Union County Wraps Up Hispanic Heritage Month With Hispanic Leadership Panel Featuring County & State Leaders

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to join an engaging Hispanic Leadership Panel Discussion marking the conclusion of the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month festivities. The free seminar will feature distinguished speakers, including New Jersey State Senator and Senate Majority Leader, Teresa Ruiz, as well as Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon and Commissioner Sergio Granados.

The event will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at UCNJ Union College of Union County in Cranford, NJ. Student leaders are invited to a private meet-and-greet session, where they can connect with fellow undergrads, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The program will formally open to the public at 12:15 p.m. with a Welcome and Introduction, followed by the panel presentation from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. The program will conclude with a Q&A session, during which all attendees are invited to participate.

Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, a Cuban-born leader and lifelong resident of Elizabeth, has dedicated her career to breaking barriers and empowering others. In 2020, she made history as the first Hispanic woman elected to the Union County Board of County Commissioners, and earlier this year became the first to serve as Chairwoman. With more than 27 years in education - rising from a teacher's aide to Principal - Leon credits her experience in the classroom for shaping her collaborative, community-focused approach to leadership. Her work in public service continues to reflect those same core values: opportunity, equity, and ensuring every resident has the tools to succeed.

"Being selected to speak in this year's Hispanic Leadership panel is an honor, but also sharing the stage with a Latin force like Teresa Ruiz, who has championed our children and the education system while blazing a trail for all Latinas-it's something that, as an educator, public servant, and Cuban, makes me feel incredibly proud," said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. "I am excited to share my insights and encourage everyone to come and join us in a discussion that is sure to inspire and uplift our community."

Commissioner Sergio Granados made history in 2013, as the youngest Commissioner in Union County and one of the youngest Democratic county officials in New Jersey. Over the past 12 years, he has championed equality, inclusion, and cultural pride-launching the County's first Hispanic Heritage Month flag raising and annual celebrations. Granados also led the creation of the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, the Office for People with Disabilities and Special Needs, and the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity-each the first of its kind in New Jersey-reflecting his ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Union County for all residents.

"Coming back to Union College always brings me back to my roots," said Commissioner Sergio Granados. "As someone of Salvadoran and Portuguese heritage who grew up in Elizabeth, just a few miles from here, my journey has always been centered on giving back and creating opportunities for others. I was shaped by neighbors, mentors, and moments that showed me how leadership can truly change lives. When we sit with students and young leaders today, we're not just sharing advice - we're passing on the responsibility to continue what we started. My hope is that every student walks away knowing that leadership isn't a title or a destination - it's a lifelong commitment to service, equity, and community."

Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz made history in 2007 as the first Puerto Rican elected to the New Jersey State Senate and today serves as the highest-ranking Latina legislator in the state. A lifelong advocate for education and equity, she has championed expanded access to early childhood programs, ensured all qualifying students receive free breakfast and lunch, and advanced laws promoting curriculum diversity. Ruiz has also served as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Assistant Majority Leader, and Vice Chair of the Essex County Democratic Party. A graduate of Drew University, she is a 2010 Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow and completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard's Kennedy School.

"Chairwoman Leon and Commissioner Granados are two trailblazing leaders whose work continues to leave a lasting impact on Union County, and I am honored to join them to share our experiences and perspectives as Latinos in public service," said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. "As we come together this Latino Heritage Month, let us celebrate the powerful legacy of Latino leadership in every space, reflect on the progress we've made, and show the next generation that their culture is a source of strength and a foundation for limitless possibilities."

The Hispanic Leadership event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Interested participants may register at ucnj.org/hhm.

This event is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State's Division of Cultural Affairs. It is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in collaboration with UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ.

"Learning about the different cultures that exist within Union County strengthens us as a community and transcends differences, allowing us to come together in celebration of our own uniqueness while also recognizing our shared humanity," said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. "We thank our Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs for organizing these engaging events that make everyone in our community feel valued and heard."

For more information on this or other Cultural and Heritage events, please contact John Prescott at 908-436-2912 or via email at [email protected].