PRESS PHOTOS
  
(L-R) Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr.; Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson; Student Government Association President Dainma Martínez; NYC Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, who presented the College with a proclamation; Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis; CUNY Trustee Mayra Linares-García; Council Member Carmen De La Rosa; Hostos Communications Manager Wilfredo José Burgos Matos; and Hostos Dean of Community Relations Ana García-Reyes.
Yesterday, March 20, Hostos Community College marked an important Women's History Month event, "Women of Courage: Leading Through Resistance and Persistence," organized by the Office of the President and Office of Community Relations. Held in the A-Atrium, the event spotlighted women's vital roles in leadership, overcoming adversity, and trailblazing paths for future generations, especially in the Bronx and neighboring communities.
 
“Women’s History Month reminds us — if reminding is needed — of the crucial role women play in shaping our political, cultural, and moral landscape. Every woman is, each in her own way, well versed in resistance and persistence,” said Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis in her welcoming remarks. “We know what it is to be oppressed, so we understand the need to challenge and remove the sources of oppression. We know that progress can be slow, so we understand the need to dig in, hang on, and never give up.”
 
(L-R) CUNY Trustee Mayra Linares-García; Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis; Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr.; NYC City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams; Dean of Community Relations Ana García-Reyes; and President of the New York Latino Social Work and Scholarship Fund Luisa López.
Many influential women attended the event, including New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, who led the event with an inspiring keynote speech that resonated with the audience, emphasizing the power of resilience and unwavering persistence in the face of challenges.
 
She discussed the initiatives she has spearheaded, including CUNY Reconnect, which welcomes New Yorkers wishing to return to higher education to finish their degrees or acquire new skills. Her father's inspiring life story as a hardworking trucker, including his return to complete his economics degree at York College, led her to commit herself wholeheartedly to the program. At the same time, she pledged to continue advocating for women’s rights in her role. “I am committed to making the path easier for working women and families in this city,” she said.
 
NYC Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams during her remarks.
Adams presented Hostos with a proclamation from the City Council, recognizing the institution's significant contributions and achievements on behalf of the education of women. Her message of empowerment and leadership set the tone for an afternoon of meaningful dialogue and celebration.
 
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson followed her words, reminding women of the importance of using their titles and positions to continue to make space for others to join them in their causes. “As you climb the ladder, you lift others with you,” she stated.
 
The Bronx Borough President also presented the College with a proclamation.
Council Members Carmen De La Rosa and Rafael Salamanca Jr., and Student Government Association (SGA) President Dainma Martínez also delivered uplifting remarks on behalf of women, highlighting their invaluable contributions and resilience.
 
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson speaking with Hostos SGA President Dainma Martínez.
After the introductory remarks section of the event, three women leaders engaged in a roundtable conversation about their fields and the trailblazing work they have done: CUNY Trustee and Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages Mayra Linares-García; President of the New York Latino Social Work and Scholarship Fund President and Social Services and Communications Director at The Urban Outreach Center Luisa López; and Hostos Career Services Director Lisanette Rosario.
 
Each panelist took a moment to share their unique insights on how being a woman has profoundly influenced their current roles. They spoke about the challenges and triumphs they've experienced, highlighting the resilience and determination required to navigate their respective fields. They also shared their visions for the ideal future for women in their industries — a future where equality, respect, and opportunity are not just ideals but realities.
 
“Make sure that you continue to open doors for other women and continue to invite people into your vision,” said López, to which Linares-García added, “It's crucial to show up, do the work, and stop believing that you have to overdo or overcompensate to earn respect from others.”
 
For her part, Rosario (third from left to right) discussed the community's vital role in shaping her field as a woman. As an alumna of Hostos herself, her return to prepare students for their careers is deeply rooted in her belief in the work being done at the College. She emphasized how the supportive community at Hostos has been instrumental in her development and continues to inspire her to give back and contribute to the growth and success of the next generation.
 
The event concluded with networking, camaraderie, and the sharing of delicious food, fostering connections and community among attendees. All participants were awarded certificates acknowledging their exemplary work, accompanied by thoughtful tokens of appreciation.
 
 
About Eugenio María de Hostos Community College
 
Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities for over half a century. Since 1968, Hostos has been a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs.
 
Hostos offers 28 associate degree programs and two certificate programs that facilitate secure transfer to The City University of New York’s (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. A two-time Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence finalist, the College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos also boasts both men's and women's basketball teams, which have won multiple CUNY Athletic Conference and National Junior College Athletic Association championships, with the women's team making history in 2024 as the only team ever to secure seven consecutive titles in CUNY’s history. The College is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university, which serves more than 500,000 students at 25 colleges.
 
For inquiries, email publicrelations@hostos.cuny.edu.
 
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