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Student Tribune

Méndez, Patterson, and Rizzo are Influencers at Hispanic Heritage Event

On October 11th, the City of Rochester Hispanic Heritage Committee, chaired by Sylvia Méndez (Financial Aid), wrapped up Hispanic Heritage month with their annual "Rise Up Latina" event. In its fourth year, this highly successful event focuses on issues affecting Latina women locally and nationally. The goals of "Rise Up Latina" are to promote education, share resources, and ultimately empower attendees to affect positive change in their and their family's lives.

This year the event focus was "Latina Women in the Workplace and Latina Pay Equity". Vilma Patterson (Student Services downtown campus) and Mary Méndez Rizzo (Dual Enrollment) were among panelists sharing their insights and experiences with over 100 attendees. Panelists discussed pay equity, bias and discrimination, macro-aggressions, and culture along their respective life experiences.

Mendez, Patterson, and Rizzo are members of MCC's Latino Empowerment Network (LEN). It is the intention of LEN to foster intercultural dialogue and understanding and promote a positive image of a diverse Latino community allowing others to connect with, appreciate, and respect the richness of the Latino culture. Staff and students interested in learning more about LEN can email mrizzo@monroecc.edu.

Rizzo, Mary
Dual Enrollment
10/17/2018