Garden State Times

On Monday, the Board of Commissioners honored 13 prominent Hispanic citizens to celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

“In Camden County, we have a thriving Hispanic community that is full of individuals striving to make a difference for the better,” Commissioner Virginia Betteridge said. “Inclusion and diversity are what make our county a special place to live and honoring these individuals is a small token of our appreciation for their ongoing contributions to our region.”

The 2024 Prominent Hispanic Award will be presented to the following people:

Adelaida Colon: Colon is the regional public affairs manager for PSE&G for Camden and Gloucester Counties. Throughout her career, she has been a board member, volunteer, and supporter for many nonprofit organizations.

Carmen G. Rodriguez: Rodriguez is a former educator and currently serves as the first Camden County Executive Superintendent of Schools, a position that blends her extensive background in education and public service.

Gabriel Rodriguez: Rodriguez currently serves as the chief of the Camden County Police Department, a role he assumed on Dec. 31, 2020. He is a native of East Camden and was a police officer in the city for 17 years.

Cinthia Miranda: A Camden native, Miranda currently works as the director of Constituent Services for the Fifth Legislative District. Miranda has long been passionate about helping those around her and is deeply committed to public service.

Falio Leyba–Martinez: Leyba–Martinez currently serves on the Camden City Council and is the first Afro-Latino of Dominican descent to be elected to the council.

Elizabeth Martinez: Martinez was employed by the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services for 16 years and has also become known as the First Lady of the Puerta De Salvacion Church, where she and her late husband Edwin Martinez were pastors.

Franchesca Abed: Abed is the owner of Ralf’s Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, and General Contractors Corp. in Camden, New Jersey.

Jessica Rafeh: Rafeh currently serves as deputy mayor of Pennsauken and made history as the first female of Middle Eastern and Hispanic descent to serve as deputy mayor and mayor.

Jinely Rosado–Cartagena: Jinely is an ordained minister and has served at Iglesia Pentecostal Puerta de Salvación for over 20 years, where she is the church’s secretary-treasurer and plays a key role in guiding and leading the congregation.

Johanna Vargas Rodriguez: Johanna is the owner of Maria’s Station Café in Gloucester City and has long been passionate about restaurants and culinary arts.

José Brito: Brito is an entrepreneur who is passionate about giving back to the community and empowering minorities through education in Camden.

Josefina Rosa: Rosa has worked for Cooper University Hospital for nearly 24 years and coordinates philanthropic events through her Jeep club.

Rosy Arroyo: Arroyo is a program manager with the Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Youth Justice Innovations Unit.