pachuta

We thank you for your support and generous donation!

“Growing Stronger Together!”

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purchased a freezer to store frozen meat. These appliances have enabled us to provide fresh foods and we are grateful for contributions to make this possible.

Circulo has operated its food pantry for nearly forty years. We distribute food every Thursday out of our Long Beach Office. We also distribute food out of our Hempstead office location. We are grateful to our Program Coordinators, Ms. Leslie Kringel, and Ms. Emma Martinez and to all our staff and volunteers for helping to organize our food collection and distribution each week to ensure that individuals and families have food to eat.

This year Círculo de la Hispanidad faced a huge increase in requests for food due to the many individuals and families facing food security needs on Long Island. ADDRESSING FOOD SECURITY ON LONG ISLAND Increasing Demands T

T o address needs, we reached out to our supporters. We are grateful to many organizations and companies who generously help address food security including Long Island Cares, Long Island Harvest, Hispanic Federation, Pam Air-Service, Inc., The Woman’s Opportunity Rehabilitation Center, (WORC), and members of our community. This year Círculo was able to purchase a second refrigerator to store fresh fruits, vegetables, milk products and meat. In addition, the agency

If you are interested in volunteering in our food pantry please call the Long Beach Office (516) 431-1135 and ask for Leslie Kringel.

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