Latino Heritage In Essex County: 2 Community Leaders Earn Awards

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Two local community leaders – a police chief and the executive director of a nonprofit – recently earned awards as part of Essex County’s annual Latino Heritage Celebration.

On Tuesday, Estrella del Condado de Essex awards (“Stars of Essex County”) were presented to Emanuel “Manny” Miranda, chief of the Newark Police Division, and Maritza Arauz, the executive director of FOCUS.

The annual celebration is held to pay homage to the rich culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to the Spanish-speaking nations of Europe, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

The awards are given to spotlight recipients’ “commitment to improving the lives of all residents, their leadership and dedication to public service.”

Both awardees said that hard work played a key role in their success stories.

“I was raised in this city and came from humble beginnings,” Miranda said. “But my parents taught me to work hard and the privilege to work in public service and serve people is a priority in my household.”

“I am proud to say I am a Puerto Rican who, 36 years ago, knocked on FOCUS’ doors seeking guidance and help,” Arauz said.

“I received all of that and more, and this job of helping people became my passion,” Arauz added. “I appreciate this recognition and dedicate it to my team at FOCUS that serves the community with compassion and dignity.”

The Latino Heritage Month Celebration is the part of a year-long cultural series launched by County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. to highlight Essex County’s diversity. Other cultural heritage celebrations include African American History Month, Irish Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, Italian Heritage Month, Jewish Heritage and Portuguese Heritage.

“We are honored to recognize Emanuel Miranda and Maritza Arauz for their commitment to improving the lives of all residents, their leadership, and their dedication to public service in Essex County,” DiVincenzo said of this year’s latest awardees.

County officials provided the following background information about each honoree:

COP RISES THROUGH RANKS – “Emanuel ‘Manny’ Miranda is a 23-year veteran of the Newark Police Division and became Chief of Police in August 2022. His career with the NPD began when he was sworn in as an Officer in 2001 working as a patrolman in the 5th Precinct, serving the residents of Newark’s South Ward. Within three years he joined the precinct’s Detective Bureau, where he utilized his investigative skills to solve major crimes such as homicides and gun violence. In 2016, Miranda was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. One year later, his exceptional work ethic in the Communications Division was noted, and he was appointed as Commander of the Homicide Task Force and oversaw detectives in both the Newark Police Division and the Essex County Prosecutor’s office. In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and, just one year later, was appointed as Commander of the Newark Police Division’s Robbery Unit. Chief Miranda continued to work his way up the ranks and, in 2020 he was promoted to the rank of Captain while serving as an assistant to the Office of the Public Safety Director. Chief Miranda’s distinguished leadership skills were further recognized when he was appointed as the Newark Chief of Police in 2022. Born and raised in Newark, Miranda is married with two sons.”

PURSUING THE AMERICAN DREAM – “Maritza Arauz arrived in the United States from Puerto Rico in 1988 to pursue the ‘American Dream.’ That same year, Arauz joined FOCUS as a Youth Counselor, in 1996 she was promoted to Program Director and by 2002 she was promoted to the Grants Management Officer of FOCUS. On April 27, 2017, the Board of Trustees appointed her as Executive Director of the organization. While working her way up the ladder, Arauz applied herself diligently during her 36 years at FOCUS. She has secured over $2 million in grants to support FOCUS on a yearly basis and expresses that work with her Hispanic community is one of her passions. She graduated from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San Juan Campus, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in marketing. In 2001, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development awarded Arauz a scholarship to complete 12 graduate credits and obtained a Certificate in Non-Profit Management at Rutgers University. She is a New Jersey State Certified Social Worker and serves on both the board of the Maria L. Varisco-Rogers Charter School and the board of the Center of Excellence for Latino Health from Clara Maass Medical Center. In both 2005 and 2013, Maritza was awarded the FOCUS Employee of the Year Award in recognition for her excellence in community leadership, professional performance, and commitment to public service. She has received numerous other accolades from NJ Senate, City of Newark and Newark Councilman Luis A. Quintana and has been recognized as a ‘Woman of Impact’ by the NJ Department of State, honored by the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development, recognized as an ‘Exemplary and Extraordinary Woman’ by the New Jersey Ecuadorian-American Chamber of Commerce and as ‘Community Leader of the Year’ by Latino Street News. Maritza expresses that the most rewarding realization is her family. She was married to Luis Arauz for 27 years until his passing in 2017. Her husband left her with their two blessed and wonderful daughters: Lirexis, 31, and Limarys, 26.”

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