Rockland Legislators Honor Latino Community Leaders During Hispanic Heritage Month
NEW CITY, NY (Sept. 19, 2025) — In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Rockland County Legislators Jay Hood Jr. and Paul Cleary recognized three outstanding individuals for their contributions to the community: Doris and Enid Karpeh-Diaz, co-founders of Centro De Amigos, and Roberto Germosén, President of Quisqueya Sports Club.
All three were presented with the Distinguished Service Award, the Legislature’s highest honor, for their dedication to service, cultural preservation, and community well-being.
Centro De Amigos, founded by the Karpeh-Diaz family in Haverstraw, is the first state-recognized, culturally specific Social Adult Day Program in New York. It serves aging Latino adults through Spanish-language programming, benefits assistance, meals, and social activities.
“Seniors deserve to grow old in the communities they helped build—supported, celebrated, and never alone,” said Doris Karpeh-Diaz.
Roberto Germosén, originally from the Dominican Republic, has led the Quisqueya Sports Club in organizing food drives, sports tournaments, and cultural celebrations. Under his leadership, the club has expanded to serve diverse Latino populations across Rockland.
“His leadership is not about recognition—it’s about service,” said Legislator Hood.
The ceremony also featured a violin performance by Victor Zuniga-Ramirez, an 8th grader at Kakiat STEAM Academy, in tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs September 15 to October 15.