PRESIDENT ’ S VIEW
PRESIDENT ’ S VIEW
CIANJ Hosts Party for Mexican Independence Day
By Anthony Russo President , CIANJ
Celebrations run throughout this issue . First and foremost is our tribute to Hispanic heritage . We were excited to get one of the first interviews with New Jersey ’ s newest Supreme Court justice , Michael Noriega , whose heritage is traced to Peru . His is an inspiring story of an immigrant family ’ s strength and fortitude . The strong work ethic and dedication Noriega learned from his parents helped him ascend to the state ’ s highest court and will serve him well as a member of this highly respected bench .
Each September , we honor Hispanic leaders . Last year we spotlighted one of our board members , Uli Diaz , who is senior vice president of government and community affairs at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey . For 2023 , in addition to our cover story , we also have profiles on Andres Acebo , the new president of New Jersey City University ( NJCU ), and Marizel Collazo , senior vice president and director of human resources at Spencer Savings Bank . The Q & A format of our profile on Collazo gives a quick and fascinating look at this successful bank executive .
Mexican Independence Day parade
Latin dancers wearing traditional Mexican dress at Mexican Independence Day celebration
Acebo ’ s story has great significance for the Hispanic community , not only because he is the son of immigrants but because New Jersey City University in Jersey City is vital to the Hispanic community in Hudson County . As Noriega pointed out in his interview , Hudson County
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Roberto Galan has attracted immigrants from throughout the Spanish-speaking world . Their rich cultures , skills and talents have added to our state ’ s strengths . Many of these immigrants ’ children are pursuing their educations at NJCU and we were pleased to speak with Acebo about his plans for the school . NJCU suffered a financial crisis last year and the new president is working to overcome the issues .
For the first CIANJ is adding an event to its Hispanic heritage tribute . CIANJ is hosting a Celebration of Mexican Independence Day with the United State-Mexico Chamber of Commerce ( Northeast Regional Chapter ). Mariana Diaz- Nagore , consul of Mexico , will be the special guest at the festivities , scheduled for Sept . 13 at the El Asadero Mexican Grill in Fort Lee .
Mexican Independence Day memorializes the moment when a Roman Catholic priest , Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla , rang his church bell and gave a call to arms that triggered the Mexican War of Independence on Sept . 16 , 1860 . Many Americans believe Cinco de Mayo marks independence . But it is more of a cultural festival .
Every year the president of Mexico re-enacts the cry from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City . The Cry of Delores is commonly known as the “ El Grito de Independence .” We hope all CIANJ members will join us in this special celebration . For more information on it , please go to www . cianj . org
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Marcos Elihu Castillo Ramirez
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