Carmen Sonia Martinez
Executive Director / Directora Ejecutiva
Watch the episode of Behind the Woman with Sonia Martinez!
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Carmen Sonia Martinez was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States in 1972, settling in South Bronx of New York City. She later moved to Herkimer County, attended Herkimer County Community College, and graduated with an A.A.S degree in Travel & Tourism. Her 27 year career was in healthcare, working at Excellus BCBS until 2013, worked for the Utica City Schools District, as a Spanish Academic Coach until March 2019, and recently accepted the appointment of Executive Director for the Mohawk Valley Latino Association. This has been a goal of Ms. Martinez, since she has been in this role for the past 15 years as a volunteer Chairman/Executive Director.
To address the issues of the lack of educational and cultural support services for area Latino residents, she cofounded the Mohawk Valley Latino Association (MVLA) along with three other Latino colleagues. MVLA unites the Latino community and provides coordinated assistance in navigating education, housing, immigration, healthcare, social services, translation/interpretation, judicial and/or employment issues. Sonia is a member of many community boards, such as; CNY Arts Council, Dominican Assoc. of Utica (Advisor), Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, Oneida County History Center, Mohawk Valley Non-Profit Leaders, NAACP Oneida County Utica Branch, SOMOS NY, Upstate Family Health Center, SCORE CNY, Upstate Family Healthcare, Herkimer College Foundation Board, On Point for College, Advisory Board and the Upstate Latino Alliance. She was named a member of the Utica’s Mayoral Transition Team of the City of Utica by Mayor Robert Palmieri, is a Oneida County History Center Living Legend 2017 award and received a proclamation from NYS Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli and NYS Assemblyman, Marco Crespo, Chair, Puerto Rican Hispanic Task Force. In the fall of 2017, Ms. Martinez received the Oneida County History Center Living Legends Award. She has also been recognized by the Maranatha Church in Rome as a Latina leader for the 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month, in October 2018, the Genesis Group “Joseph R. Carucci” Legacy award for her dedication to her community, and recently received a NYS Senate Commendation award by Senator Joseph A. Griffo on February 6, 2019. |
Chemy Rodriguez
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Zaida Morell
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Chemirelly Rodríguez, “Chemy” was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Chemy went to Trinity College for an Associate's degree in Accounting. After, she moved to Utica, NY where she started working in retail then changed to pursue a career in banking.
Chemy has been in banking for 10 years. She started as a teller and now she is currently working in Adirondack Bank in Ilion, NY. During those 10 years in banking, Chemy has learned many skills as well as customer service. She has a 5 year old son and a 2 year old daughter. On her days off, she likes to spend time with her family and go shopping. |
Zaida Morell was born in Puerto Rico. In 1992, she settled in the Albany area where she attended SUNY and graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling. She built a career by counseling individuals with substance abuse and mental health issues by helping them get reintegrated in the community. She worked as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Specialist at Northeast Career Planning in Albany. Then she relocated to the Syracuse area where she worked as a Rehabilitation and Vocational counselor at Arise, Child and Family Services helping ex offenders get reintegrated into the workforce.
In 2001, Zaida moved to the New Hartford area with her husband Dr. Martin Morell and their two children, Alexander and Isabel. She became the STEP (Science and Technology entry program) coordinator at Mohawk Valley Community College. During her time at MVCC, she was also an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology department. Zaida has been an active member of the community where she serves in various Board organizations as well as various fundraising committees and mentoring programs. She currently serves in the Arc Board of Directors as the Secretary of the Board. She is also a mentor for Young Scholars and is involved in a new effort to bring high school students from various Mohawk Valley districts to be more involved in the arts- “Arms wide Open”. She is also part of MVCC's Fresh Start program dedicated to removing barriers to employment through the power of education, countering recidivism and preparing individuals for the workforce with stackable credentials and certifications. Zaida is extremely passionate about breaking barriers for individuals of different ethnicity and levels of abilities to achieve inclusion in all areas of their lives whether is education, employment, residential. She is committed to serve others with the goal of not only enriching their lives but that of the community! She is the owner of a Health and wellness franchise with Arbonne International for the past four years and is working towards creating leadership opportunities for young Latina students in the community. Zaida was also Ms. Puerto Rico Turismo 1989 and traveled to represent Puerto Rico in various global events. She enjoys traveling, reading, spending time in nature, exercising, spending time with family, focusing on personal growth, singing and serving her community. |
Jorge V. Maldonado
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Gilroy Alvarez
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Jorge V. Maldonado was born in 1972 and is native from Villalba, Puerto Rico. He is the oldest of 7 siblings. Married with 4 children, he and his family moved to Utica in June 2000. Jorge went to the University of Puerto Rico and completed two years in Business Administration and he also studied to become an Auto Technician. Jorge has an extensive experience in the automobile industry and business.
Jorge is the General Manger for Advance Auto Parts, where he has been working for 14 years. With his knowledge and empathy for others, Jorge has been helping people, especially those in the Spanish-speaking community. Jorge is a member of the MVLA board as a Treasurer and as a Latino. He is deeply committed to helping others. |
Born and raised in Guatemala, Gilroy Alvarez landed in the Bronx, NY 10 years ago. He then went off to Morrisville State College where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, Gilroy started working for M&T Bank where he is a Branch Manager for their Downtown Utica Branch.
