Banegas se ha encargado de ampliar el impacto de Concilio, a través de programas que proporcionan servicios sociales, educativos, culturales, preventivos y de intervención a las familias desatendidas en la región de Filadelfia.

Con más de 15 años de experiencia en organizaciones sin fines de lucro, Banegas ha trabajado arduamente para ampliar el acceso a los servicios sociales, de educación y salud para las más poblaciones vulnerables. 

Ese trabajo ha incluido servir como director del Programa en el Centro de la Familia Hispana del Sur de Nueva Jersey, gerente del Programa de la Iniciativa de Hombres del Consejo de Planificación Familiar, facilitador para Educar a las Comunidades para la Crianza de los Hijos, trabajador de Reintegración para Recursos para el Desarrollo Humano y especialista en Prevención para el Congreso de Latinos Unidos.

Como nativo del norte de Filadelfia, Banegas se graduó de Samuel S. Fels High School, obtuvo una licenciatura en Política y Administración de Salud de la Universidad Estatal de Pensilvania y una maestría en Ciencias en Educación para la Salud de la Universidad de Arcadia.

Su participación en la comunidad también ha incluido el servir en la junta directiva de Deep Roots Charter School y en el Comité Asesor Comunitario del Fondo Comunitario Cares del Hospital Infantil de Filadelfia.

Por si fuera poco, este destacado líder latino se ha desempeñado como miembro de la Junta de Pan American Charter School y Barbershop Initiative, un programa de la Universidad de Pensilvania.

The Latino Connection y la Comisión Asesora del Gobernador reconocieron a Banegas como uno de los 100 latinos más influyentes de Pensilvania. También fue uno de los galardonados en ediciones anterior de la Hispanic Heritage Month Gala.

Al servicio de la comunidad 

Desde su fundación en 1962, Concilio ha emprendido la misión de representar a las comunidades latinas que hacen vida en Filadelfia. Su constante dedicación por atender las necesidades de la colectividad hispana le ha ganado una sólida reputación respaldada por su liderazgo en la prestación de servicios familiares.

Como la organización latina más antigua de Filadelfia, Concilio ha ganado una rica experiencia de servicio que le ha permitido afinar con los años los principios que guían su trabajo, a saber, cultivar la fortaleza de los niños y las familias, mejorar la calidad de vida y mantener los valores culturales e históricos de la comunidad puertorriqueña e hispana en general.

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Según la página web de Concilio, provee programas de servicio humano para más de 9.000 personas. Algunos de estos son cuidados de huérfanos, servicios de adopción, habitaciones, desarrollo de jóvenes y ayuda para después de la escuela.

Actividades culturales 

Las actividades culturales son un eje de desarrollo importante para Concilio. La Hispanic Fiesta, el Puerto Rican Day Parade o Parada Puertorriqueña, el Golf Tournament, la Concilio´s Annual Fundraising Gala y la Kings Celebration son algunos de los eventos que reúnen, enaltecen y permiten compartir a miembros de la comunidad latina.

El Puerto Rican Day Parade es un majestuoso desfile que se realizará el  24 de septiembre, el último domingo de septiembre como hace 58 años, que recorrerá a lo largo del histórico Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

La música latina, la poesía, la danza, los colores y la alegría hacen de este vibrante festival un evento imperdible para la comunidad puertorriqueña, que se reunirá para mostrar con orgullo el ser latino, de 12 pm a 3 pm.

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Como la organización latina más antigua de Filadelfia, Concilio ha ganado una rica experiencia de servicio que le ha permitido afinar con los años los principios que guían su trabajo, a saber, cultivar la fortaleza de los niños y las familias, mejorar la calidad de vida y mantener los valores culturales e históricos de la comunidad puertorriqueña e hispana en general.

Como organización sin fines de lucro, la voz principal que la impulsa es la de la comunidad. No obstante, la labor realizada por Concilio ha involucrado igualmente la participación de varios actores que incluyen el gobierno local, las agencias comunitarias, las instituciones educativas y el sector privado.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbu46oBrHWJ/?hl=es

Su importancia en el acaecer de Filadelfia es de gran envergadura pues ofrece programas de servicios humanos fundamentales, como cuidados de custodia, servicios de adopción, desarrollo juvenil y programas extraescolares, así como servicios para los testigos de las víctimas.

Red de departamentos

De acuerdo a la página oficial de la entidad, el Programa de Servicios Basados en la Comunidad de Concilio funciona mediante una red de departamentos interconectados que trabajan juntos para proporcionar servicios principalmente con la ayuda a los padres, niños y adolescentes.

