On Sept. 17, 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, Ortiz-Rivera 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, Ortiz-Rivera began her career with the Brentwood District as a dual language teacher and progressed as a mentor, teacher, and coordinator of bilingual/ENL programs. Most recently, Ortiz-Rivera served as assistant superintendent of secondary instruction and bilingual education, and on July 1st of this year, was appointed as superintendent of Brentwood schools.

Ortiz-Rivera is actively involved in numerous educational organizations, including the NYSED ELL Leadership Council and World Language Council. She passionately views diversity as a unique “superpower” in the Brentwood School District, and continually strives to support her students and staff.

Alberto Cardona

Cardona 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, 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.

Cardona 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.

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, Bastidas served as deputy commissioner of public safety for the Town of Islip. He assisted in responses to natural disasters, major events, and critical incidents. Bastidas 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. Bastidas is a certified FEMA incident commander and a nationally certified crisis intervention stress manager.

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

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, Villacorta Escobar oversees administrative operations at Villacorta Law Group, P.C., where she also works as a paralegal specializing in family court matters.

Villacorta Escobar 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. She also has 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 who embodies a spirit of service and dedication. After a long career with Aramark, Pelaez, 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.

Pelaez’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, Pelaez 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.

Maria Negron

From a young age, inspired by her mother’s example of helping the less fortunate, Maria Negron has dedicated herself to improving the lives of others. As president of the local Parent-Teacher Association, Negron spearheaded efforts to bring mobile classrooms to her child’s elementary school, addressing overcrowded classrooms and a pressing need for space and learning resources.

In 1994, Maria became a volunteer EMT in Babylon. Negron’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.

Negron has participated in various local nonprofits 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. Her role as a strong leader, dedicated worker, and caring matriarch continues to positively impact her community and beyond.