By Dawn LaGuerre
October 20, 2025 — Utica, NY — The Mohawk Valley Latino Association (MVLA) proudly
hosted its 21st Annual Hispanic Heritage Gala on Saturday, October 18 at Five Points Public House – Irish Cultural Center in Utica. The evening brought together community leaders, business partners, and residents to honor Latino culture, business excellence, and civic partnership in a vibrant celebration of unity and heritage.
PHOTOS: Micheal Nieves -Key Note Speaker, Mona Lisa Fermin Fannelli, MVLA Volunteer of the Year; Jair Chana & Hilda Jordan demonstrate Bilingual Salsa and Bachata Dance.
Michael D. Nieves, President and CEO of the Hispanic Information & Telecommunications
Network (HITN) — the largest Spanish-language non-commercial public-service broadcast
network in the U.S. — delivered a powerful keynote highlighting the global influence of
Hispanic culture and the importance of representation in media. Under Nieves’s leadership,
HITN has expanded to reach more than 10 million households across the nation, earning an
Emmy Award for its Puerto Rican Heritage Series and national recognition for educational and civic programming. Nieves commended the Mohawk Valley Latino Association’s role in
strengthening the local Hispanic community and applauded Executive Director Sonia Martinez for helping more than 100 Spanish-speaking businesses thrive in the Mohawk Valley region.
Former board member Mona Lisa Fermin received the Volunteer Recognition Award as she
transitions from the MVLA Board to become the organization’s new Rise Coordinator.
Longtime supporters Rocco Accuri, President of Adirondack Bank, and Barry Sinnott, Vice
President of Bank Utica, were honored as sponsors of the gala and as steadfast partners to
the Latino community. Sinnott earned laughs from the crowd when he joked about practicing Spanish on Duolingo.
The celebration featured live music by DJ Richy, delectable Latin-inspired appetizers
including empanadas and flan, and an unforgettable dance segment as Hilda Jordan and her partner Jair Chara introduced the crowd to Bilingual Salsa and Bachata, getting everyone on their feet. Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon presented a New York State Proclamation recognizing MVLA for its leadership and cultural impact in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Business of the Year honors went to Willie’s Bagels and three additional local businesses for
their entrepreneurship and community service, reflecting the region’s growing network of
successful Latino-owned enterprises.
The Mohawk Valley Latino Association is a nonprofit organization that provides
culturally-sensitive services, advocacy, and empowerment opportunities to the Latino
community across the Mohawk Valley. Its mission is to promote education, cultural
awareness, and leadership development while fostering collaboration among diverse
residents and organizations.
The 21st Annual Gala marked the close of Hispanic Heritage Month — a time to honor the
achievements and contributions of Latino Americans. As Executive Director Sonia Martinez
stated, “This event is truly special because it serves as a formal occasion for members of the Latino community to learn from each other, while welcoming others who share in celebrating our culture.” The evening captured the essence of MVLA’s mission: building community, promoting opportunity, and celebrating the richness of Hispanic heritage.
