The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to award the recipients of the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Awards during the first day of Union County’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
“Seeing Union County’s Hispanic cultures unite to celebrate their achievements is one of my personal highlights of the month,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “It truly showcases the diversity and inclusion we’ve been working to achieve in Union County. Over one-third of our residents are of Hispanic origin, and it’s always great to acknowledge and honor some of the contributions that are being provided through our community members to enhance our community at large.”
The Hispanic Heritage Awards ceremony will begin promptly at 8:00 p.m. on September 15th at the Union County Performing Arts Center, with a concert by the Spanish Harlem Orchestra immediately to follow. Recipients of these awards include Alberto Goncalves, CEO and founder of Life Assets Capital, Olga Hugelmeyer, Superintendent of Schools of Elizabeth Public Schools, and the Hispanic Law Enforcement Association of Union County. Free limited tickets are available at www.ucnj.org/hhm.
“As the first Hispanic woman elected to the Board of County Commissioners, this award ceremony is especially important to me,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “We are proud to have these individuals represent the very best of Union County.”
Recipient of the Business Leadership Award, Alberto Goncalves, has spent his professional journey dedicated to endeavors that bring about lasting improvements in urban neighborhoods across New Jersey. As CEO and founder of Life Assets Capital, a leader in the real estate development industry, he has been influential in generating employment opportunities and fostering growth for the community.
Olga Hugelmeyer, recipient of the Angel Estrada Community Leadership Award, is an experienced educator who has been involved in the Elizabeth Public School System for over 29 years. She is also on the Governing Board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, which represents more than 470 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success.
Recipient of the Public Safety Award, the Hispanic Law Enforcement Association of Union County, takes great pride in endorsing various community civic initiatives, offering scholarships to high school students, providing exam tutorials, and facilitating social events. The HLEAUC understands the complexity individuals of Hispanic heritage who aspire to enter the field of criminal justice face, which is why their scholarship committee is an integral part of their mission.
Union County’s Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th to October 14th. To view a full list of events, please visit www.ucnj.org/hhm.