Usanewsonline.com desk:  On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, in partnership with Essen Healthcare, Regency HealthCare, and Village Care Max hosted her first Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring a mariachi band, an award presentation, and more.

“We are excited as a borough to celebrate the history and culture of Mexican Americans in our borough by hosting our first Cinco de Mayo celebration,” said Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Thank you to all of our incredible honorees who are helping to uplift and empower our communities.”

Held in the Rotunda of the Bronx County Courthouse, Borough President Gibson recognized three Bronxites making a difference in the Bronx’s Mexican American community. The honorees were:

Dulce Merino Ramirez from Puebla, Mexico is a Medicare benefits advisor for seniors at Village Care Max.

Ilda Castellanos, the daughter of Yndalecio Castellanos, accepted the award on behalf of The Castellanos Family originally from La Puebla, Mexico, who owns the popular Las Chatas Taqueria Restaurant in the Fordham Heights section.

Melissa Valencia, who is the Director of Quality and Risk at Essen Health, has worked in healthcare for 11 years with the goal of improving health outcomes in the Bronx.

Also receiving an award was 17-year-old Ori Kobelkowsky, who is a member of the Aspira NYC program and BuildNYC group.