September 19th, 2024 – Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and the members of the Town Board celebrated Hispanic Heritage month and the members of the community whose presence in the Town has made Islip a better place.

Wanda Ortiz-Rivera Originally from Puerto Rico, Wanda began her educational journey at Dowling College at just 16 years old, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Natural Science and Math, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Education in Bilingual/Bicultural Education from Columbia University Teachers College.

In 2001, Wanda began her career with the Brentwood District as a dual language teacher and progressed in many key roles including Mentor, Teacher, and Coordinator of Bilingual/ENL Programs. Most recently, Wanda served as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Instruction and Bilingual Education, and on July 1st of this year, was appointed as Superintendent of Brentwood Schools.

Her dedication extends beyond her roles in the district. As a mother herself, Wanda deeply values the community, and is actively involved in numerous educational organizations, including the NYSED ELL Leadership Council and World Language Council.

Wanda passionately views diversity as a unique "superpower" in the Brentwood School District, and continually strives to support her students and staff.

Alberto Cardona Alberto has been a cornerstone of Good Samaritan University Hospital for over a decade, where he has made a significant impact in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. His exceptional blend of care, kindness, and compassion has greatly enhanced the experience for patients.

During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Alberto's dedication became especially evident. He stepped up to assist in the emergency room's COVID tent, providing crucial translation services and emotional support to Hispanic patients during a challenging time.

Alberto continues to make a meaningful difference at GSUH, actively participating in Patient Experience rounds where he assists with Hispanic translation. His dedication ensures that every patient receives compassionate and understanding care. Alberto's commitment, compassionate service and contributions extend far beyond his professional role.

Richard Bastidas Richard Bastidas is the Director of Program and Evaluation for Police Mental Health and Wellness with the Suffolk County Police Department, where he oversees critical incident responses and provides officer counseling.

Previously, Richard served as Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety for the Town of Islip. He assisted in responses to natural disasters, major events, and critical incidents. Richard also contributed to the expansion of the Town of Islip Law Enforcement Academy, which trains park rangers, fire marshals, and harbor patrol officers for Islip and other Suffolk County townships. Rich is a certified FEMA incident commander and a nationally certified Crisis Intervention Stress Manager.

A lifelong Suffolk County resident, Richard was a first responder on September 11, 2001, and has a distinguished 25-year career with the NYPD, retiring as a detective investigator.

In his free time, Richard enjoys playing basketball with his son and hiking with his daughter.

Jennifer Villacorta Escobar Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, Jennifer Villacorta Escobar moved to Canada as a young adult to escape increasing crime in her city. She pursued higher education at Okanagan College and then at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, where she studied Architectural and Interior Design.

At present, Jennifer oversees administrative operations at Villacorta Law Group, P.C., where she also works as a paralegal specializing in Family Court matters. She is responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising staff and assists attorneys with hearing preparations.

Jennifer is deeply committed to community service. She supports women and children in Suffolk County through various initiatives, including the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status program, which helps newcomer children who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused. She is also involved with International Art Focus, Inc., which uses art to support children dealing with neglect or home issues, and CODALA, which raises funds for women with cancer.

Her previous volunteer work includes managing operations at St. Anne's Catholic Parish in Osoyoos, British Columbia. Additionally, she volunteered as a translator for the International Student Association and supported special needs children through Fundación Padre Vito Guarato in El Salvador.

Roy Pelaez Roy Pelaez is a dedicated community member whose journey from the Bronx to Ronkonkoma has been marked by both personal and professional achievements. After a long career with Aramark, Roy, alongside his wife Kathleen, founded Island Empanada in 2011. The business has since flourished into a multi-unit franchise, selling over 6 million empanadas all across Long Island.

Roy's commitment to community service is evident in his numerous roles. He is actively involved with the Ronkonkoma Rotary Club, where he operates a weekly soup kitchen and participates in fundraising events like the Michael Murphy run. His Rotary work also includes donations to the food pantry, support for disabled children at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, and providing scholarships to local students.

In addition to his Rotary Club activities, Roy is a board member of the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce and is involved with several other local chambers. Through Island Empanada, he contributes to community causes by donating gift cards and baskets for fundraisers, offering scholarships to senior ice hockey players, and supporting organizations addressing cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

Roy, his wife Kathleen, and their children Giselle and Danielle continue to be pillars of their community, embodying a spirit of service and dedication.

Maria Negron Maria Negron, born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, has been a pillar of community service throughout her life. From a young age, inspired by her mother's example of helping the less fortunate, Maria has dedicated herself to improving the lives of others. Her commitment to community service began early, notably as president of the local Parent-Teacher Association. Faced with overcrowded classrooms, Maria spearheaded efforts to bring mobile classrooms to her child's elementary school, addressing a pressing need for space and learning resources.

In 1994, Maria expanded her service to the emergency medical field as a volunteer EMT in Babylon. Maria's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Pride Embroidery in 2006, which she officially opened in 2007. The business, a Union-owned and operated Women's Business Enterprise, has become a staple on Main Street in Bay Shore, thriving for 17 years and contributing to the local economy.

Her community involvement extends beyond her business. Maria has participated in various local non-profits and has made multiple trips to Puerto Rico to distribute clothing, food, and toys to those in need. She is also an active member of The Bay Shore Lions Club, running drives for school supplies and holiday food.

Maria is a devoted mother to Jashica, Franklyn, Jennifer, and Michael, and a loving grandmother to six. Her role as a strong leader, dedicated worker, and caring matriarch continues to positively impact her community and beyond.

"Congratulations to all the honorees of this year's Hispanic Heritage awards, and a sincere thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our community," said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter.