ROCHESTER — Ibero-American Action League recognized several individuals and organizations for their support during the agency’s 48th-annual luncheon and award ceremony.
"We owe our success to so many people who help us in our work to build stronger families and (increase) self-sufficiency," said Hilda Rosario Escher, Ibero’s president and chief executive officer.
Ibero’s services "are intended to give individuals the tools necessary to compete and prosper," said Tom Judson Jr., president of The Pike Co., who served as the keynote speaker.
Rosario Escher and Juan Lugo, Ibero’s board chairman, also presented several awards during the luncheon. They included the following:
* Community Service Award: Joseph Searles who heads up diversity and workplace inclusion for Excellus BlueCross/ BlueShield
* Lo Mejor de lo Nuestro (The Best of Us): Annette Ramos from the Rochester Latino Theatre Co. and the Rochester Broadway Theater League.
* Volunteer of the Year: Francisco Santiago from Ibero’s Division of Developmental Disabilities
* Alicia Torres Award: Fatima Rodríguez-Johnson from SUNY Geneseo’s office of multicultural programs and services.
State Sen. Rich Funke also was recognized for securing funds for an English as a second language program offered at Ibero.
