This year’s City of Peekskill honorees for Hispanic Heritage Month include a deacon, a school program director, a community organization director, a police officer, a psychotherapist, and a board of education member.
On Monday, Sept. 15, Mayor Vivian McKenzie presented proclamations to six Hispanic residents in recognition of their achievements and contributions to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
Those honored were Carlos Campoverde, Maria Olivier Flores, Simon Guaman, Matthew LaLindez, Sandra Serrano, and Amy Vele. All six gave speeches upon receiving their proclamations.
Carlos Campoverde, a longtime Peekskill resident, has been a deacon at the Assumption Church since 2011.
Campoverde provided his remarks in Spanish, saying his social work as an ordained minister includes “visiting the sick in hospitals and prisons, assisting the poor and marginalized, creating social justice, promoting charity, acting as a servant of Christ, bringing his love and service to environments where people suffer and where the church hierarchy does not normally reach.”
Campoverde also serves as the coordinator of the Hispanic Ministry and was a promoter of a forum to help immigrants obtain driver’s licenses, according to a proclamation read by McKenzie. In 2004, Campverde was recognized for his efforts to help put together the Civic Committee of Ecuador.
Maria Olivier Flores serves as the director of Peekskill City School District’s Learning Enrichment Activities Program (LEAP), a program including afterschool activities that combine help with homework, provide opportunities for physical activities, and encourage new skills. She oversees the afterschool activities for students in grades two through eight.
Olivier Flores ensures students receive dedicated academic support alongside STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) enrichment, creative arts, and recreational opportunities. She uses various techniques and programs such as a math and drone program, book readings, yoga, and dance to encourage students to new levels of learning.
“When students, families, and staff come together, we create something really special, a community where every child feels seen, valued, and supported,” Olivier Flores said in her remarks. “That’s what I love most about working here. It’s not just about academics, it’s about building a sense of belonging, and that belonging gives our students the courage to grow, to dream, and to believe in themselves.”
Simon Guaman immigrated to the United States 26 years ago and since then has worked to promote Hispanic culture with the Peekskill community through his work with the Peekskill Hispanic Community Corporation and Copa Peekskill Organization, of which he is president.
According to his proclamation, Guaman devotes much of his time and energy to the Ecuadorian Festival, which is held annually at the riverfront, and has worked hard to establish soccer games and tournaments for youth and women. He also plays an instrumental role in the Annual Community Kickball Event in Depew Park.
“The priest used to tell us that we should not shame anybody or treat someone different because of race or color, because we’re all the same, that in front of God, we are all God’s kids,” Guaman said in Spanish. “We should always be that hand with solidarity, every Hispanic. We have always been united and we work as one. It’s time to work together and without divisions.”
Matthew LaLindez, a City of Peekskill police officer, has dedicated his career to service, mentorship, and strengthening community relations. During his career in law enforcement, he has worked in the roles of school resource officer, gang resistance education and training instructor, and crisis negotiator.
LaLindez is a proud Peekskill High School alumni and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Iona College. He also serves as a board member of the New York Hispanic American Law Enforcement Organization and as president of the New York State Juvenile Police Officers Association.
“I’m just honored, blessed to be in this position to make an impact in our community,” LaLindez said. “Being a product of the Peekskill City School District, I’m very proud of where I am today and hope to continue to make a lasting impact in our youth. This proclamation, this isn’t for me. This is for my family. This is for the kids in the City of Peekskill School District.”
Sandra Serrano, a long time Peekskill resident of 30 years, is a psychotherapist who specializes in individuals, couples, and family therapy. She maintains practices in Cortlandt Manor and White Plains. She also serves as an adjunct professor at both Westchester Community College and Fordham University School of Social Work.
Serrano is the founder of Innovative Counseling PPLC, offering personalized services in a variety of areas including addiction and recovery, depression and anxiety, and stress management that are tailored to a client’s specific needs to have a healthier emotional well-being.
In 2024, Serrano became a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Nu Psi Zeta chapter, an organization in Peekskill that participates and contributes to local and nationally recognized service events such as Support Connections Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support-A-Walk.
“This acknowledgement is not just a celebration of achievement, it is a call to action, a reminder that our work is not done,” Serrano said. “There are still young people looking for mirrors in places they’ve only seen windows, there are still voices in our community waiting to be heard, elevated and empowered. To every Latin or Latina member of our community, your story matters, your presence matters, and your dreams are valid.”
Amy Vele was installed on the board of education for the Peekskill City School District and now serves in the position of vice president.
Vele is the only child of Ecuadorian immigrants and an alumni of Peekskill High School. She holds bachelor’s degrees from the State University of New York at Albany in both journalism and political science.
Vele has served as the campaign manager for former Mayor Andre Rainey, chairperson of the Peekskill Democratic City Committee Outreach Committee, and legislative aide to County Legislator Colin Smith. She is also one of the youngest candidates to run for the Peekskill Common Council.
“The things that I’ve done before, for me, have always been for the community, haven’t been for me,” Vele said. “So I think my responsibility will continue to be supporting our community as much as we can, and calling others to be part of that solution, finding ways to collaborate together, especially now. And I think more importantly, showing up for each at such a tumultuous time.”
