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NICE

15th ANNIVERSARYGALA

NEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

ANNIVERSARYGALANovember 18,

2014

TH15


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NEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT NEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

15TH

ANNIVERSARYGALAGALA

ANNIVERSARY

OPENING

WELCOMING REMARKS

AWARD CEREMONY

CLOSING REMARKS

CELEBRATING OUR RESILIENT COMMUNITY

ANNIVERSARYGALA

Dear Friends,

It is an honor to welcome you to our 15th Anniversary Gala event. Th is year we celebrate fi fteen years of lead-ership, perseverance and success; we celebrate our resilient community!

NICE was founded in 1999 when a group of Queens based activists came together to fi ght anti-immigrant propaganda on Queens billboards sponsored by the xenophobic Project USA. Following a successful campaign to take these down, the group decided to stay active and form an organization dedicated to empowering new immigrant communities. Fifteen years later, New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) is a leader in this fi eld. Today, we are based in Jackson Heights, and have transitioned to a membership structure, and orga-nize newly arrived undocumented Latino immigrants working primarily as day laborers and domestic workers. Every year, hundreds of immigrants access organizing, leadership development, and critical services through NICE. Our organizing and advocacy campaigns focus on advancing immigrant, worker and consumer rights, and we also organize annual nonpartisan GOTV and civic engagement activities to build the political power of our base.

At our yearly Gala, we come together with friends and allies to celebrate our work and build momentum for the work ahead. We are pleased to count you among our friends! In addition, we take the opportunity to honor individuals whose work we admire, and whose values match those of NICE. Th is year we are pleased to honor Vincent Alvarez, President of the Central Labor Council, for his leadership, and for his foresight and solidarity in building relationships with community and immigrant groups to advance the rights of workers. We are also pleased to honor Cristina Jimenez, an immigrant to Queens, who today is the Director of United We Dream, a leader in advancing the rights of DREAMERs while fi ghting for a more just society for all.

At NICE we envision a world in which all people- regardless of status- can live and work with dignity and pride. After fi fteen years of leadership, perseverance and success in this fi ght, we can confi dently say: SI SE PUEDE!

In solidarity,

Valeria Treves Julissa Gutierrez Executive Director NICE Board Chair

MARIACHI FLOR DE TOLOACHE

VALERIA TREVESEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NICE MEMBER LEADERSMELISSA MARK-VIVERITO

SPEAKER NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL

MC: JUAN MANUEL BENITEZ

VINCENT ALVAREZPRESIDENT, NEW YORK CITY LABOR COUNCIL

INTRODUCED BY LUCIA GOMEZ LA FUENTE

CRISTINA JIMENEZCO-FOUNDER & MANAGING

DIRECTOR, UNITED WE DREAM

INTRODUCED BY DAN MORRIS PROGRESSIVE CITIES

ALICIA PORTADA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DANNY ROJASBOARD OF DIRECTORS


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Vincent Alvarez Cristina Jiménez The President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFLCIO, the nation’s largest regional labor federation of private, public, and building trade sector unions.

Co-founder and Managing Director of the United We Dream Network, the largest immigrant youth-led network in the country.

Vinny has been a proud union member since 1990, when he joined Local 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Vinny worked in the electrical industry for 17 years.

As a member of Local 3, Vinny was active in a number of programs on behalf of the union, serving on numerous political campaigns, grassroots initiatives, and negotiating committees.

During this time, he also served as a volunteer for the NYCCLC, coordi-nating hundreds of labor mobilization and campaign events on behalf of the federation’s affiliates, and he was the lead organizer and marshal of the Labor Day Parade, the nation’s oldest and largest worker parade.

In 2007, Vinny joined the NYCCLC as Assistant to the Executive Director. He held the position through 2009, when he was appointed Chief of Staff. During this time, he served as the New York liaison to the National AFL-CIO’s Field Department.

In 2010, Vinny joined the staff of the New York State AFL-CIO as Assis-tant Legislative Director, spearheading various worker-related policy initia-tives throughout the state.

On June 30, 2011, Vinny was elected as the first full-time President of the NYCCLC. He is also the organization’s first Latino President.

Vinny has served on a number of governmental boards and task forces, in-cluding the transition teams of Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, and the Jobs for New Yorkers task force. He also participated in the first annual Cornell University National Labor Leadership Initiative. Vinny is the board chairman for the Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives at New York University, and a Trustee of the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust.

Vinny is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oneonta, where he majored in Business Economics.

Originally from Ecuador, Cristina came to the U.S. with her family at the age of 13, attending high school and college as an undocumented student. Cristina was recently named among Forbes “30 under 30 in Law and Poli-cy,” one of “21 immigration reform power players” and one of 5 non-profit leaders who will influence public policy by the Chronicle of Philanthro-py. She has organized immigrant youth and workers for the passage of the DREAM Act, immigration reform, and pro-immigrant legislation at the local and national levels since 2004.

Cristina co-founded the New York State Youth Leadership Council, the Dream Mentorship Program at Queens College, was an immigration policy analyst for the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy and an immigrant rights organizer at Make the Road New York. She holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from the School of Public of Affairs at Baruch College, CUNY and graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Political Science and Business from Queens College, CUNY.


