White Plains, NY — The Westchester County Board of Legislators marked Hispanic Heritage Month with a special ceremony Monday night honoring a community organization and two community leaders.

Dagoberto Espiritu, education advocate, founder of La Piñata Bakery in Yonkers, and president of the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce of Yonkers, was presented with a proclamation by Legislator Virginia Perez (D – Yonkers).

Speaking to the Board, Espiritu, whose bakery has awarded scholarships through various associations to college-bound high school students since 2005, celebrated the power of community.

“Regardless of who you are, or how great you are, you will need others and a community to accomplish your goals,” Espiritu said.

Community activist Luis Yumbla was presented a proclamation by Legislator Nancy Barr (D – Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook).  For more than a decade, Yumbla has been an integral member of the Hudson Valley Community Coalition, a community organization fighting for human rights and the welfare of immigrant communities in the United States.  He also serves as president of the Latino Network of Port Chester. Originally from Ecuador, Yumbla is renowned for his defense against deportations.

“I’m very proud to be here. I’m very proud to be an immigrant.  But most important, I’m very proud to be in this country, in this nation of immigrants,” Yumbla said.

The evening’s final honoree was The Community Resource Center.  Majority Leader Catherine Parker (D - Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Rye), presented a proclamation to Executive Director Jirandy Martinez and Deputy Executive Director Janet Rolon. Mamaroneck-based CRC, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, promotes the cultural, economic, educational and professional integration of immigrants into the Westchester community. CRC also works to help families in need.

“We are, of course, proud of the quality services and programs that we provide to the community.  But more importantly, we are proud of the community members that benefit from these programs,” Martinez said.

(PICTURED ABOVE L to R: CRC’s Janet Rolon and Jirandy Martinez; Dabogerto Espiritu; Luis Yumbla; Annael Alvarez; Board Chairman Ben Boykin; Photo Credit: Jaevon Boxhill)