The LUPE Fund — a nonprofit that promotes the advancement of Latinas in civic and professional leadership roles — will hold its signature event, the Power of Women, for the first time since 2020, Wednesday night at the Brownstone in Paterson.
The event, which began in 2004, recognizes and celebrates those who are making a significant impact across New Jersey through their vital work.
The Power of Women event will salute four honorees — including Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark) — as well as award six deserving undergraduate Latina students with the 2022 Young Latina Leadership Scholarships.
(For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here.)
LUPE President Iveth Mosquera said she is thrilled the event is returning after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I cannot think of a better way to celebrate 19 years of empowering, educating and engaging Latinas in New Jersey,” she said. “LUPE’s role in New Jersey has never been more important than now. This year’s honorees exemplify leadership, courage and compassion.
“On behalf of the LUPE board of trustees, we sincerely thank them for defending democracy, promoting equality and standing up for the rights of all New Jersey residents.”
The honorees:
- Ruiz: She is the highest-ranking Latina legislator in the state;
- Jesse Burns: She is the executive director at the League of Women Voters of New Jersey;
- Carlos Lejnieks: CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties;
- Johanna Calle: She is the New Jersey Office of New Americans director.
To date, LUPE Fund has awarded more than $85,000 since 2011 to support Latina students’ education. This year’s recipients have displayed academic excellence, leadership and have been civically engaged in their communities.
About LUPE Fund
The LUPE Fund is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to educate, empower and engage Latinas through leadership and civic engagement. The organization promotes the advancement of Latinas in civic and professional leadership roles by providing scholarships, educational and professional development programs, networking and mentorship opportunities at a local and statewide level.
LUPE Fund is committed to collaborating with other women’s and children’s organizations on issues of common interest such as education, health and economic development in an effort to advance the Latino community.
One of the scholarship awards is named after Peggy Anastos, a longtime advocate and activist for the Hispanic community in New Jersey. She serves as an advisor to the LUPE organization.
“PIX11 is proud to support the LUPE Fund in this great event,” said Vice President and General Manager of Nexstar Media Inc.’s New York City Operations Chris McDonnell. “As New York’s Very Own, we celebrate all Latina women who are making a significant impact across New Jersey and the Tri-State area through their amazing contributions to our community.”
Six-time Emmy Award-Winning Reporter Monica Morales of PIX11, the host of “Monica Makes It Happen,” which helps New York and New Jersey residents in need, with a focus on public housing, will emcee the event.
Event co-Chair Sara Peña said Morales’ efforts fit the mission of LUPE.
“We are extremely elated to have distinguished journalist Monica Morales to serve as emcee of this event,” she said. “Her work is directly aligned with our mission.
“We also congratulate this year’s honorees, who advocate for social justice issues that have an enduring impact on our community as a whole.”
(For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.)