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tHE prEsENtErs MAstEr of CErEMoNY

ENtErtAINMENt

Lucia Gomez Juan Manuel Benítez

Mariachi Flor de ToloacheDJ Nopales

Dan Morris

Lucia Gomez serves as the Executive Director of La Fuente, a Tri-State Worker and Community Fund, Inc. La Fuente strives to empower immi-grants and their communities through grassroots organizing, leadership de-velopment and civic engagement, with a particular focus on building strong labor and community alliances. Prior to her time at La Fuente, Ms. Gomez has worked at several high level positions in both New York and New Jersey state government. Ms. Gomez is considered by many in media as a “go-to-expert” on issues ranging from census and voting rights - to immigrant rights and language access. Ms. Gomez has her BA from Rutgers Univer-sity-New Brunswick and currently resides in Union City, New Jersey with her daughter Victoria.

Juan Manuel Benítez is the host and executive producer of Pura Política, a Spanish-language political talk-show that runs weekly on NY1 Noticias. A multimedia journalist, he has been working as a reporter for the local news station NY1 since 2003, covering political, social and cultural issues relevant to the Hispanic community.

Juan Manuel is a frequent moderator and panelist at political debates. Besides covering New York City and State politics, he has traveled around the United States on assignment. He has also covered stories in Cuba, Mexico, Israel, Italy and Th e Netherlands.

Juan Manuel is an adjunct professor at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism.

He was born in Badajoz, Spain and currently lives in Harlem, New York.

As presented in the New Yorks Times, Th e New Yorker, on NPR, MTV Iggy, NBC, and Univision, Mariachi Flor de Toloache makes New York City history as its’ fi rst and only all-female mariachi band. Originally founded in 2008 by lead singer and violinist Mireya I. Ramos as a trio, the band has grown to 10 members. Th e members’ diff erent cultural backgrounds span the globe and fl avors their unique sound and appearance: from Mexico to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Colombia, Germany, Singapore and the United States. Th e end result of this cultural bouquet is an edgy, versatile and fresh take on traditional Mexican music. Th ey coalesce as would a band of sisters, with a grace and vibrant beauty that casts a spell over their audiences like the legendary Toloache fl ower still being used in Mexico as a love potion. Th eir intoxicating performances have illumi-nated world renowned stages abroad in India, Spain, and Bahrain and at home at venues such as the Blue Note, Prospect Park Band Shell, and Th e Kennedy Center. While they work to preserve the centuries old tradition of Mariachi, inevitably their special tincture of the traditional with the modern pushes the boundaries of the genre and brings Mari-achi music to places it has never been.

DJ Nopales was born, grown, and resides in Brooklyn, NY. His inspirations are mixes and blends of cumbia tropícal, nu-cumbia, dancehall, hip-hop, balie funk, tribal, and other rhythms Th ey are inspired by all of his sur-roundings within community, and from past y presente. DJ No-pales roots are chicano and sal-vadorian, and he is also involved in social and farmworker justice work in NYC.

Dan Morris is Founder and President of Progressive Cities, a communica-tions, media, and campaign strategy fi rm that helps activist coalitions, labor unions, advocacy groups, electoral candidates, and new leaders maximize their impact. Dan is a strategist with extensive experience driving progres-sive urban change through Democratic politics, grassroots activism, public policy, and worker organizing.


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About NICE

Our History:

NICE was founded in 1999 when a group of Queens activists came together to fight against anti-immigrant propaganda that was sponsored the racist Project USA. Following a successful campaign, the group decided to stay together to form an organization dedicated to empowering new immigrant communities. In its early years, the work of the organization focused on advocacy work surrounding language access, government accountability and anti-hate crime work in New York City.

By the mid-2000’s the organization deepened its base in its Queens home and eventually transitioned to a membership model. NICE developed and expanded its program focusing on leadership development, community organizing, and providing critical services.

NICE is a community-based organization dedicated to immigrant workers’ rights. Our base are newly arrived undocumented immigrants working primarily as day laborers and domestic workers. Every year, hundreds of immigrants access organizing, leadership development, and service programs at our offices in Jackson Heights.

Community Organizing and Grassroots Advocacy

NICE is active in city, state, federal campaigns to advance immigrant, worker and consumer rights. We also organize annual regular nonpartisan GOTV and civic engagement activities. Currently, we are the lead organizers in the Justice for Job Seek-ers Campaign, and active in coalitions such as Municipal ID working group, the campaign for NY State driver’s licenses, the SWEAT campaign to address wage theft, the #Not1More and We Belong anti-deportation campaigns and New Yorkers for Real Immigration Reform. NICE is an active member of New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON).

Leadership Development

NICE’s work is spearheaded by our membership who come together in committees and working groups to learn their rights and identify issues to tackle through collective action. Active groups currently include: the Organizing La Parada Working Group, Immigrant and Civil Rights Committee, the Women’s Group, the Immigrant Consumer Justice Working Group, Workers’ Center Working Group. NICE members take an active role in our campaigns, participating in coalition meetings, press conferences, meetings with decision makers. NICE members also assume organizational leadership through NICE’s Member Steering Committee, a governance structure made up of member-leaders, elected by fellow members, who work to guide programs honoring the mission and vision of the organization.