Gilroy is also a NYS licensed Real Estate Agent and has his own YouTube channel where he teaches finances. |
Feidy Miner
Board Secretary / Secretaria de la Junta
ROME COMMUNITY LEADER
Feidy Miner's journey began on April 29, 1977, in the vibrant city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1995, she found her way to Rome, NY, a place that quickly captured her heart and became her beloved forever home.
As a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Feidy's entrepreneurial spirit came to life in 2015 when she embarked on a new adventure as a Fitness Instructor with Be You Fitness. Passionate about health and wellness, she continues to inspire and motivate others through her fitness classes to this day.
In 2019, Feidy took her passion for helping others to new heights by becoming a licensed real estate agent with Miner Realty & Property Management LLC. Her dedication to her clients and commitment to excellence have made her a trusted and respected figure in the real estate industry.
In 2022, Feidy expanded her impact by assuming the role of Executive Director of Rome Refugee Services, where she works tirelessly to support and uplift her community. With a heart for making a difference and inspiring change, she empowers women to dream big, find resources, and turn their aspirations into reality.
As a Latina and minority in her area, Feidy is dedicated to advocating for inclusivity and diversity. She strives to provide support, guidance, and opportunities for her fellow Latinos, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.
Feidy Miner's unwavering dedication to helping others, making positive changes, and inspiring those around her is a testament to her character and her commitment to building a better future for her community.
Let’s welcome Ms. Feidy Miner to give us a few words on how she celebrates her culture on this 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Day and address this year’s theme “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”. Thank you.
Feidy Miner's journey began on April 29, 1977, in the vibrant city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1995, she found her way to Rome, NY, a place that quickly captured her heart and became her beloved forever home.
As a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Feidy's entrepreneurial spirit came to life in 2015 when she embarked on a new adventure as a Fitness Instructor with Be You Fitness. Passionate about health and wellness, she continues to inspire and motivate others through her fitness classes to this day.
In 2019, Feidy took her passion for helping others to new heights by becoming a licensed real estate agent with Miner Realty & Property Management LLC. Her dedication to her clients and commitment to excellence have made her a trusted and respected figure in the real estate industry.
In 2022, Feidy expanded her impact by assuming the role of Executive Director of Rome Refugee Services, where she works tirelessly to support and uplift her community. With a heart for making a difference and inspiring change, she empowers women to dream big, find resources, and turn their aspirations into reality.
As a Latina and minority in her area, Feidy is dedicated to advocating for inclusivity and diversity. She strives to provide support, guidance, and opportunities for her fellow Latinos, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.
Feidy Miner's unwavering dedication to helping others, making positive changes, and inspiring those around her is a testament to her character and her commitment to building a better future for her community.
Let’s welcome Ms. Feidy Miner to give us a few words on how she celebrates her culture on this 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Day and address this year’s theme “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”. Thank you.
OPEN
Member-At-Large / Miembro General
Luis David Martinez
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Sonia Marte
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Luis David Martinez was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. In 2006, he and his family relocated to Utica, New York, where he attended Thomas R. Proctor High School. After graduating in 2010, he continued his education at Mohawk Valley Community College.
In 2011, Luis transferred to SUNY Buffalo State College to pursue a degree in Social Work. During his time there, he worked with the Boys and Girls Club of America as a Youth Advocate. Upon returning to Utica in 2013, he became increasingly involved in the health insurance field and in the community. In 2020, Luis began working for Fidelis Care Organization as a Customer Care Associate where he assisted members at Fidelis’s local community office. Since then, he became a Licensed Medicare Representative for WellCare by Fidelis Care. Luis and his Wife LeAnne have been married for 3 years now. They have 3 cats (Charlie, Cheeto, and Lenny). Outside of work they both enjoy Fishing, Cooking, and traveling whenever they can. |
Sonia Marte is a dedicated community leader and professional based inUtica, New York. Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, in 1994, Sonia immigrated to the United States with her family in 2009 and has since made Central New York her home.
She graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High School (Class of 2011) in Utica and began her career in the service industry, working at Target in White Plains, NY. There, she quickly advanced from a cashier role to positions in human resources and payroll, and ultimately to a supervisory role. In 2018, Sonia joined the Bill Schmauch State Farm Agency as a bilingual licensed office manager, where she discovered her passion for helping diverse individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. After returning to Utica in 2022, she continued her commitment to community engagement and support. Sonia currently serves as a Member-At-Large on the Board of Directors of the Mohawk Valley Latino Association (MVLA), contributing to efforts that educate, empower, and unite Latino residents across the Mohawk Valley region through cultural programming, outreach, and support services. She is a proud mother of three and, in her personal life, enjoys traveling, camping, and spending quality time with her children. Sonia’s work and leadership are driven by strong community values and a deep dedication to creating opportunity and belonging for all residents. |
ANNY GUERRERO BROWN
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JANET MILLNER
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