MAYOR BARAKA HOSTS LATINA EMPOWERMENT BRUNCH
AT NEWARK SYMPHONY HALL
Event honors eight Latina achievers, ranging from news anchors to bankers to firefighters;
Speakers share stories of personal and career advancement
Newark, NJ – March 3, 2025 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Jacqueline Mercado-Quiles, and other dignitaries hosted the 2025 Latina Empowerment Brunch today at Newark Symphony Hall, located at 1020 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard. The annual brunch unites Latina leaders to exchange ideas and best practices to further empower what is already a dynamic and vibrant and community.
The event’s featured speakers were Newark Police Lieutenant Gloria M. Caballero; Noticias Univision 41 Journalist Esperanza Ceballos; banking executive and former Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz; legal expert Karla Y. Garcia, Esq.; PIX11 News Anchor Monica Morales; Robert Treat Academy Educator Tiana Marie Santos, and Newark Firefighter Aida Villalongo-Cobbs. The women shared their stories and advice on career and personal advancement during the networking brunch for professionals and young students from every city high school.
“Today’s Latina Empowerment Brunch brings together the diversity that reflects our city, state, nation and the entire Latina community,” Mayor Baraka said. “These are women who have achieved great things in their fields, but perhaps their greatest contribution to the world is their indomitable spirit and fierce determination to give full expression to their substantial gifts and talent. These are women with contagious passion, who have inspired and elevated everyone around them. It is a pleasure and privilege to honor them today.”
“One of the special joys of my work with the City is this annual brunch, as it accomplishes two important things. First, we pay tribute to Latina women who have distinguished themselves by effort and energy,” said Deputy Mayor Mercado-Quiles. “Second, we deliver important messages to the young ladies in attendance today, which inspires them to achieve their own personal greatness, in whatever field they choose to enter. I congratulate everyone who joined us today.”
Newark Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Yolanda Mendez hosted the panel. The event was sponsored by Popular Community Bank and Wellpoint.
For photographs of the event, click here.
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