At the forefront of the meeting was the recognition of Dr. Sandra M. Deod Den, the superintendent of schools in Paterson, New Jersey. During a ceremony marking National Hispanic Heritage Month, Dr. Deod Den was honored with a proclamation for her remarkable contributions to education. The proclamation also celebrated her receipt of the Superintendent of the Year award for the Seal of Biliteracy in 2022. Dr. Deod Den, in her acceptance speech, attributed the recognition to the collective efforts of students, parents, teachers, and administrators. The event concluded with a communal gathering.

The board also took the opportunity to honor several local organizations and their founders for their dedication to the community. Notably, the nonprofit “Young People of the Future of New Jersey,” founded by Martha Ansy, received a proclamation for its work supporting Latino youth through scholarships and recognition of their achievements. Ansy expressed her gratitude.

Similarly, “Yoso AI,” founded by Gina De Laos, was lauded for its pioneering work in assisting Spanish-speaking families dealing with autism and developmental disabilities. De Laos’s son, Ethan Reyes, shared his personal story. His account highlighted the significant Hispanic demographic in Passaic County, where 40% of the population is Latino, and many are immigrants. The recognition of “Yoso AI” validated their dedication to supporting families in need.

In addition to individual and organizational accolades, the commissioners discussed the broader significance of Hispanic Heritage Month, reflecting on the cultural diversity of Passaic County, where over 200,000 residents trace their heritage to Latin America. The board acknowledged recent flag-raising events celebrating the independence of several Latin American countries.

The meeting also included a resolution supporting a federal bill to rename facilities at the Patterson Great Falls National Historical Park in honor of the late Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. This resolution, introduced in memory of Pascrell, underscored his legacy and impact on the community.

Public comments during the meeting brought attention to challenges faced by minority-owned businesses. Sigon Ezekiel Orani, representing Priority Group Services, addressed issues related to a contract for services at a pregnancy healthcare center. Despite being awarded the contract, Orani expressed frustration over not being able to fulfill it due to competitive rates offered by larger agencies. He highlighted the need for more inclusive opportunities for smaller businesses, particularly those owned by minorities.