FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Teresa Ruiz

November 28, 2005 973-621-4404

Caryl Lucas

973-621-1590

ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO CELEBRATES LATINO HERITAGE

Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis Valentin,

Essex County Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Public Information M. Teresa Ruiz and CEO of FOCUS Casto Maldonado Are Honored

Newark, NJ - Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. hosted Essex County’s Annual Latino Heritage Celebration on Monday, November 28th in the Hall of Records.

With an array of colorful flags representing 22 Latino countries as the backdrop, DiVincenzo led a spirited celebration to pay homage to the rich culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to the Spanish speaking nations of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Congressman Robert Menendez and U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie were among the special dignitaries who participated in the cultural program sponsored by the Office of the County Executive and the Essex County Office of Cultural Diversity and Affirmative Action.

DiVincenzo honored Monmouth County Prosecutor and Newark native Luis A. Valentine and M. Teresa Ruiz, Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Public Information, with the County’s 2005 Estrella del Condado de Essex Awards (Stars of Essex County). A lifetime achievement recognition was presented to Casto Maldonado, President and CEO of FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development, Inc., for his outstanding record of public service.

“We are fortunate to live in one of the most diverse Counties in the state, if not on the whole East Coast. Our cultural celebrations give us the opportunity to highlight the achievements of individuals from many different backgrounds, and learn about their heritage, as well,” DiVincenzo noted. “This year we are honored to recognize the achievements of three Latino leaders whose cultural pride and achievements are an inspiration to all,” added the County Executive about the honorees.

During the awards program, U.S. Attorney Christie presented Valentin with a 2005 Estrellas del Condado de Essex Award and commended the attorney for his years of commitment to the legal profession. “He is committed to the ideal of public service,” Christie said. “When I first met Luis I was struck by his enthusiasm and energy,” he added.

Valentin began his legal career as an Assistant Prosecutor at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in 1990. He served in numerous divisions and was appointed Senior Trial Counsel in the Sexual Assault Victim’s Assistance Unit. In 1998, Valentin was appointed as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and worked in the Criminal Division, Frauds and Public Protection Divisions and Special Divisions until 2003. He was named Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit by United States Attorney Christie in September 2003. Valentin is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association where he served on the New Jersey Supreme Court Criminal Practice Committee. In July 2005, he was sworn in as the Monmouth County Prosecutor.

“It is great to be back home,” said Valentin, who was born and raised in Newark. “It is an equal honor to return as Monmouth County Prosecutor. Today represents a joyous occasion as we celebrate our culture,” he added.

Congressman Menendez presented the 2005 Estrellas del Condado de Essex Award to Ruiz, who serves as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Public Information for Essex County. “Teresa is a rare individual who understands the confluence of politics, policies and process,” he said. “She is part of a new generation of Latinos blazing the way and represents an example of the first generation of success,” he added.

Ruiz served as Public Information Officer and Chief Assistant to DiVincenzo when he was President of the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. She was a Deputy Campaign Manager in the County Executive’s 2002 race, and one of his first appointees. She is a Newark native who serves as vice chair of the Essex County Democratic Party. Ruiz has served as trustee for the Robert Treat Academy and currently is a board member for the Essex County Vocational Schools. She is a volunteer co-chair of the Puerto Rican Scholarship Program for the North Ward Cultural Center. In addition, Ruiz was the first Puerto Rican woman to serve as Commissioner on the Essex County Improvement Authority.

“Because of my education I have had great opportunities to reach new heights. I learned through the example of my parents that when you are committed to something you give 100 percent. That is what drives my work ethic,” Ruiz added when talking about her parents. “I am very proud to be a Latina woman who has the opportunity to effect change and make policy decisions at the County level, and I thank the County Executive for recognizing my leadership abilities,” she added.

Casto Maldonado, President and CEO of FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development Inc., was presented with a lifetime achievement award. A longtime Hispanic community leader, he has served at the helm of the nonprofit community-based agency since 1994. Before joining FOCUS, Maldonado spent 17 years as a Community Relations Consultant for Prudential Insurance Company in Newark, where he worked to strengthen relations with New Jersey’s Hispanic community. Over the years, he also has been involved with Prudential’s Minority Purchasing Program, the Prudential Office for Urban and Community Development and the Newark Collaboration Group.

A veteran Hispanic leader and pioneer committed to improving the quality of life for Hispanic residents, Maldonado formed the first Hispanic Advisory Council for former Governor Thomas Kean, and organized two statewide conferences to explore business and economic development opportunities for Hispanic entrepreneurs. He also is one of the founders of the Puerto Rican Congress of New Jersey.

The Latino Heritage Month Celebration is the part of a year-long cultural series created by County Executive DiVincenzo to highlight Essex County’s diversity. Other cultural heritage celebrations include African American History Month in February, Irish Heritage Month in March, Women’s History Month in March and Italian Heritage Month in October.

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