Programs and Services

NICE offers a range of programs and services to address critical needs faced by our base. These include legal clinics to address wage and hour violations and financial issues such as medical debt; Health and Safety classes including OSHA 10 courses; rights based ESOL classes; financial literacy and know your rights workshops; referral services for other critical issues to the new immigrant community, such as housing, health access, consumer fraud and workers’ compensation. Since 2013, NICE also operates the NICE Workers’ Center, a job center that dispatches immigrant construction workers, offering an alternative to our local parada (day laborer stop).

HIgHlIgHts of our WorkNICE has a long list of achievements in our fifteen years, most recently we have had the following impact in immigrant, worker, and consumer rights:

Immigrant Rights

NICE is a local leader in the fight against deportation and for administrative relief, with a focus on ensuring the inclu-sion of precarious workers, like day laborers and domestic workers, in immigration reform or administrative relief. Last year, day laborers were successfully included in the legalization provisions of the U.S. Senate’s bipartisan comprehensive im-migration reform bill. Despite the unwillingness of Congress to act this year, we remain focused on pushing President Obama to grant administrative relief to all 11.5 million undocumented immigrants.

NICE is an active organization in the campaign for a NYC municipal ID. Since the passage of the legislation, we have been working with the administration to craft the rules and regulations that will lead to full inclusion of all New Yorkers in the program. That means expanding the criteria for eligibility to ensure that undocumented immigrants with limited resources and limited access to standard forms of documentation, qualify for the program.

NICE holds elected officials accountable to their voting and non-voting constituencies. NICE’s yearly, non-partisan Get Out the Vote efforts and candidates’ forums ensure that our base builds political power even if they cannot yet cast votes.

Consumer rights

NICE launched and coordinates the Justice for Job Seekers Coalition, a statewide campaign to end employment agency fraud. With over 30 organizational members, the campaign aims to reform state laws to better protect and empower low-wage workers when using employment agencies. Our efforts have shed light on an otherwise invisible consumer fraud issue and triggered investigations by the NYS Attorney General and the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, who have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting low-wage job seekers through stronger enforcement.

NICE co-led the Anti-Immigration Services Fraud Task Force whose work this year led to the passage of the NYS Immi-grant Assistance Service Enforcement Act. The law creates new crimes for those who defraud immigrants and clarifies that only attorneys can provide legal services. NICE built a case for these reform measures through its breakthrough, participatory action research study and report, Dreams and Schemes in 2012, which documented the prevalence of immigration services fraud in Queens, NY.

Worker rights

NICE has developed an active base of immigrant day laborers and domestic workers primarily undocumented and newly arrived, in Northwest Queens, who are leaders in struggles for immigrant, worker and consumer rights.

NICE is organizing workers at the Woodside/Jackson Heights day laborer stop to raise the wage floor and address ram-pant wage theft. NICE members have engaged over 70 workers at this stop exploring patterns of wage theft and wage rates which can be as low as $60 for an 8-hour day, the lowest in the tri-state region.


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NICE’s Workers’ Center offers an alternative to the day laborer stop, offering access to safe, well-paid and dignified jobs to day laborers. NICE has over 120 registered workers in this program. Workers placed into jobs through the program earn $12-$15 per hour.

NICE reaches and provides health and safety classes (including OSHA 10 certification) and skills development train-ings to the workers that need it most. We train up to 300 workers per year, primarily day laborers. These workers do not have access to labor unions or long-term employers who generally provide these often life-saving trainings.

NICE’s Wage Theft Clinic empowers workers as they work together to recuperate tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid wages every year. Through a combination of direct action and legal action, we have recuperated over $100,000 for over sixty workers since 2012.

NICE is a leader in the development of critical educational and outreach material for low literacy immigrants. Recent works include ¡No Me Han Pagado! (I Haven’t Been Paid!), a wage theft guide for day laborers; and Ana Busca Trabajo (Ana Looks for Work), an illustrated novel on employment agency abuse.

NICE’s ESOL program builds the English language literacy of immigrant workers so they can assert their rights in the workplace, as tenants and consumers. Since 2005, this program enrolls upwards of 100 workers per year.

NICE is an active member of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), the National Domestic Work-ers Association (NDWA) and the New York Immigration Coalition. We also partner with dozens of community groups, labor unions, and advocacy organization throughout the city and the tri-state region.

MEMbEr lEAdErsHIpSince our transition to a membership organization in 2008, NICE has developed structures to promote member leadership both within the organization, and in our work.

Organizing La Parada Working Group (Acción Popular de Jornaleros): This is a working group of member leaders dedicated to developing ways to engage parada (day laborer stop) workers to organize themselves, increase the value of their work, raise their visibility as positive and contributing members of the community, and address abuses commonly faced by day laborers, such as wage theft. The group devoted its first year of existence to assessing dynamics at the parada through a survey of 73 day laborers to better understand the jornaleros who use the parada and what influences their wages. Next on their agenda is to hold a series of conversations with jornaleros to discuss the survey findings and explore how jornaleros can better leverage their power with employers and improve their quality of work life. The group meets twice a month.

