Hispanic Heritage Month: Newark Community Leaders Honored

NEWARK, NJ — Two community leaders in Newark are being honored to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month: Amiris Perez and Griselle Ponce.

The Essex County Board of County Commissioners recently held its third annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, paying tribute to several local residents. Watch a video of the ceremony here.

This event celebrates the accomplishments of local residents and their “unique contributions to the Essex community and society as a whole,” according to a news release from the commissioner board.

According to the board, here’s why Perez earned a nod this year:

"Amiris Perez, presented by Commissioner Mercado, is the President and co-founder of Mujeres de Ayer Hoy y Siempre, Inc. (MAHS), a non-profit organization striving to promote women’s health, empowerment, and leadership. She is the first Vice-President of the Latin Empowerment Alliance of NJ. She is also a Board member of Quisqueyanos Unidos of Newark, and of Clara Maass Medical Center Community Advisory Board for the Center of Excellence for Latino Health. Through her initiatives, she has provided food, medicine, emergency assistance, educational books, and toys to impoverished orphan children in the Dominican Republic. Under her leadership, thousands of food boxes have been distributed to low-income families and senior citizens since the beginning of Covid-19 pandemic; an effort that continues on a weekly basis. MAHS organized symposiums targeting female victims of domestic violence, and seminars about depression, breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, nutrition, and mental health in the community. They distributed free mammogram, sonogram, and pap smear vouchers to uninsured women. They donated dozens of medical supplies, such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, diapers, formulas, etc., among other efforts. Amiris’ commitment and dedication to decades of community work has been highly influenced by her family, motivating her to continue a legacy of community service."

Here’s why Ponce earned an award this year:

"Griselle Ponce, presented by Commissioner Mercado, is a multi-talented dynamo who has left an indelible mark in the worlds of dance, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and philanthropy. Griselle’s dance career took root under the tutelage of Mr. Ismael Otero, the Director of Caribbean Soul Dance Co. She swiftly became a global sensation, crisscrossing the world to showcase her salsa prowess. Ms. Ponce also honed her business acumen, venturing into the world of network marketing at ACN, a multi-level telecommunications marketing company. Within an astonishing four months, she rose to the rank of Regional Director. In 2019, Griselle became the owner of Latin Flavor Restaurant and Lounge, one of Newark's most iconic Latin cuisine establishments. She served on the Board of Trustees for the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc., where she assumed the role of Director of Pageant. She was appointed as a City of Newark Hispanic Commissioner, taking on the role of Treasurer. Ms. Ponce successfully ran for President of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc., making history as the first female President of this prestigious organization. She was an actress, dancer, and Principal Choreographer in the film "In the Heights," (2021). She also lent her choreographic expertise to Off-Broadway plays, and has been involved in music videos for renowned artists like Jennifer Lopez. She has made appearances on Univision TV and Telemundo TV as a model, dancer, and co-host. She has performed for President Barack Obama, captivating one of the most prominent leaders of our time."

“Today we celebrate Hispanic Americans and Hispanic culture,” Commissioner Vice President Carlos Pomares said. “Our honorees exemplify and are a reflection of the outstanding people in our Hispanic community who have done great things here in Essex. Because of your contributions, we are all the better as a community. We thank you for all you do, and we congratulate all of you on this honor.”

“As a Hispanic American, I am certainly proud to take part in today’s ceremony,” agreed District 1 Commissioner Robert Mercado.

“The Hispanic community is defined by our culture, history, pride, and diversity,” Mercado added. “It is impossible to imagine where Essex County, New Jersey and the country would be without the work and contributions of Hispanic Americans and communities.”

In addition to Barrera, the board recognized Marcia Almeida, a community leader in Montclair,Rosaura Bagolie, a Livingston councilwoman, Amiris Perez, a humanitarian leader in Newark, and Griselle Ponce of Newark, president of the Puerto Rican Day Parade Inc.

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