Newark Community Leaders Share Wisdom At Latina Empowerment Brunch

NEWARK, NJ — Local community leaders in the Newark area found camaraderie and unity – while imparting some well-received wisdom – during an annual Latina Empowerment Brunch at Newark Symphony Hall earlier this week.

The annual celebration unites local Latina leaders to exchange ideas and strategies to further empower the community, and recognize young women from the city’s high schools. The event includes inspirational discussions about professional and personal success stories.

The event opened with remarks from congressional candidate Analilia Mejía. Other speakers included PIX11 investigative reporter Monica Morales; United Airlines northeast region Director of corporate and government affairs Blenda Pinto; Para KIDS! founder and CEO Daniela Palacios; Noticiero 47 Telemundo reporter Yolanda Vásquez; behavior analyst and organizational behavior management specialist Nyasia Borelli; celebrity makeup artist Nydia Cabrera, and veteran police sergeant Damaris Febus.

“Newark’s Latina community has always been one of our city’s greatest strengths—contributing significantly across business, education, healthcare, public service, and the arts,” said Jacqueline Mercado-Quiles, the city’s deputy mayor of community engagement.

“Our steadfast commitment to this community has played a major role in transforming Newark into a city we can all believe in,” Mercado-Quiles said.

“Newark stands tall as it celebrates our Latina community at this dynamic event each year, where strong leaders network and pass their wisdom to tomorrow’s leaders,” Mayor Ras Baraka agreed.

“All of Newark is proud of our Latina women who consistently demonstrate strength, intelligence and creativity,” Baraka said. “Especially now, in this challenging chapter of our American history, I thank all of Newark’s Latinas for the gifts and the grace they continue to share with our entire community.”

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