Immigrant and Civil Rights Committee (Comite de Derechos del Inmigrante): This committee is one of the oldest active com-mittees (formerly the Comite de Trabajadores) meets on a bi-monthly basis to discuss and learn more about issues of concern to immigrant workers and explore opportunities to advance immigrant and civil rights in the community. The group attracts both established leaders in the organization as well as newcomers. Most recently, the committee has worked on develop-ing NICE’s policy priorities for important campaigns such as Municipal ID, State Driver’s Licenses, immigration reform, administrative relief and anti-deportation work. In these meetings, we also hold regular know-your-rights workshops and political-education workshops. Attendance at these meetings is usually around 20 participants, but can attract as many as 30.

Women’s Group (Grupo de Mujeres): A committee composed almost exclusively of domestic workers, this committee has dou-bled its size in the last year due to effective outreach and the growth of our work on employment agency reform which is an important priority for the women in this group, and domestic workers more broadly. Most recently, the group has planned and participated in direct actions along with our partners in the NICE convened Justice for Job Seekers campaign against particu-larly egregious employment agencies. They are now planning mystery visits to document conditions. In addition to campaign work, this group also serves as a place for domestic workers to discuss workplace problems, learn their rights, and access work-shops on issues affecting them as workers and women, including topics such as workforce development, stress management, self-esteem, and wage negotiation. The group meets once a month and draws 12-15 women per meeting.

Immigrant Consumer Justice Working Group (Grupo de Derechos del Consumidor Inmigrante): This close-knit group of mem-ber leaders has led NICE’s consumer justice work since we began doing that work in 2011. First, the group engaged in a participatory action research project which concluded in the publication of the 2012 report Dreams and Schemes in Queens New York: Immigrant Struggles to Find Work and Get Status in the Face of Consumer Fraud, documenting the pervasiveness of fraud, deception and abuse by employment agencies and immigration service providers in our community. From the policy recommendations in the report and the member’s interest in tackling the issue, was born the Justice for Job Seekers campaign and our work on the NYS Anti-Immigration Services Fraud Working Group. Most recently the group has been busy with the development of their second Novela Gráfica, (graphic novel), titled Ana Busca Trabajo. The Novela, released on Nov. 7th, is an educational and outreach tool aimed at empowering and protecting immigrant job seekers. This group meets once a month and on an ad-hoc basis.

Workers’ Center Advisory Group (Centro de Trabajadores): This group leads the work of the NICE Workers’ Center. The NICE Workers’ Center is a place where workers and employers can come together to negotiate terms and conditions for safe and dig-nified jobs. When it first incorporated, the group developed the rules and regulations of the Worker’s Center, including wage rates, the process by which jobs are distributed, and what jobs skills would be available and advertised. The groups also worked together to develop marketing material and a marketing plan for the center. The group now reviews the progress of the center in generating work for day laborers and in training day laborers to build their capacity as construction workers. They review monthly progress reports, evaluate their outreach and marketing strategies, and determine educational and training goals for the center. There are about 15 to 20 active members of this group.

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gAlA Host CoMMIttEE

Reena Arora Empire Justice Center

Deborah Axt Make The Road New York

Lowell Barton LiUNA, Local 1010

Sean Basinski Street Vendor Project

Gene Carroll The Worker Institute at Cornell

Steven Choi New York Immigra-tion Coalition

Barrie Cline ArtistDavid Colodny Urban Justice Ceter Commu-nity Development ProjectJoseph Crowley U.S. Congressmem-ber, District 14

Arlene Davila New York University

Daniel Dromm New York City Coun-cilmember, District 25

Sujatha Fernandes City Universty of New York

Julissa Ferreras NYC Council Mem-ber, District 21

Maria Figueroa The Worker Institute at Cornell

Monroe France Center for Multicultural Edu-cation and Programs at NYU

Lenore Friedlaender SEIU 32BJ

Tsedeye Gebreselassie National Employ-ment Law Project

Luzdary Giraldo NYCOSH

Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health

Hector Cordero-Guzman School of Public Affairs at Baruch College

Priscila Gonzalez Ron Hayduck Queens College, CUNY

Laura HuizarShirley LinOutten & Golden LLP

Grace Meng U.S. Congressmem-ber, District 6

Dan Morris Progressive Cities

Charlene Obernauer NYCOSH

Angelica Otero Women Organizing

Neighborhoods

Ed Ott Murphy Institute

Ai-Jen Poo NDWA

Jose Peralta New York State Senator, District 13

Jose Perez * LatinoJustice PRLDEF

Bryan Pu-Folkes Law Office of Bryan Pu-Folkes

Jessica RamosBino Realuyo Coro New York Leadership Center

Maryann Rosa New York City Central Labor Council

Alejandra Ruiz United We Dream

Javier Valdez Make The Road New York

Jonathan Vazcones M & T Bank Mirna Velasquez Office of U.S. Congressmember Jo-seph Crowley

Cheryl WertzSondra Youdelman Community Voices Heard

* affiliation is for identification purposes only


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NICE pEoplE

BOARD OF DIRECTORSAna Maria Bazán Ana Maria Bazán Law Firm

Deyanira Del Rio New Economy Project

Silvia Gonzales New York Immigration Coalition

Julissa Gutiérrez National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund

Prerana Reddy Queens Museum of Art

Francois Restrepo John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY

Danny Rojas Bellwether Education Partners

Alicia Portada Lower East Side People’s Federal Credit Union

MEMBER STEERING COMMITTEEJesus BuenoNoe CorderoMaria Luisa FretellCarlos GuaracaOmar TrinidadHumberto Yescas