Esta conexión facilita la asistencia en la búsqueda de programas de verano y programas después de la escuela. Igualmente brinda apoyo para materializar oportunidades de empleo en varios condados en todo el estado de Pensilvania.

Estos departamentos incluyen Campamentos de Verano y Extraescolares, Voces sobre la Violencia (VOV), Mano de Obra Juvenil de Verano/Empleo, Centro de Empoderamiento Juvenil (YEC), Laboratorio de Medios Digitales, Voluntariado, Prácticas y Alcance/Referencias.

Puedes leer: Adonis Banegas elige a la educación como vía para salir de la pobreza

El papel de Concilio como defensor de la comunidad latina es estar presente, escuchando, comprendiendo y dando voz a las necesidades, deseos y sueños de nuestra diversa comunidad. Concilio también se asocia con otras comunidades para abordar intereses o preocupaciones comunes.

Prioridades educativas

A la cabeza de tan significativa labor se encuentra Adonis Banegas su Director Ejecutivo y supervisor de los programas de Concilio. Banegas tiene más de 15 años de experiencia en organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro que trabajan por el acceso a los servicios sociales y de salud para las poblaciones vulnerables.

The Latino Connection y la Comisión Asesora del Gobernador lo reconocieron recientemente como uno de los 100 latinos más influyentes de Pensilvania.

En su labor como líder, Banegas ha hecho hincapié en los programas educativos pues considera que los procesos de capacitación son fundamentales para el logro de mejores estándares de vida.

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Adicionalmente Concilio organiza y promueve eventos que consolidan los valores de patrimonio e identidad mediante el arte y la cultura. Entre ellos destaca la celebración de La Fiesta Hispana en Penn’s Landing en julio y el Festival Puertorriqueño en septiembre, que incluye el Desfile del Día de Puerto Rico.

Este año, La Fiesta Hispana tiene doble motivo de celebración, sus 40 años de existencia y el 60° aniversario de Concilio.

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Adonis Banegas, executive director of Concilio and María Del Pilar Morales, a journalist dubbed as the voice of the Latino community in Philadelphia with 33 years of experience in Spanish radio, made the announcement for the Hispanic Fiesta, a yearly event organized by Concilio.

“We try to bring joy, and the joy through music, which is very important,” said Morales in Spanish. The Hispanic Fiesta will be on July 9 and 10 at Penn’s Landing. It will have the Dominican NY-based merengue group Oro Sólido on Saturday 9 and Charile Aponte (a Puerto Rican salsa singer who belonged to El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico between 1973 and 2014) on Sunday 10.

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Along with the Hispanic Fiesta, Concilio organizes year after year the Puerto Rican Parade on September 25. 2022 will be the 58^th parade.

More than social programs

Banegas highlighted that Concilio is not just social programs but also the cultural events. “This year we’re excited to announce that we’re bringing everything back. We’re bringing it bigger, and better than ever before,” said the executive director of Concilio. “We dedicated our time, money and efforts to make sure that we bring all the energy back. We want everybody to come on, enjoy and support these amazing and beautiful events.”

The event had the participation of Rafael Toro, director of Public Relations of Goya Foods and the longest active sponsor of Concilio for more than 40 years. “We’re going to bring the flow back (to the Hispanic Fiesta),” said before the artist announcements made by Morales.

Collaboration with non-profits

Priscilla Jiménez, board member of Concilio, stated that the organization looks for collaborating with all the non-profits in the area. “All we want is creating a collaborative environment, to make the events we have planned the best than can possible be, and we can’t do without your support,” she said.

“This year highlights our 60-year of serving this great and wonderful community,” complemented José Rodriguez, board member of Concilio and the event host.

On the other hand, Janessa Rivera, deputy director of Concilio, took the opportunity to reveal some figures. “All together (two departments) have brought in more than 2 million dollars to the agency on new programming in the last 5 or 6 months. So that’s definitely something to celebrate,” she said.

But not everything was party announcements and celebrations. Banegas remarked the importance of giving the young people opportunities to find employment. “Giving them certain skills or just a different environment is important,” the CEO said. “Unfortunately, the homicide rate in Philly, 122 deaths as of today (according to Banegas) is still there. That’s the reason why we wanted to get into the workforce development field, because that’s the antiviolence prevention.”

About Concilio

Founded in 1962 by a group of Latino leaders concerned with discrimination faced by new arrivals to the city, Concilio is the oldest Latino organization in Philadelphia.

