Visionary Award

 

The Visionary award recognizes the individual whose strategic perspective and methods allows them to deliver effective outcomes with long-term impact. A forward-thinker, collaborator, and creator in their own right, the honoree is skilled at foreseeing issues and implementing tactics that offer a lasting result.

 

2018 Winner: Milagros Morales (1996) - She serves as Sr. Director at Morgan Stanley. Born in the South Bronx and moved to Puerto Rico during her freshman year of high school in the summer of 1979. She graduated from high school and attended college for three semesters in Puerto Rico, but was unable to complete her studies due to financial challenges. Postponing her college dream, she instead went to work. In 1985, she returned to New York City and was hired by Morgan Stanley. Finding her work rewarding, but desiring to obtain a college degree, she enrolled at Hostos, earned stellar grades, and became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She graduated June 1996 with an A.S. in business administration and a 4.0 GPA. Her career with Morgan Stanley spanned 26 years where she began as a clerk. Now she works as Customer Service Specialist #2 for Orange County Tax Collector in Orlando, Florida.

 

Community Impact Award

The Community Impact award represents one whose ideals, skills, and knowledge are targeted towards affecting positive change within a particular community or population. The honoree endeavors to identify a community concern and actively relishes in proposing solutions or providing the resources that serve to strengthen a community.

 

2018 Winner : Ruth Hulse - She has spent over eighteen years working within the field of social services advocating for battered women, abused children and juveniles. She is currently employed as a Case Manager for the Children’s Rescue Fund, a NYC family shelter run by the Department of Homeless Services. Ruth uses her professional training to empower young mothers to achieve a better future for them and their children by insuring they have access to education, health care and jobs training.  She previously worked for the Thorpe Family Residence and the Praxis Organization, a state and federal shelter for people who have been diagnosed as HIV positive. She was a member of the Mirabel Sisters Cultural Foundation in Washington Heights where she counseled and advised young adults and their families from predominantly low-income families about educational opportunities and navigating the social services arena. Her involvement with other Dominican foundations allowed her to coach and mentor young adults in the community about professional responsibilities on the job, expected dress codes at work, and the importance of education. She has participated in many humanitarian missions to the Dominican Republic with Friends of Lead Free Children to bring attention to the lead in drinking water in many poor Dominican communities. Through her missions with the Corinthian medical organization, she brought medical supplies and health services to underserved communities. Additionally, she has attended humanitarian missions to Haiti with NOAH, New York, bringing medical supplies, health care services, and educational resources and books on English comprehension to the children of Haiti. She is a regular attendee of the CaribNews, international Caribbean Business Conferences, Somos El Futuro Conferences in Albany, NY and San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C. She has an A.S. Degree from Hostos Community College and a B.S. Degree in Psychology from Lehman College.

 

Trailblazer Award

 

The Trailblazer award is granted to one who embodies originality, consistently pursues innovation, and strives for excellence in their industry. A change agent determined to advance, the honoree sets out to gain knowledge and make new discoveries that ultimately, benefits many. Their insightfulness and persistence opens new paths for others.

 

2018 Winner: Luis Eladio Torres - Since 2005, he has served as the Principal of P.S. 55 and is an advocate of equal opportunities for Bronx residents. He has assisted people in job placement, immigration issues, health, and college enrollment. He is the recipient of various education awards including Outstanding Young Educator ASCD in 2011, Daily News Hometown Hero 2013 and Educator of the Year NAACP 2014. He is a strong believer that every person is entitled to the best education possible and is a proficient public speaker.

 

 

Global Citizen Award

 

The Global Citizen award acknowledges the individual whose civic engagement impacts other parts of the world. The honoree courageously participates in opportunities across the globe in an effort to share information, services, and offer expertise. Driven to explore outside of confines of their own culture, they seek to fulfill a larger, global purpose.

 

2018 Winner: Michael Cruz - He graduated from Hostos Community College and the City College of New York. He was a Youth Development Specialist for the Peace Corps serving in Peru and received special permission in fall 2017 to go to Puerto Rico and assist with the humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Maria. He has also worked for CUNY’s Citizenship Now program and other immigrant services organizations.

 

Honorable Recognition*

 

An Honorable Recognition acknowledges the achievements of the individual who has demonstrated a high level of integrity within their industry and thoughtfulness towards society. The merit of their work does not go unnoticed.

 

*Receiving this acknowledgement does not exclude the individual from receiving a future Alma Matter award.

2018 Honorable Mention
Marlene Lantigua, Goya Foods