Landmark on Main Street announced a special speaker panel “Profiles on Main Street” in honor of the Port Washington’s Inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration Day.
The panelist will share their experiences leading up to their current careers and their work on behalf of the community, and audience members are invited to participate with their questions during a Q&A session. The event begins at 12:30 pm and will be free admission and open to the community (children age 10+ and their parents may benefit from the discussion).
Profiles on Main Street will feature two high-level civic leaders from the State of New York: Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez and Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez. Born and raised in East Harlem, Mr. Rodriguez served as a member of the New York State Assembly for 11 years. During this time, he focused on protecting and creating affordable housing, bringing jobs into the community and ensuring children received a quality education. He served as Co-Chair of the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment and Member of Committees on Ways and Means, among others. As a civic leader, Secretary of State Rodriguez served on a number of volunteer boards including as Chairman of Manhattan Community Board 11 and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. Secretary of State Rodriguez is a graduate of Yale University, where he received a B.A. in History and Political Science and New York University Stern Business School where he received an MBA in Finance.
As New York State’s Chief Diversity Officer, Ms. Gutierrez designs and implements statewide programs and initiatives increasing diversity within the State’s workforce and the participation of women and people of color in all areas of State Government. She has led the State’s efforts to raise the minimum wage, implement the strongest Paid Family Leave program in the nation, and more. In May 2021, Ms. Gutierrez was named #1 on City & State New York’s MWBE Power 50 list for her contributions. Previously during her time in State service, Ms. Gutierrez also served as leader of NYS’ Vaccine Equity Task Force and as Deputy Director of Constituency Affairs for New York State. A proud Queens-born Colombiana, Ms. Gutierrez is a Board Member of the New Immigrants Community Empowerment, a Trustee for the Queens Public Library, and a Board Member of the Queens Public Library Foundation. Ms. Gutierrez holds a Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration with a Community Organization and Development Concentration from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, with a Minor in Women’s Studies, from the University of Delaware.
Liz Blacker, VP of Business Development at TelevisaUnivision and Port Washington resident, will serve as the moderator. The candid, aspirational conversation will focus on the speakers’ careers, diverse background and influences and will be tailored to a middle, high school and college-aged audience, although all are invited to attend. The discussion will consist of a 45-minute conversation hosted by Blacker, followed by an audience Q & A session with the panelists. This event is being held in partnership with the Parent Resource Center and the Port Washington Public Library in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, the subsequent Hispanic Heritage Family Celebration at Blumenfeld Family Park will be rescheduled on Sunday, October 9 from 2 pm to 5 pm. This additional event will include classic salsa, merengue and cumbia songs performed by La Orchestra Los 9 del Sabor, a Latin American band with a repertoire that includes hits by Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz and Sonora Dinamita.