“This is now a Latino city for the most part, and we want to make sure we don’t forget that,” said Banegas.

Photos José Hernández

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The Hispanic Heritage Month Gala, an event that has become a tradition in the City of Brotherly Love, recognized the trajectories of those who have been the protagonists of success stories, personal narratives marked by perseverance and hard work that open the paths to a prosperous future.

The elegant premises of the Live! Casino were the setting for this exciting and long-awaited celebration.

You can read: Hispanic Heritage Month Gala highlights

As part of the Hispanic Heritage Month, Hispanic Media recognized the achievements and contributions of a select group of leaders who are models of success for citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The awardees

The award ceremony was presented by Lissy G, Advisory Board at Hispanic Media. It began with the conferring of the Crystal Award to The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) and the Spanish American Law Enforcement Association (SALEA). Both organizations were honored under the institutional category.

The event went on with the awarding of Bruce Datil, Allstate Insurance Agency Owner; Adonis Banegas, Executive Director of El Concilio; and Darryl Irizarry Jr., Director of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances at PHLCVB who were honored with the Crystal Award.

You can read: Hispanic Heritage Month Gala celebrates our Latino roots

The Heritage Award was bestowed on Omar Sabir, City Commissioner of Philadelphia.

The awards ceremony was completed with the presentation of the Achiever of the Year Award to Sulma Dalessio, Director of Field and Meter Maintenance for Philadelphia Electric Company, PECO.

The Hispanic Heritage Month Gala was gratified by the participation of important sponsor representatives. José Aguirre, Government Affairs Manager at PECO; Tiffany Delgado-Bickley, Behavioral Health Medicine Program Coordinator at Jefferson; and Mireya Lumbreras, Public Relations and Partnerships Specialist at Goya Foods reaffirmed their support for Hispanic Media’s effort to highlight the Latino leadership in the city.

Among the participants were Councilmember David Oh and Comission on Latino Affairs Executive Director, Luz Colón who were responsible for the Proclamations.

Ricardo Hurtado, President and CEO at Hispanic Media expressed his satisfaction for the organization of this significant event, which in each edition reaffirms his commitment to build meeting spaces that allow the consolidation of the highest values of the Hispanic identity.

Important partners such as Goya Foods were key part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Gala. Organizations such as Jefferson Health, PECO Energy Company, Hispanic Community Counseling Services, Einstein Healthcare Network, Tierra Colombiana Restaurant, Angelic Home Care Agency, Viva Care Solutions and Distribution Advertising Services (D.A.S) also supported the distinguished event.

The Hispanic Heritage Month Gala closed this year´s edition with the participation of Timokha Entertainment and Dance & Dj Music, who were in charge of closing joyfully this meaningful celebration of common roots, values and cultural ties that unite the productive Hispanic community.

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For more than eight consecutive years, the Hispanic Heritage Month Gala has featured the roots of our culture. It is an event of great tradition in the city of Philadelphia that unites communities under a common heritage.

The important celebration will take place at Live! Casino Friday, October 1 at 7:00 pm. The location is 900 Packer Avenue Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19148.

An outstanding group of personalities of Latin American descent will be honored this year at the Hispanic Heritage Month Gala. The event will recognize their work to improve the living conditions of many immigrants who live, work and prosper in Philadelphia. They have in common that they have given the best of their spirits to enhance our roots and support the growth of the city.

This year’s edition of the event will award Omar Sabir, City Commissioner of Philadelphia; Adonis Banegas, Executive Director of El Concilio; Sulma Dalessio, Director of Field and Meter Maintenance for Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO), Bruce Datil, Allstate Insurance Agency Owner; and Darryl Irizarry Jr., Director of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances at PHLCVB.

You can read: Hispanic Heritage Month Gala acknowledged commitment to the Latino community

The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) and the Spanish American Law Enforcement Association (SALEA) will also be honored in the institutional category.

Sponsoring partners

Important Hispanic Media partners such as Goya Foods are a key part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Gala.

Organizations such as Jefferson Health, PECO Energy Company, Hispanic Community Counseling Services, Einstein Healthcare Network, Tierra Colombiana Restaurant, Angelic Home Care Agency, Viva Care Solutions and Distribution Advertising Services (D.A.S) also support the distinguished event.

A Fashion Masked Gala

This year, “A Fashion Masked Gala” will be held. Hispanic Media has chosen to highlight individual creativity without evading the country’s biosafety regulations.

