Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York is humbled to have been recognized twice in one week at Hispanic Heritage Month events celebrating leadership and service in Latino and Hispanic communities.
On October 8, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul hosted the Statewide Hispanic Heritage Breakfast at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. The event honored Catholic Charities of New York for its service to New Americans through a host of humanitarian, workforce development, legal support, education, advocacy, and family programs.
Also honored for their service to Spanish-speaking populations were the nonprofits Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), Safe Passage Project, Project Rousseau, and Empire Justice Center, as well as United States Congressional Representatives Nydia Velázquez and Adriano Espaillat.
In attendance were J. Antonio Fernández, CEO of Catholic Charities of New York; Lisa Flores, CEO of Catholic Charities Community Services; Desiree Hernandez-Sanches, Legal Services Director; and Marielos Ramos, Program Manager. Joining them was one of the families served by the Immigrant and Refugee Services division, a father and daughter who had the pleasure of meeting in person with Governor Hochul.
Fernández accepted an honorary plaque from Governor Hochul on behalf of Catholic Charities of New York. “This recognition reflects the dedication and compassion of our staff, volunteers, and partners, who work every day to welcome families, restore hope, and help our newest neighbors build a brighter future,” he said.
“At Catholic Charities of New York, we put our faith into action by serving those most in need and affirming the dignity of every person,” he added. “Thank you to our team for living out this mission.”
On October 9, Fernández was honored for his leadership of Catholic Charities of New York by El Diario, a New York-based publication and America’s oldest Spanish-language newspaper, at the annual El Awards.
Hosted this year by ABC7’s Joe Torres at the Harvard Club, the El Awards celebrate Latino leaders whose achievements, service, and commitment are helping shape their industries and communities.
Also receiving an El Award was Ricardo Cardona, a James Beard–winning chef for several restaurants and venues, including Yankee Stadium, who counts himself among the thousands of New Yorkers who have received immigration and financial assistance from Catholic Charities of New York during a time of need.
Honorees throughout the evening spoke about their gratitude to their families, their communities, and their culture while emphasizing their commitment to the unique challenges that Latino communities face. Chants of “sí se puede!” rang out throughout the night.
In supplemental El Awards materials distributed throughout the night, El Diario ran a featurette about Fernández, describing his professional journey from a psychological counselor in Spain to leader of one of New York’s largest human services agencies.
“Catholic Charities of New York and our agencies helped over a half a million people over the last year,” Fernández told attendees upon receiving the award. “It is a blessing to do this. But it takes hard work, discipline, and a lot of great employees, and we’re blessed to have some of the best.”
Additional Photos from the Statewide Hispanic Heritage Breakfast
Additional Photos from the El Awards
Pro-shot photos courtesy of El Diario and the Office of the Governor of the State of New York.
