Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrates “Pioneers of Change”

From left: Professor Frank Duroy, Jose Medina-Pardo, ECC Trustee Cynthia Martinez, ECC President Augustine A. Boakye, Tanya Quinones Munyan and Assemblywoman Carmen Morales

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One of the highlights of Essex County College’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month was the October 1 Pioneers of Change program featuring five speakers discussing today’s challenges and opportunities for the Latinx community.  

Speakers at the event held in Siegler Hall were:

  • State Assemblywoman Carmen T. Morales (D-34), a former ECC Board of Trustees member
  • Cynthia D. Martinez, Social Worker at the Essex County Donald M. Payne School of Technology and ECC Trustee
  • Jose Medina-Pardo, Engineering Manager for the Durst Organization and a graduate of ECC, Class of 2006
  • Tanya Quinones Munyan, Head Start Director at La Casa de Don Pedro
  • Professor Frank Duroy, ECC Division of Biology, Chemistry & Physics

The speakers offered advice based on the lessons they have learned throughout their own personal and professional journeys to where they are today.

“Remember, nothing is impossible,” said Assemblywoman Morales, who stressed that education is the key for moving forward.

ECC’s President, Dr. Augustine A. Boakye, said the College is working hard in support of Hispanics, both at the institution and in the community. The College recently opened a Latinx Engagement Center that is sponsoring the ECC Hispanic Heritage Month activities.

“It’s important for us to recognize the Hispanic and Latino culture that our students and staff bring to our College,” said Christine Soto, a co-chair of the Center and ECC General Counsel.

“The speakers’ passion and dedication to the Latinx community, with a particular focus on the importance of education was obvious. Their insights will definitely leave a lasting impact on the audience,” said Center co-chair Dominique Spagnolo, ECC Paralegal.

The other co-chairs include ECC Chief of Staff Pavi Jalloh and Business Division Professor Jean-Wilner Alexandre.

Upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events include:

  • October 9 – Fall Trivia Event, 11 a.m. in the Cafeteria Pit
  • October 10 – Latidos del Arte, a cultural celebration of Latinx Performance Art, 6 p.m. in Smith Hall.   
  • October 15 – Closing Ceremony – 12 Noon in Room 3234 (Green Area)