Hispanic Heritage Month honors the stories and countless contributions that the Latino community has made to the nation over the years. It is a celebration that takes place in the United States from September 15 to October 15.

All are invited to this warm party that celebrates the productive work and success stories of distinguished actors in the Hispanic community.

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Anexión, COVID-19, salud mental, violencia armada y pobreza. Estos fueron los temas en una entrevista que nos ofreció el director ejecutivo del Concilio. Según su página web, la ONG de Filadelfia provee programas de servicio humano para más de 9.000 personas.

Lidera programas de cuidados de huérfanos, servicios de adopción, habitaciones, desarrollo de jóvenes y ayuda para después de la escuela. Asimismo se involucra en la inmunización de niños y en la exaltación de valores culturales con énfasis en Puerto Rico.

Banegas elige a la educación

Tener al frente a un renombrado puertorriqueño nos tentó a preguntar sobre los planes para la agregación de la isla. Nos quedó claro que Banegas elige la educación ante todo fin, pero deseábamos saber su opinión. El senador Bob Menéndez quiere que Puerto Rico sea la quincuagésima primera estrella de la Unión.

-¿Qué opina al respecto?

El Concilio se eximió elegantemente de profundizar en el tema. Tiene como norte no inmiscuirse en asuntos de política. “Estamos aquí para apoyar a la gente de Puerto Rico y que celebren su cultura. Sin depender de lo que pase con Puerto Rico en ese ámbito, Concilio siempre va a estar allí para la gente”. Así, como un celaje, pasó Adonis Banegas por encima de la pregunta sobre la anexión.

El tesoro de la instrucción

Se dice que Adonis Banegas es un auténtico producto de Filadelfia. Se graduó en el instituto Samuel S. Fels. Obtuvo una licenciatura en Política y Administración Sanitaria por la Universidad Estatal de Pensilvania. Asimismo posee un máster en Educación Sanitaria por la Universidad de Arcadia. Su participación en la comunidad incluye integrar la junta de la escuela Deep Roots Charter School. Asimismo es parte del comité asesor de la comunidad del Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cares Community Fund. Estos datos recrean con certeza por qué Banegas elige a la educación.

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Consultado sobre un plan viable para contener la pobreza en Filadelfia no dudó en la respuesta. “Lo más importante es entrenar a la gente de la comunidad para que consiga un mejor empleo y opte por una mayor remuneración. Las personas requieren tener un trabajo para conseguir suficiente dinero para cuidar a la familia”.

Banegas precisó que Concilio tiene alianzas con otras agencias para hacer un programa de trabajo. Este verano dará inicio uno en particular. Estará dirigido a los jóvenes. La juventud será capacitada para multiplicar mensajes de cuido y resguardo en materia de COVID-19. “Lo importante aquí es que lo que ellos van a aprender le servirá para otros trabajos en el futuro”.

Un balance sobre la COVID-19

Concilio de Filadelfia ha actuado de manera enérgica para ayudar a capear a la pandemia en la ciudad. Banegas precisa que ha sido un lapso difícil para todos. “Hemos visto cosas que nunca pensamos que íbamos a ver. Ahora estamos en una posición de que hay una vacuna. Es muy importante que la comunidad sepa la importancia de obtenerla y cuáles son los beneficios”.

El director ejecutivo del Concilio dijo que en estos momentos hay suficiente vacunas en la comunidad. Sin embargo “la gente todavía está en el aire. No han tomado la decisión para aplicarse la vacuna. Es nuestro trabajo persuadir a la gente. Convencerle que es una buena opción. Vacunarse es lo mejor para su comunidad”.

Sobre la salud mental

La salud mental ha sido particularmente afectada en esta pandemia. Como ventaja los latinos y los puertorriqueños en general tienen la suerte de contar que Banegas elige a la educación. “La cosa más importante que hemos hecho es mantener comunicación con nuestros clientes. Nos comunicamos con ellos para saber qué están haciendo y cómo están”.

Puedes leer: María del Pilar: La voz de la comunidad latina en Filadelfia

Además “los niños no han podido ir a la escuela a ver a sus amigos. Hay un montón de cosas que han afectado mentalmente. Es nuestro trabajo darle los recursos que hay en la comunidad para ver cómo los podemos asistir. Y ya que la ciudad se está abriendo poco a poco vamos a continuar a dar los servicios en persona y también tener eventos para unir a la comunidad que hemos estado bastante separados en este último año”.

Puerto Rican Day Parade 2021

Las actividades culturales son un eje de desarrollo importante para el Concilio. Durante el año 2020 fue imposible realizar el Puerto Rican Day Parade. Sin embargo este año ya tiene fecha en septiembre.