STAFFJennie Encalada Advocacy Coordinator

Adriana Escandón Community Organizer

Jessica García Organizing & Programs Director

Jennifer Muñoz Development Associate

Valeria Treves Executive Director

gAlA spoNsors

Champion Sponsor: LiUNA/LEROF

Friend Sponsor: M&T Bank, TWU 100

Other Sponsors: 32BJ SEIU, Virginia and Ambinder, LLP, Consortium for Worker Education, International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union 14, Communications Workers of America Local 1180, City University of New York, Hispanic Federation, LiUNA Local 78, LiUNA Local 79, New York City Central Labor Council, New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, Progressive Cities, The Klein Law Group, PC, Outten and Golden, Ana Maria Bazán Law Firm, Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), Queens College CUNY, Site Safety, LIUNA- local 1010, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, Harris Law Group, Law Office of Bryan Pu-Fol-kes, Queens Pride House, The Labor Institute, Community Voices Heard, Bangel, Cohen & Falconetti, LLP, National Employment Law Project, International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allies Workers Local 12, Gutierrez Family, North Star Fund, National Do-mestic Worker’s Alliance, MinKwon, Queens Legal Services, Norman Schultz, Joseph Lock and Alarm, Desis Rising Up and Moving, Treves Family, Lety Bakery Café, Urban Justice Center (Community Devel-opment Project), El Museo del Barrio, PSC- CUNY, Plaques by Azra

Special thanks and recognition to our auction and raffle donors: Andrea Arroyo (artist), Felipe Galindo/Feggo (artist), Renzo Ortega (artist), Sol Aramendi (artist), Raul Ayala (artist), Table Wine, Espresso 77, Urban Martial Arts, Prerana Reddy, Tom Finkelpearl, Alicia Por-tada, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Dan Morris, League of Kitchens, Sandra Gutierrez, Wyatt Gallery, Sarah Gregory and Chris Romulo, Queens Museum, El Museo Del Barrio, Jose Perez, Charlene Obenaur, LESPFCU, Shirley Lin, and Barrie Cline.


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T H E C I T Y O F N E W Y O R K O F F I C E O F T H E M A Y O R N E W Y O R K , N Y 1 0 0 0 7

November 18, 2014 Dear Friends: It is a pleasure to welcome everyone to New Immigrant Community Empowerment’s 15th Anniversary Gala. New York’s historic multiculturalism is the source of its strength. Our continued success relies on how willing we are to protect that diversity and push for greater equality. By advancing the rights of immigrant workers, NICE has been a bold and effective force for positive change for 15 years. Whether fighting unjust deportations and employment agency fraud or helping its community recuperate unpaid wages, find safe and well-paid work or advance English language literacy skills, NICE enables recently arrived immigrants to build social, political and economic power throughout Queens County, and well beyond. I especially commend its instrumental role in my administration’s Municipal ID program, which will allow New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, to access the critical services they need and deserve. Tonight’s gala is a wonderful opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to forging a brighter, more just and inclusive future for all. On behalf of the City of New York, congratulations to tonight’s honorees: Vinny Alvarez and Cristina Jimenez. Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful gala and continued success. Sincerely, Bill de Blasio Mayor

THE SENATE STATE OF NEW YORK

DIANE J. SAVINO

SENATOR, 23 RD DISTRICT

CHAIR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

COMMITTEE MEMBER

CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS BANKS

VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY AFFAIRS

E-MAIL ADDRESS

[email protected]

ALBANY OFFICE ROOM 312

LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING ALBANY, NEW YORK 12247

PHONE: (518) 455-2437 FAX: (518) 426-6943

DISTRICT OFFICES

36 RICHMOND TERRACE STATEN ISLAND, New York 10301

PHONE: (7180 727-9406 FAX: (718) 727-9426

2872 W. 15th Street Brooklyn, NY 12224

(718) 333-0311 (347) 492-3263

November 18, 2014

New Immigrant Community Empowerment 37-41 77th Street, 2nd Floor Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Dear Friends:

On behalf of the citizens of the 23rd Senatorial District, I would like to congratulate New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) on the occasion of their 15th Anniversary Gala, on this date, the 18th of November, 2014. Also, thank you for your 15 years of leadership, perseverance and success in the struggle for immigrants’ workers rights. I wish to congratulate tonight’s fine honorees, and thank them for their honorable and important service to the community. On behalf of my constituents, thank you and congratulations to Mr. Vinny Alvarez of the Central Labor Council, and Ms. Cristina Jimenez of United We Dream I wish NICE and Ms. Jimenez and Mr. Alvarez the best of luck in the future and wish for continued success for them in the upcoming years. Enjoy the Gala! Sincerely,

Diane J. Savino, New York State Senator- 23rd District


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COMMITTEES: ___________

BANKING

DEMOCRATIC POLICY & COMMUNICATIONS

FINANCE

JUDICIARY

RULES

WASHINGTON, DC 20510-3203

November 18, 2014

Dear Friends: Please accept my warmest greetings and congratulations as New Immigrant Community Empowerment gathers to celebrate its 15th Anniversary Gala: Celebrating Our Resilient Community. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to recognize the exemplary work of the New Immigrant Community Empowerment, its volunteers, staff and tonight’s honorees on this auspicious occasion. For over 15 years, NICE has worked to improve the lives of immigrant workers through advocacy, leadership, and tireless commitment to immigrant, workers and consumer rights. Through English language instruction, statewide campaigns to end employment agency fraud, developing critical educational and outreach material, and health and safety classes, NICE has improved the quality of life for individuals across New York City. NICE ensures that immigrant workers are afforded the same possibilities to live the American Dream. I applaud NICE commitment and dedication that NICE has provided to New Yorkers for the past fifteen years.

