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![\"Martin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Martin-Larrosa.jpg\")
Martin Larossa at the podium reading the proclamation aloud to attendees.<\/p>\n
The Department of Civil Service hosted a celebration Sept. 26 in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. President Lyndon B. Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, and President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a monthlong celebration in 1988.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s speakers included two PEF members: Mariana Gil, an associate in instructional services at the State Education Department\u2019s Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages in Brooklyn, and Martin Larrosa, a business systems analyst at the New York State Insurance Fund in New York City.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gil spoke on this year\u2019s theme, \u201cTogether, we are more.\u201d (\u201cUnidos, somos m\u00e1s.\u201d)\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year\u2019s theme is more than just a theme,\u201d said Gil, a PEF member for two years. \u201cIt was a call to solidarity, unity and community commitment. Today, so many voices steer us toward individualism, urging us to care only about personal wealth and success. While individual goals have value, what we can achieve together as a community is far greater.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gil moved to the United States from Ecuador at age 12.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I reflect on the growth and advancement of our Hispanic community in the United States, I am filled with joy and pride in our contributions,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are educators, public servants and business owners. We are brave union leaders, members of the military and visionaries who lead with purpose.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether, we are more,\u201d Gil said in closing. \u201cMore than ever, let us remember: Individually, we can accomplish so little, but united, we can achieve so much more for our families, our community and our society.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Mariana Gil pictured with Civil Service Commissioner Timothy Hogues.<\/p>\n
Larrosa, a PEF member for nearly three years, attended the 2025 celebration, became involved in advocacy for his agency\u2019s Hispanic community and was nominated by his colleagues.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI witnessed firsthand the Department of Civil Service\u2019s hard work to celebrate New York\u2019s Hispanic community,\u201d he said. \u201cI have been working to improve communication with the Hispanic community at my agency.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Larrosa said he was honored to read this year\u2019s proclamation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was one of the greatest honors of my tenure with NYSIF,\u201d he said. \u201cReading those words to attendees, both in person and online, showed how the state celebrates our heritage, accomplishments and contributions to the place we call home.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
For Larrosa, his heritage is an integral part of his identity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHispanic heritage is a beautiful thing,\u201d he said. \u201cPeople often assume that because we all speak Spanish, our roots, customs and ideals are the same. The opposite is true: Everyone does things a little differently.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Larrosa said New York\u2019s diversity has allowed him to appreciate other nationalities and share his own heritage.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAs someone born in Uruguay, I find that many people know little about us,\u201d he said. \u201cSharing stories, fun facts and traditions brings me tremendous joy, as does learning about others.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The PEF Statewide Hispanic Committee recognized Gil and Larrosa for participating in the program and representing PEF professionals and the Hispanic community.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are grateful for their work and their representation,\u201d said Vivian Falto, chair of the committee.\u00a0<\/p>\n