Como creyente de los actos culturales Banegas elige a la educación. La celebración va a ser más discreta que las ediciones anteriores. El aforo será para menos personas pero el cariño será mucho más grande.

La música, la poesía y la danza tradicionales latinas harán de este vibrante festival un evento imperdible. El desfile puertorriqueño se realizará en Benjamin Franklin Parkway. A la fecha se desconoce el número de participantes.

Lo que está a la expectativa es el programa Summer Youth Works. Esta es una actividad que se realiza en colaboración con Philadelphia Youth Network. El programa emplea a jóvenes de Filadelfia durante seis semanas durante el verano.

Aún no hay claridades para este 2021. Se supone que los trabajadores juveniles de verano trabajen 20 horas a la semana durante seis semanas. Cada año, los estudiantes completan un proyecto de aprendizaje-servicio en torno a un tema específico. El programa está diseñado para brindarles a los estudiantes de secundaria una experiencia laboral real. Al mismo tiempo mejorar la participación comunitaria y el rendimiento académico.

Los estudiantes también participan en actividades de desarrollo de habilidades, talleres y excursiones, además de su proyecto de aprendizaje-servicio.

Concilio tiene como tradición operar un campamento de verano de 6 semanas. Está dirigido a jóvenes en los grados escolares K-8. La programación se realiza en la escuela primaria Francis Hopkinson ubicada en 4001 L Street Philadelphia, PA 19124.

El objetivo del programa es ofrecer una programación basada en el enriquecimiento académico. Tiene fuerte énfasis en la alfabetización para los grados K-5, preparación para la escuela secundaria para los grados 6- 8 y transición / promoción exitosa al próximo grado para todos los estudiantes.

Read in English

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Statehood, COVID-19, mental health, gun violence and poverty. These were the topics in an interview with the Council’s executive director. According to its website, the Philadelphia NGO provides human service programs for more than 9,000 people.

It leads programs such as orphan care, adoption services, youth development and after-school programming. It is also engaged in children’s immunization and the promotion of cultural values with an emphasis on Puerto Rico.

Banegas chooses education

As a renowned Puerto Rican we felt tempted to ask him about the island’s statehood. It was clear to us that Banegas chooses education above all else, but we wanted to know his opinion. Senator Bob Menendez wants Puerto Rico to be the Union’s fifty-first star.

-What is your opinion?

El Concilio elegantly avoided going deeper into the subject. It has a policy of not getting involved in political matters. “We are here to support the people of Puerto Rico and celebrate their culture. Regardless of what happens with Puerto Rico in that realm, Concilio will always be there for the people.“ Just like that, like a “celaje”, Adonis Banegas passed over the question about statehood.

The treasure of education

Adonis Banegas is said to be a true Philadelphia product. He graduated from Samuel S. Fels High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Policy and Administration from Pennsylvania State University. He also holds a Master of Science in Health Education from Arcadia University. His community involvement includes serving on the board of the Deep Roots Charter School and Community Advisory Committee for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cares Community Fund. These facts certainly convey why Banegas chooses education.

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Asked about a feasible plan to contain poverty in Philadelphia he did not hesitate in his answer. “The most important thing is to train people in the community to get better jobs and higher salaries. People require having a job to get enough money to take care of the family.”

Banegas pointed out that Concilio has alliances with other agencies different programs. This summer will begin one of them. It will be aimed at young people. The youth will be trained to multiply care and protection messages regarding COVID-19. “The important thing here is that what they learn will be useful for other jobs in the future.

A COVID-19 review

El Concilio has acted assertively to help fight the pandemic in Philadelphia. Banegas points out that it has been a difficult time for everyone. “We’ve seen things we never thought we were going to see. We have now a vaccine. It’s very important that the community knows the importance of getting it and what the benefits are.”

The Council’s executive director said that there is currently enough vaccine in the community. However, “people are still hesitant. They haven’t made the decision to get the vaccine. It’s our job to persuade people. Convince them that it’s a good option. Getting vaccinated is the best thing for their community.”

You can read: María del Pilar: The voice of the Latino community in Philadelphia

About mental health

Mental health has been particularly affected by this pandemic. As an advantage Latinos and Puerto Ricans in general are fortunate to have Banegas’ choice of education. “The most important thing we have done is to keep in touch with our clients. We communicate with them to find out what they are doing and how they are doing.”