Further, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate tonight’s honorees: Vinny Alvarez, President, Central Labor Council and Christina Jimenez, Co-Founder and Managing Director, United We Dream. Tonight’s honorees have shown unwavering dedication to assist and uplift immigrants across the country. I applaud your humanitarian spirit, contributions to NICE, and determination to assist newcomers in and around New York City. Thanks to individuals like you, our communities are thriving and increasingly vibrant places to live and work.

Again, congratulations and thank you for your dedication and hard work. I know that NICE will continue to serve New Yorkers for years to come. Best wishes for an inspiration evening. Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer United States Senator

CHARLES E. SCHUMER NEW YORK

COMMITTEES: ___________

BANKING

DEMOCRATIC POLICY & COMMUNICATIONS

FINANCE

JUDICIARY

RULES

WASHINGTON, DC 20510-3203

November 18, 2014

Dear Friends: Please accept my warmest greetings and congratulations as New Immigrant Community Empowerment gathers to celebrate its 15th Anniversary Gala: Celebrating Our Resilient Community. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to recognize the exemplary work of the New Immigrant Community Empowerment, its volunteers, staff and tonight’s honorees on this auspicious occasion. For over 15 years, NICE has worked to improve the lives of immigrant workers through advocacy, leadership, and tireless commitment to immigrant, workers and consumer rights. Through English language instruction, statewide campaigns to end employment agency fraud, developing critical educational and outreach material, and health and safety classes, NICE has improved the quality of life for individuals across New York City. NICE ensures that immigrant workers are afforded the same possibilities to live the American Dream. I applaud NICE commitment and dedication that NICE has provided to New Yorkers for the past fifteen years.

Further, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate tonight’s honorees: Vinny Alvarez, President, Central Labor Council and Christina Jimenez, Co-Founder and Managing Director, United We Dream. Tonight’s honorees have shown unwavering dedication to assist and uplift immigrants across the country. I applaud your humanitarian spirit, contributions to NICE, and determination to assist newcomers in and around New York City. Thanks to individuals like you, our communities are thriving and increasingly vibrant places to live and work.

Again, congratulations and thank you for your dedication and hard work. I know that NICE will continue to serve New Yorkers for years to come. Best wishes for an inspiration evening. Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer United States Senator

CHARLES E. SCHUMER NEW YORK


NICE NICE



November 18, 2014

Dear Friends: I am pleased to congratulate New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) on the occasion of their 15th Anniversary Gala. In particular, I would like to salute Vinny Alvarez of the Central Labor Council and Cristina Jimenez of United We Dream for their unyielding support of NICE's mission and work. Based in Jackson Heights, Queens, NICE works tirelessly to ensure that new immigrants have the resources they need to build social, political and economic power in their communities and beyond. They meet community needs through a plethora of services targeted at new immigrants; these valuable services include English classes, social work services, educational workshops on financial literacy and workers’ rights, and leadership development trainings. In addition, NICE engages in community organizing, grassroots advocacy and coalition work on issues pertaining to immigrant and workers' rights and civic engagement. As the New York City Council Member representing the immigrant-rich communities of Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and East Elmhurst, I thank NICE’s staff and volunteers for the positive impact their work has on our city, and wish them many years of success.

Sincerely,

Daniel Dromm New York City Council Member

COMMUNITY OFFICE

37-32 75TH STREET, 1ST FLOOR

JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372

TEL: (718) 803-6373

FAX: (718) 803-9832

CITY HALL OFFICE

250 BROADWAY, ROOM 1826

NEW YORK, NY 10007

TEL: (212) 788-7066

EMAIL: [email protected]

THE COUNCIL OF

THE CITY OF NEW YORK

DANIEL DROMM COUNCIL MEMBER, 25

TH

DISTRICT, QUEENS

CHAIR

EDUCATION

_____________________ COMMITTEES

CIVIL RIGHTS

CIVIL SERVICE & LABOR

IMMIGRATION

OVERSIGHT & INVESTIGATIONS

SUBCOMMITTEE

NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS

75-35 31st Avenue, Suite 206B, East Elmhurst, New York 11370 ● 718-457-0384, FAX 718-335-8254 331 Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248 ● 518-455-4545, FAX 518-455-4547

Michael G. DenDekker Assemblyman 34th District

THE ASSEMBLY STATE OF NEW YORK

ALBANY

COMMITTEES

Aging Alcoholism & Drug Abuse

Labor Governmental Employees

Transportation Veterans’ Affairs

November 18, 2014 Dear Friends, It is my honor to congratulate New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) on their 15th Anniversary Gala. I would like to extend particular congratulations to Vinny Alvarez of the Central Labor Council and Cristina Jimenez of United We Dream. The work you have done in support of NICE’s mission is commendable. NICE is based in my neighborhood of Jackson Heights, and I could not be more proud of the work they do for new immigrants in our community and throughout New York City. NICE provides important services including English classes, social services, and classes on worker’s rights. They also fight to ensure that new immigrants enjoy the standard of living they deserve, through grassroots organization around immigrant, worker, and consumer rights. Again, I congratulate you for all that you have achieved, thank you for all the work you continue to do, and wish you success in your future endeavors. Sincerely,


