On a night dedicated to honoring the pioneering Puerto Ricans whose tireless work has set the standard for Hispanics, defining the image and perception of the Hispanic community in the United States, the Hispanic Information Telecommunications Network (HITN) held its second awards ceremony as part of Puerto Rican Heritage Month.
Puerto Rican and Hispanic Community members, elected officials, and special guests gathered at the Hunter College Center for Puerto Rican Studies auditorium to celebrate those pioneers whose careers have exemplified dedication and service to the community.
“We, Puerto Ricans, have been an integral part of various sectors in this country. And this year, our goal is to continue paying tribute to the contributions of Puerto Rican pioneers, acknowledging individuals whose historical impact have enriched society and their respective communities,” said Michael D. Nieves, President and CEO of HITN, in his opening speech.
The tribute included the presentation of a series of reports dedicated to each of the recognized individuals: Hon. José Rivera, Dr. Lourdes Ramos Rivas, Billy Ocasio, Ramón Figueroa Sorrentini & Irmgard Iglesias, and Olga Méndez (posthumous award). Although each honoree resides in a different city, they all share Puerto Rican roots. These videos will be integrated into the channel’s programming and digital platforms.
Attendees also enjoyed the social aspect of the event, featuring traditional music and hor d’oeuvres from the island’s cuisine. It was an opportunity for them to interact with the honorees as well.
This recognition of Puerto Rican pioneers during Puerto Rican Heritage Month has become an annual HITN-sponsored event to highlight the presence of the Hispanic community. Please click on the link below each honorees bio to see the video.
The 2023 HITN Honorees
José Rivera, New York
José Rivera, born on July 30, 1936, had a distinguished political career. He started in the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 1987, then served on the NYC Council from 1987 to 2000. He later represented the Bronx’s Fordham-Bedford, Kingsbridge Heights, Bedford Park, and Belmont sections in the New York State Assembly from 2000 to 2022.
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Lourdes Ramos-Rivas, Los Angeles
Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Museum of Latin American Art or MOLAA. Dr. Lourdes Ramos-Rivas, the first Puerto Rican and Latina president and CEO of MOLAA has initiated ambitious plans to grow the museum into a first-class institution with international clout. A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. Ramos has led the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan, one of the largest and most prominent Latin American cultural institutions.
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Billy Ocasio, Chicago
Billy Ocasio has served as the President and CEO of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture for the past nine years. A former politician who served as 26th Ward Alderman for 15 years. He left the Chicago City Council in 2009, appointed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to serve as an advisor on social justice issues.
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Ramon Figueroa Sorrentini and Irmgard Iglesias, Puerto Rico
Ramon and Irmgard, both retired educators, have organized the Comité de Trabajo y Apoyo a Vieques and the Festival Reyes Magos de Vieques for the past 25 years. The Festival has benefitted thousands of Vieques, Puerto Rico, schoolchildren by raising money for school supplies and a children’s festival.
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Olga Méndez, New York (Posthumous award)
Olga Aran Méndez (February 5, 1925 — July 29, 2009) was the first Puerto Rican woman elected to a state legislature in the United States when, in 1978, she became a member of the New York State Senate.