In addition, “the children have not been able to go to school to see their friends. There are a lot of things that have affected them mentally. It’s our job to give them the community resources to see how we can assist them. And as the city is gradually opening up, we are going to keep to providing in-person services and also organizing events to bring the community together which has been quite separated last year.”

Puerto Rican Day Parade 2021

Cultural activities are an important focus of development for el Concilio During the year 2020 it was impossible to hold the Puerto Rican Day Parade. However, this year it has already been scheduled for September.

As a believer in cultural events, Banegas chooses education. The celebration will be more modest than in previous editions. The capacity will be for fewer people but the affection will be much greater.

Traditional Latin music, poetry and dance will make this vibrant festival a must-see event. The Puerto Rican parade will be held on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The number of participants is still unknown.

What is on the horizon is the Summer Youth Works program. This is an activity that is run in partnership with Philadelphia Youth Network. The program hires Philadelphia youth for six weeks during the summer.

There is still no certainty for this 2021. Summer youth workers are supposed to work 20 hours a week for six weeks. Each year, students complete a service-learning project around a specific theme. The program is designed to provide high school students with real-world work experience. At the same time it enhances community involvement and academic performance.

Students also participate in skills development activities, workshops and field trips in addition to their service-learning project.

Concilio has a tradition of operating a 6-week summer camp. It is targeted to youth in school grades K-8. Programming is held at Francis Hopkinson Elementary School located at 4001 L Street Philadelphia, PA 19124.

The goal of the program is to provide academic enrichment-based instruction. It has a strong emphasis on literacy for grades K-5, high school preparation for grades 6- 8 and transition/successful promotion to the next grade for all students.

Translated by José Espinoza

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Concilio (The Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations of Philadelphia) is a nonprofit 501 founded in 1962. Concilio is a recognized leader in providing an array of social services, ensuring that education, health, adoption, foster care and cultural opportunities are made available to those who need them.

You can read: Five Museums in Philly announce temporary closure due to pandemic surge

Priscilla Jimenez, an attorney at Kline & Specter has been on Concilio’s Board since 2017. She earned her undergraduate degree from Gordon College in Massachusetts and law degree from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University.

A native New Yorker, Jimenez has made Philadelphia her new home focusing her volunteer efforts by sitting on various committees and boards including serving on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs and as past president of the Hispanic Bar Association’s Legal Education Fund.

Another amazing President

Adonis Banegas, Concilio Executive Director expressed about the transition that after having the impeccable service of Antonio Valdés as Board President, they are enthusiastic about the expectations around Jimenez. “We are extremely excited about our new Board President, Priscilla Jimenez and look forward to working alongside her and the board to enhance our services and broaden our reach to residents in and around the Philadelphia area. We are very fortunate to transition from a great leader to another amazing President.”

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Adonis Banegas, Concilio Executive Director, congratulated the enthusiastic audience for their splendid participation on the Puerto Rican Day Parade, and for their strength, creativity and talent given to the spirit of “The Taino Warrior Within”, a theme that motivated the groups who showcased the best of themselves during the parade held on the historic Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Awards

According to data provided by the Council the prize for the “best float” went to APM, a nonprofit agency that for the first time in the 50 years history of the parade participates in the Puerto Rican celebration. The award was received by Nilda Ruiz with her employees.

Comcast and La Fortaleza Physical Therapy companies were acknowledged too.

On the other hand the shouts rocked the stage when Héctor Serrano, master of ceremonies and host of the award, announced that Asereco Dancing won first place as a dance group.

Emotions also overflowed when it was announced that Kensington CAPA had won the first distinction in the Division of Schools during its participation in the Puerto Rican Day Parade.

News for 2020

Adonis Banegas, after publicly acknowledging the invaluable help received from Oral Bespman, cooperation manager of the institution, announced that by 2020 there will be changes in both the Gala and the Penn’s Landing event.

Also, the chief executive officer of the Philadelphia Council of Spanish-Speaking Organizations ( said that participants in the next parade will compete for two attractive cash prizes, a collaboration that comes 50 years after the first Puerto Rican Day Parade to “spice up” creativity even more.

The party that took place last September 29, was directed by Joanna Otero-Cruz, Grand Marshal of the Puerto Rican Parade, who was in charge of making a party of Latin Americans on in the city streets.

Traditional Puerto Rican music, poetry and dance invigorated the festival in a parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with a display of Puerto Rican joy with about 1,500 marchers; more than 5,000 attendees and 96,000 viewers watched the parade live on 6ABC.

Translated by: José Espinoza

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