NICE NICE



Francisco P. Moya

Assembly Member 39th District

CHAIR Subcommittee on Renewable Energy

THE ASSEMBLY STATE OF NEW YORK

ALBANY

COMMITTEES Economic Development, Job Creation,

Commerce and Industry Energy Housing

Insurance Labor

Wages and Means

EXECUTIVE MEMBER Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian

Legislative Caucus Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force

ALBANY OFFICE: Room 727, Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248, (518) 455-4567, FAX 518-455-5375 DISTRICT OFFICE: 82-11 37th Avenue, Suite 607, Jackson Heights, New York 11372, (718) 458-5367, FAX 718-478-2371

E-mail: [email protected]

Dear Valeria Treves and all members of the NICE Team, I would like to congratulate you on another year of successful work towards greater equality for our newest New Yorkers. NICE’s dedication to the idea that new immigrants should be able to live productive, healthy, and happy lives in New York permeates its work every day. Your goal, to create an environment in which immigrants are able to thrive, is a lofty one, and you have been able to make significant strides towards this objective. Your work is making a difference in the lives of countless new immigrants. I was proud to work with NICE this year on several issues, including our joint effort to crack down on predatory employment agencies that take advantage of our most vulnerable job-seekers. I look forward to many more positive collaborations in the future. Congratulations and may you always remain a committed defender of immigrants’ rights. Sincerely, Assemblyman Francisco Moya


NICE NICE



November 18, 2014 Dear Friends, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) and their distinguished honorees as they gather to celebrate their 15th Anniversary Gala. The commitment NICE has demonstrated to supporting and furthering immigrant workers’ rights is truly commendable. Their efforts have played a crucial role in helping fight against deportations, implement municipal ID’s in New York City, and prevent wage theft and unsafe working conditions for workers everywhere. It is an honor to be able to celebrate all their efforts and accomplishment this evening. It is also my pleasure to congratulate and thank these honorees, Vinny Alvarez of the Central labor Council and Cristina Jimenez of United We Dream. Their contributions are truly worthy of our recognition. Best wishes to New Immigrant Community Empowerment and its honorees on this joyful occasion. Sincerely,

Gustavo Rivera 33rd Senate District


NICE NICE



!!

November 18, 2014

Dear Friends:

It is my pleasure to extend greetings and warm wishes to all of you attending the celebration of the 15th Anniversary NICE Gala. It is an honor to be able to share this special event with you.

I applaud your accomplishments and efforts to ensure that new immigrants can build social, political and economic power in their communities and beyond.

I would also like to congratulate tonight’s honorees: Vinny Alvarez President of the NYC Central Labor Council and Cristina Jimenez Co-Founder and Managing Director of United We Dream

Thank you for bringing us together to celebrate our resilient community.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful Gala.

Sincerely,

Jose R. Peralta

New York State Senator, 13th District

ALBANY OFFICE LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING, ROOM 415

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12247 T: (518) 455-2528 F: (518) 426-6909

DISTRICT OFFICE

32-37 JUNCTION BOULEVARD EAST ELMHURST, NEW YORK 11369

T: (718) 205-3881 F: (718) 205-4145

!

NEW YORK

STATE SENATE

ALBANY, NEW YORK 12247

SENATOR JOSE PERALTA

13TH DISTRICT !

DEMOCRATIC WHIP

RANKING MINORITY MEMBER ON LABOR

___________________________

COMMITTEES: CRIME VICTIMS, CRIME

& CORRECTION FINANCE HEALTH

INSURANCE

MEMBER:

NYS BLACK, PUERTO RICAN, HISPANIC & ASIAN CAUCUS NYS ASSEMBLY/SENATE

PUERTO RICAN HISPANIC TASK FORCE

!!


NICE NICE



November 18, 2014 New Immigrant Community Empowerment 37-41 77th Street, 2nd Floor Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Dear Friends: It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to the New Immigrant Community Empowerment’s (NICE) 15th Year

Anniversary Gala and to congratulate NICE on all its years of leadership, perseverance and success in the

struggle for immigrant workers’ rights.

NICE is a local leader in the fight against wage theft, an issue that affects many undocumented workers in

District 21. NICE’s Wage Theft Clinic has empowered workers as they work together to recuperate tens of

thousands of dollars in unpaid wages every year. Through a combination of direct action and legal action, they

have recuperated over $100,000 for over sixty workers since 2012.

I would also like to extend congratulations to the evening’s honorees, Vinny Alvarez of the Central Labor

Council and Cristina Jimenez of United We Dream. These are leaders whose work reflects NICE’s vision of a

world in which all people--regardless of status--can live and work with dignity and justice.

I send my best wishes for a lovely evening and, again, offer my congratulations to NICE and tonight’s honorees.

In Service,

Hon. Julissa Ferreras, Council Member, 21st District

DISTRICT OFFICE 32-33A JUNCTION BLVD.

