2024/9/20
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Posted by C. Sonia Martinez, Mohawk Valley Latino Association Executive Director
in
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,
In The Community,
Social Determinants of Health
This annual Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, is truly a reminder to all Latinos to celebrate customs and traditions across communities. This year, the Hispanic Heritage Month theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This theme highlights the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that defines the Hispanic experience.
I enjoy when others, especially young people, ask about my journey to the United States from the Dominican Republic. Through my work at the Mohawk Valley Latino Association (MVLA), I support marginalized people and guide immigrants to achieve their dreams of finding gainful employment or starting a small business, becoming U.S. citizens, and owning a home.
Hispanic Heritage Month is also a time to address health challenges faced by our community. Many Latinos face high-risk and chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Social determinants of health including poverty, language barriers, access to healthcare, the immigration system, educational opportunities, and other factors can make these diseases more difficult to prevent, treat, or manage. MVLA is always looking for ways to educate and empower our Latino community with access to healthcare, employment, immigration support, social justice, education, and housing access to live in a healthy and safe environment. MVLA works with Fidelis Care and other community partners and programs to bring information from trusted sources to the Latino community.
During this Hispanic Heritage Month, I encourage everyone to take even one small step in becoming a Pioneer of Change and helping to improve the health and well-being of our community.
Mohawk Valley Latino Association Executive Director C. Sonia Martinez has devoted herself to the success and growth of the organization since 2003. She left her native Dominican Republic in 1972 and attended Herkimer Community College. Martinez serves on the boards of several organizations including NAACP Utica and Rome, Munson, SCORE CNY Chapter, UIDC, SOMOS NY, Upstate Family Health Clinic, Black Leadership Coalition, Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, and others. She has mentored young scholars, created a Youth Program, assisted different Latino cultures to create coalitions to help unite their communities, and participated in many forums on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Social Justice, and Education.