Congressman Lawler Announces Honorees at Hispanic Changemakers Ceremony in Honor of Heritage Month

Orangeburg, N.Y. - 10/6/25… Over the weekend, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) hosted the Hispanic Heritage Changemakers Awards, recognizing more than 30 exceptional members of the Hispanic community from across the 17th District for their outstanding contributions to the district. The event celebrated the honorees' achievements and their ongoing efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The ceremony coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month, which concludes on October 15th. The event was held at Dominican University.

"This is one of the most special events of the year because it gives us the chance to celebrate the incredible contributions of Hispanic and Latino leaders across the Hudson Valley. From Rockland to Dutchess, from Putnam to Westchester, our community is stronger, richer, and more united thanks to the passion, resilience, and service of these honorees," said Congressman Lawler.

"Each of tonight's Changemakers has a powerful story. They're educators, small business owners, advocates, artists, public servants, and volunteers. But more than titles, they are neighbors who have made a difference - lifting others up, preserving culture, building opportunity, and inspiring the next generation," concluded Congressman Lawler.

This year's Hispanic Changemakers are:

• Carlos F. Carpio
• Claudio Lopez
• Dehisy Jimenez-Vazquez
• Diana A. Loja
• Doris Karpeh-Diaz
• Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi
• Dr. Raymond Sanchez
• Dr. Richard Ramon Peralta Hernandez, MD
• Elena Muñiz-Walker
• Inginia Roselis Jackson
• Judge Ivonne Santos
• Jelien S. Ramos
• Johnny Ortiz
• Jonathan E. Delgado
• Jorge Luis Folch
• José R. Guareño Sr.
• Juan Pablo Ramirez
• Julia Ureña
• Julie Ubinas
• Louis A. Sanchez
• Luis E. Barcia
• Manuel Martínez
• Norma Vizcarrondo
• Omar Muñoz
• Rafael E. Brito
• Rafael Gonzalez
• Ramón M. Soto

Photos of the event can be found on Congressman's Facebook page.

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Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.