Student Resilience Honored During President’s Recognition Tea for Women’s History Month

 
On Thursday, March 26, the Faculty Dining Room at Hostos Community College was transformed into a space of reflection, recognition, and celebration as students, faculty, and staff gathered for the President’s Recognition Tea in Honor of Women’s History Month. The event spotlighted stories of perseverance, centering the voices of students whose journeys embody resilience.
   
Moderated by Deputy Director of Administration and Finance Su Ng, the ceremony brought together a community united in its commitment to student success. The afternoon opened with welcoming remarks from President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, who set the tone for the celebration. “We are here to celebrate you,” she said, addressing the honorees. “With the guidance and the love and the hope of your mentors, you have persevered during difficult times and have not given up on yourself.”
   
After the remarks by Dr. Cocco De Filippis, student Jan Guzmán took the stage to read the poem, “On the Other Side of the Door” by Jeff Moss, offering a reflective and hopeful moment that underscored the event’s themes of possibility, courage, and transformation.
   
The keynote address was delivered by Assistant Director of Scholarships Marina Esquilín, whose personal story of migration, hardship, and determination resonated with the audience. Reflecting on her journey from Puerto Rico to New York, she spoke candidly about overcoming language barriers, financial struggles, and isolation. “Many times I wanted to quit,” Esquilín shared. “But I reminded myself that through education, I could help achieve my goals and improve both my life and my family’s life.”
   
Emphasizing the importance of persistence and support systems, she added, “You are closer than you think to becoming the person you aspire to be.”
 
The heart of the ceremony unfolded as nominators introduced their honorees, offering deeply personal reflections on struggle, transformation, and growth. Humanities Professor Ian Scott described his student honoree, Esmeralda Castellón, as someone who had “been through it” but was “really developing herself tremendously through the healing power of creative expression.” After thanking her professor, Castellón, a cancer survivor, reflected on her journey: “You never know what a tough situation might bring to you. Have faith and keep moving.”
   
Students spoke with striking candor about the challenges they have overcome. One honoree, Nedelyn Helena-Díaz, nominated by Nursing Professor Teresa Gray, shared her experience of homelessness while continuing her studies. “I didn’t let that stop me, and I won’t. When you really want something, the universe conspires in helping you get it.”
   
For her part, Assistant Director of Transfer Services Samantha Maldonado recognized students Tameika McKenzie and Jan Guzman, underscoring the importance of acknowledging not only achievement but the struggle behind it. “You don’t always see the sleepless nights, the sacrifices, the quiet battles you’ve won just to be here today. That’s why this moment is so important. Today, we pause, we see you, and we recognize not just your achievements, but your resilience, your courage, and your commitment to keep going.”
   
Accepting the honor, Tameika McKenzie expressed gratitude for the community that supported her growth. “This acknowledgment reminds me that every challenge I’ve faced has shaped me, strengthened me, and brought me to this moment,” she said, thanking the College’s leadership and support teams.
 
Jan Guzman followed with an impassioned reflection on perseverance: “Nothing worthwhile comes without a reason. Everyone has something to give, whether that’s your time, your patience, your kindness, or your perseverance. Just keep asking yourself: What are you going to do to make your dream happen?”
 
As the event concluded, the atmosphere remained one of inspiration and solidarity. The President’s Recognition Tea not only honored individual achievements but also reinforced a collective commitment to equity, education, and empowerment, values at the core of Women’s History Month.

The ceremony recognized an outstanding group of student honorees alongside the faculty and staff who nominated them: Kaylee Breiding, nominated by Student Leadership Coordinator Jason Libfeld; Esmeralda Castellon, nominated by Professor Ian Charles Scott; Alfrainy De Aza De León, nominated by Professor Marcus Wilborn; Denniesse Diaz, nominated by Career Services Director Lisanette Rosario; Nedelyn Helena-Diaz, nominated by Professor Teresa Gray; Erica Grimaldi, nominated by CUNY Start Advisor Diana V. Cruz; Jan Guzmán, nominated by Samantha Maldonado; Troi Hall, nominated by Professor Kristopher Burrell; Nadine James-Lobel, nominated by Professor Tram Nguyen; Yaffa Ahnisha Johnson, nominated by Professor Heidi Bollinger; Amelia Louisette Lindha, nominated by Professor Nieves Angulo; Tameika McKenzie, nominated by Samantha Maldonado; Nikita Pinnix and Maddison Plunkett, both nominated by Professor Mariana Díaz; and Veronica Rosa, nominated by Carlene Martinez and Isis Marsh.

While several honorees were unable to attend, their achievements will be celebrated on Monday, April 13, during the President’s Recognition Barbeque in Honor of Student Resiliency, where they will be formally acknowledged among their peers.

Each honoree received a certificate, a $500 stipend, and a book personally selected by President Daisy Cocco De Filippis. At the same time, nominators were also presented with tokens of appreciation for their mentorship and dedication to student success. This event was sponsored by Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives.