Círculo de la Hispanidad's 39th Anniversary Spring Gala Journal

Growing Stronger Toge t her

Growing Stronger Toge t her

M rs . V erónica R enta I rwin , E sq .

M r . L uis V alenzuela , Ph.D.

PARTNER Irwin & Streiner, LLC.

LONG ISLAND REGION ADVOCATE Healthcare Education Project 1199SEIU & GNYHA

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V erónica Renta Irwin has been a practicing attorney for twenty years, having graduated from Hofstra Law School in 1999. Twelve years ago, she opened her own firm and was able to devote considerable time to social issues and pro bono work. Of particular importance to her are matters affecting minorities, women and children. While developing her practice, Ms. Irwin has made it a priority to assist lower income women through Nassau Suffolk Legal Services and victims of domestic violence through the Safe Center. She also participates in community outreach programs through her work as the Secretary of the Nassau County Women's Bar Association, Board member of the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association, and member of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, where she serves on the Legislative Committee, a member of the Nassau County Bar Association, and Puerto Rican Bar Association. Ms. Irwin’s work with the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York allows her to review and have input on legislation that directly affects the rights and lives of minorities and women throughout the State of New York. Recently, after years of judging mock trial competitions at the high school, college and law school levels, Ms. Irwin has had the opportunity to coach a High School Mock Trial team, allowing her to encourage and nurture the aspirations of future attorneys. She takes every opportunity to mentor young attorneys, in an attempt to encourage them to excel not only in the legal profession, but also to seek elected and judicial positions. Latino issues are very important to her and she works with amazing organizations devoted to community outreach and education like Hispanics United for Nassau County. In 2015 Ms. Irwin was nominated for Nassau County Attorney of the Year. Also in 2015 she was named top Honoree for the Nassau County Bar Association Pro Bono attorney. In April of 2016 Ms. Irwin was named Top Pro Bono attorney of the month. She was named Honoree and Access to Justice Provider in 2016 as well. In 2017 she was named Distinguished Professional by the Expert Network. Other recognitions include being named a Lawyer of Distinction, Top 10% in the USA, Personal Injury Attorney in 2017 and 2018. Ms. Irwin was also honored to receive the Hofstra Law Outstanding Women in Law Award in 2018. Her parents, both born in Puerto Rico, instilled in her an excellent work ethic and strong sense of social responsibility. She considers herself very fortunate to be able to devote time to her family, her work and her passions.

L uis Valenzuela, Ph.D., LMSW is currently employed by the Healthcare Education Project (HEP). HEP is a unique labor-management alliance between the Greater New York Hospital Association and 1199 SEIU United Health¬care Workers East. HEP brings healthcare providers, consumers, and workers together into a single powerful voice. From conceiving the landmark Family Health Plus insurance program to protecting Medicaid funding in New York State to breast cancer screening awareness campaigns, HEP has evolved into one of the nation’s most influential healthcare advocacy voices. In his capacity as the Long Island Region Healthcare Advocate, Luis focuses on building partnerships with individuals, local healthcare providers, and civic and religious leaders across the Long Island region to secure a better, more efficient, and more financially sound healthcare delivery system. As the volunteer Executive Director of the Long Island Immigrant Alliance (LIIA), Luis works with an alliance of charitable, religious, labor, civil rights and immigrant organizations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties that are concerned with ensuring that Long Island provides a welcoming environment for immigrants and invites their involvement in the cultural, socio-economic and political life of their community. Luis started his career as a social worker with the Puerto Rican Family Institute. Later, he moved into the field of Child Welfare where he worked at many different levels, from casework to Regional Assistant to Executive Director. His experiences, on behalf of families and communities, at the local, state and national level have cemented his commitment to being an advocate for sound healthcare and immigration policies. Luis received his Ph.D. from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services. He obtained his Masters of Social Work degree from the School of Social Welfare, at Stony Brook University School of Medicine and his Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Stony Brook University. He completed addiction training at the South Oaks Hospital Institute of Alcoholism and Addictive Behaviors. Luis is also a fellow of the CORO Leadership Institute. Luis serves on the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission and on the Suffolk County Legislature’s Welfare to Work Commission. Luis has the distinguished honor to have been a founding member, and to have served as the President, of the National Association of Puerto Rican Hispanic Social Workers. Luis serves on the boards of several community organizations including: Energeia Leadership Academy Advisory Board, Long Island Council of Churches, College of Advisors for Erase Racism, Long Island Progressive Coalition, AMOS (A Movement in Solidarity) of Jobs with Justice LI, and Community Advocates. Luis is active in many community organizations including: Long Island Organizing Network (LION), L.I. Healthcare Collaborative, LI Save Our Healthcare Alliance, LI Healthcare Heroes, and the Suffolk County Complete Count Committee. Past associations include: Suffolk County Police Commissioner’s Advisory Board, LI Intergenerational Strategies, The Latino Jewish Coalition, Adelphi University President's Advisory Board, Vital Signs-The Long Island Social Health Project, SUNY Stony Brook President's Multicultural Advisory Board, The National Hispanic-Latino American Agenda Summit: Mental Health Issues and Platform Committee, The Children's Network in Far Rockaway, South East Queens Neighborhood Network, Delinquency Prevention Advisory Board Laurelton Public Library, The Jamaica Neighborhood Advisory Board, Brady Center's Stop The Violence Gun Control Project, Long Islanders Against the Death Penalty, the NY ACLU Suffolk Chapter, The Nassau Suffolk Hispanic Legislative Task Force, and the NYC Immigration Coalition. Luis has been married to Debbie Valenzuela for 39 years. They have two children, Luis (and his wife, Anne) and Migdalia (and John), and 4 grandchildren, Sierra, Amaya, Ava and Luke.

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