FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 30, 2014

CONTACT: Peter Van Delft
(617) 704-6682

SHERIFF TOMPKINS PRESENTS AT LA ALIANZA HISPANA’S 6TH ANNUAL WOMEN OF COURAGE AWARDS

Sheriff Tompkins speaks to the crowd before presenting an award during the 6th Annual Women of Courage Awards.

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins recently attended La Alianza Hispana’s 6th Annual Women of Courage Awards luncheon at the Hyatt Regency in Boston. Sheriff Tompkins participated in the event in demonstration of his support for the event and to help present one of the Women of Courage Awards.

Established in 1971, La Alianza Hispana, Inc. is a community–based non–profit organization serving the needs of the Hispanic Community throughout the State of Massachusetts. To achieve its goals, the organization focuses on empowering individuals and families, strengthening communities, and developing leaders through high quality educational and employment programs, social services, public health programs, advocacy and community organizing. The Annual Women of Courage Awards is La Alianza Hispana’s main fundraising event, which recognizes women leaders who have made positive contributions to their communities.

For this year’s ceremony, the 2014 Awardees include: Nathalie Fontanez, who received the Community and Civic Service Award; Vilma Lora, who received the Community and Civic Engagement Award; Nurys Carmargo, who received the Business and Innovation Leadership Award; Tiffany Ortiz, who received the Community and Non–Profit Leadership Award; and Jeanette Beltran, who was presented the Health Award by Sheriff Tompkins.

In addition, the organization honored Governor Deval L. Patrick with the “Man of Courage Award” for his exceptional public service and impressive leadership during his tenure as governor. The award was accepted by a representative of his office in place of Governor Patrick who was out of state.

A number of other notable community members were present, including: Attorney General Martha Coakley, MA State Treasurer Steve Grossman, Chief of Health and Human Services for the City of Boston Felix Arroyo, and more. The event, which was hosted by Meriel Marmarillo and Francis Concepcion, included a raffle and silent auction, live music, and a keynote address by Anne Hartstein, the Massachusetts State Secretary of Elders Affairs. Remarks were also given by Marisol Amaya–Aluigi, the organization’s Executive Director, and Jacqueline Butera, a board member for La Alianza Hispana.

Before presenting of awards, Sheriff Tompkins spoke to the crowd about the importance of the day’s event and his own connection to it.

“I feel at home here in this room full of strong, courageous women. I was raised in Spanish Harlem with my mother and sister, and they, too, were strong, courageous women,” he said. He then spoke about the realities of incarceration and recidivism and reiterated the importance of their courageous work in addressing those issues. Acknowledging their efforts, he said, “I commend you for the extraordinary work that you’re doing here. This is a great organization and I’m proud to be able to come out and give my support.”

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