Senator Jose M. Serrano presented President Daisy Cocco De Filippis with the esteemed 2025 Women of Distinction recognition.
Hostos Community College is proud to announce that President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., has been named one of the esteemed 2025 Women of Distinction by the New York State Senate. This recognition highlights her exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the community.
The Women of Distinction event, held annually by the New York State Senate, honors extraordinary women from across the state whose professional and personal achievements serve as an inspiration to many. This year marked the 27th celebration of this prestigious event, which was established to highlight individuals who have made lasting impacts in their fields and communities.
Senator Jose M. Serrano reflected on the President’s many achievements and profound influence on Hostos and surrounding community.
During a heartfelt ceremony at the Hostos Research Center, New York State Senator Jose M. Serrano — who nominated the President for the prestigious recognition — presented President Cocco De Filippis with this esteemed recognition. In his uplifting remarks, he highlighted her “amazing work in the community” and her genuine kindness.
“Not that anyone needs any convincing as to why she is an amazing human being and an amazing individual, but I think that it’s worth noting the impact that she has had over the course of her life, and how Hostos Community College continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for so many people in this community,” he shared.
Senator Serrano also applauded the President’s many accomplishments, including her visionary guiding of Hostos through a successful post-pandemic recovery and the innovative programs and initiatives she has tirelessly championed, all with the mission to cultivate a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive college community. As a proud Bronx native, he reiterated the College’s deep roots in the South Bronx and its continued influence under President Cocco De Filippis’ leadership.
“Her service, for her dedication, and for everything that she has done for Hostos Community College, it was very easy for me to think about her when we were coming up with our 2025 Women of Distinction,” expressed Senator Serrano.
The President was moved by the Senator’s beautiful words of recognition.
Visibly touched by the Senator’s poignant words, President Cocco De Filippis conveyed her heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering support, and she thanked all those in attendance — including her husband, Nunzio De Filippis.
President Cocco De Filippis was joined by her beloved husband, Nunzio De Filippis, for the uplifting event.
“I’m very grateful and I know that it represents the work that you all do,” she expressed, acknowledging the dedication of the entire Hostos family.
Having returned to Hostos Community College in August 2020 after an impactful tenure as President of Naugatuck Valley Community College, President Cocco De Filippis, made history as the first Dominican woman to lead a CUNY institution. Her previous role as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Hostos from 2002 to 2008 further deepened her connection to the College. Since her return, she has embraced and navigated the challenges brought by the pandemic, steadfast in her commitment to delivering quality education and driving socioeconomic mobility in the nation’s poorest congressional district. Under her visionary leadership, the College has experienced remarkable growth, including a groundbreaking $15 million donation from philanthropist Ms. MacKenzie Scott, marking the largest gift in Hostos’ history, in addition to securing millions of dollars in state and federal funding to enhance student resources and opportunities. During her tenure, the College has garnered national recognition, including being named as one of only six recipients of the U.S. Department of Education’s inaugural Postsecondary Success Recognition Program (PSRP) award in 2025 and a two-time Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence finalist.
The Women of Distinction honor highlights recipients’ unwavering dedication, resilience, and leadership. The recognition is not just a reflection of President Cocco De Filippis achievements, but also serves as inspiration to strive together to uplift one another and make a difference in our beloved communities.