18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Cultural Celebration

By Jennifer L. Warren

BALMVILLE – Whether it’s partnering with the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, assisting immigrants with securing citizenship, connecting Latinos with vital classes to learn English, or a host of other quality of life issues ensuring equality and fairness, Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley continues to be a pivotal, treasured community bridge, securing dignity while empowering each of the lives it touches.

Saturday night, inside the Powelton Club that unwavering mission, which has profoundly shaped the futures of countless people, was once again celebrated at the 18th Annual Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley Cultural Celebration. Here, a large crowd turned out, adorned in formal attire, while sporting broad smiles, to share an evening filled with community bonding, energetic networking and an overall upbeat vibe, rippling with hope, love, respect and a shared commitment to the beauty of diversity. In that very spirit, two pillars of the community: Marie Vega-Byrne and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh were honored for their relentless, diligent efforts to make their surrounding community better for each person who inhabits it.

Dubbed “The Chief Possibiliter” in her introduction, Vega-Byrne was bestowed as the 2024 De Hoy Awardee. Always eager to do anything needed to assist her community, Vega-Byrne is a transformational coach and corporate professional with a stellar skillset in succession planning and talent development. Herself a product of the housing projects in New York City, where she was born, she possesses a first-hand understanding of self-awareness and being able to optimally use one’s talents to flourish in all realms of life. Whether it’s as the Vice Chairperson of Fearless! Hudson Valley, where she serves survivors of domestic violence, trafficking and social injustice, aiding Latinos in Business or through her ardent efforts with Towns 4 Troops, uplifting active duty members, Vega-Byrne is continually seeking avenues to help hard-working, low-income families, equipping them with the tools they need to proudly and independently prosper while realizing their full potential.

“I’m never at a loss for words, but I am right now,” said Vega-Byrne upon receiving her plaque as well as proclamations from political dignitaries. “This is something you don’t do alone; if we don’t all work together, we won’t ensure our grandchildren’s futures, and I have a lot of grandchildren, so I want to keep on going.”

Another honoree that intends to be going for many more years is Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh. Recently celebrating their 25th anniversary of revitalizing Newburgh’s neighborhoods through a concerted, chiefly volunteer-based effort to eliminate substandard housing, both locally and nationally, the largest and most productive local Habitat has closed on 109 decent and affordable houses. Using the hands-on sweat equity vehicle (owners devote an impressive number of hours both working on their prospective homes as well as learning about the home ownership process), the thriving organization has markedly improved their Newburgh community, rehabilitating and preserving homes.

“It is a true honor to receive this award tonight,” said Janis Berg, President of the Board of Directors of the Newburgh Habitat chapter, who pointed out that 65 percent of Habitat of Greater Newburgh’s homeowners are Latino. “Our very first home owner- Pedro Cruz- was Latino, and he still continues to volunteer; he was just sweeping the floors of a house the other night.” She added, “This is what it’s all about; seeing that generational impact, a lot of hard work that’s a partnership, and something I really hope continues.”

Also providing remarks for the organization was Jill Marie, Habitat of Greater Newburgh Executive Director.

“We currently have eight houses in construction right now,” said Jill Marie about the ongoing, positive strides the organization is continuing to make each day. “We are here for the working class and for homeowners, building community and hope, and we can only do it all together.”

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