EAST ELMHURST, NEW YORK 11369 TEL: (718) 651-1917 FAX: (718) 565-5937

CITY HALL OFFICE

250 BROADWAY, RM 1866 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10007

TEL: (212) 788-6862 FAX: (212) 442-2725

THE COUNCIL OF


JULISSA FERRERAS COUNCIL MEMBER, 21ST DISTRICT, QUEENS

CHAIR FINANCE

COMMITTEES CONSUMER AFFAIRS

CULTRUAL AFFAIRS, LIBRARIES AND

INTERNATIONAL INTERGROUP RELATIONS

ECONOMIC DEVELPOMENT

PUBLIC SAFETY

STANDARDS AND ETHICS

PUBLIC ADVOCATE FOR THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Letitia James

1 CENTRE STREET NEW YORK NY 10007 TEL 212 669 7200 FAX 212 669 4701 WWW.PUBADVOCATE.NYC.GOV

November 18, 2014 Dear Friends: It is with great pleasure that I extend greetings to all who have gathered for New Immigrant Community Empowerment�s 15th Anniversary Gala. I congratulate NICE on its dedication to working for immigrant, consumer and worker rights. Since 1999, NICE has ensured that immigrants can build strong social, political, and economic strongholds in their communities. NICE�s belief, that all people, regardless of status, can live and work with dignity and justice is one to be commended. Such work, which is truly the lifeblood of the community and the city, so often goes unrecognized and unrewarded. As Public Advocate for the City of New York, I would like to extend my congratulations to this year�s honorees:

• Vincent Alvarez, Central Labor Council • Cristina Jimenez, United We Dream

I hope that everyone has an enjoyable day and may you enjoy continued success in all your endeavors. Sincerely, Letitia James Public Advocate for the City of New York

PUBLIC ADVOCATE FOR THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Letitia James

1 CENTRE STREET NEW YORK NY 10007 TEL 212 669 7200 FAX 212 669 4701 WWW.PUBADVOCATE.NYC.GOV

November 18, 2014 Dear Friends: It is with great pleasure that I extend greetings to all who have gathered for New Immigrant Community Empowerment�s 15th Anniversary Gala. I congratulate NICE on its dedication to working for immigrant, consumer and worker rights. Since 1999, NICE has ensured that immigrants can build strong social, political, and economic strongholds in their communities. NICE�s belief, that all people, regardless of status, can live and work with dignity and justice is one to be commended. Such work, which is truly the lifeblood of the community and the city, so often goes unrecognized and unrewarded. As Public Advocate for the City of New York, I would like to extend my congratulations to this year�s honorees:

• Vincent Alvarez, Central Labor Council • Cristina Jimenez, United We Dream

I hope that everyone has an enjoyable day and may you enjoy continued success in all your endeavors. Sincerely, Letitia James Public Advocate for the City of New York


NICE NICE



November 18, 2014 Dear Friends, Greetings to everyone gathered here tonight at New Immigrant Community Empowerment’s (NICE) 15th Anniversary Gala: Celebrating Our Resilient Community! One of the things that makes our city such a great place to live is the millions of immigrants, past and present, who have come here to build better lives for themselves and their families. Their hard work and culture, their struggles and triumphs, have helped lift New York up and make it one of the greatest, most diverse cities in the world. That’s why we are fighting today for a more equal and just New York – so that future generations can continue to pursue their dreams here and help make our city even more vibrant and stronger. On this special night of celebration, I would like to thank NICE and its dedicated staff and volunteers for all of the critically important work that they are doing to help ensure that the needs and voices our city’s labor and immigrant community are being answered and heard. Your leadership, commitment, and dedication towards protecting the civil liberties of immigrants, workers and consumers alike cannot be overstated, and I look forward to working with all of you to help build on the many successes that we are celebrating here tonight. Congratulations as well to this year’s honorees: Vinny Alvarez and Cristina Jimenez. I hope that everyone has a wonderful time. Enjoy! Sincerely, MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO Speaker

MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO SPEAKER

TELEPHONE (212) 788-7210

THE COUNCIL OF

THE CITY OF NEW YORK CITY HALL

NEW YORK, NY 10007


NICE NICE



November 18, 2014

Dear Friends,

It gives me great pleasure to congratulate New Immigrant

Community Empowerment (NICE) for its leadership in

building a more resilient immigrant community. Whether

it’s fighting fraud, providing workplace safety training to

newcomers, or linking immigrants to fair wage jobs, NICE

continues its 15 years tradition of leadership,

perseverance, and success in the struggle for immigrant

rights.

We are especially grateful to have worked with NICE in its

advocacy the New York State Immigrant Assistance Service

Enforcement Act. Signed with support from Governor

Cuomo, the law creates new crimes for those who defraud

immigrants and clarifies that only attorneys can provide

legal services. Our work was led by valuable insight and

data from NICE’s Dreams and Schemes report.

Today’s Annual Gala provides me the opportunity to congratulate this year’s gala honorees in our movement -- Vinny Alvarez of the Central Labor Council and Cristina

Jimenez of United We Dream -- who work towards a world

in which all people can live and work with dignity and

justice.

As the immigrant community in the United States

continues to grow, the work of NICE will become

increasingly important and knowing the passion that fuels

your mission, you will succeed.

Congratulation to NICE and to tonight’s honorees!

Sincerely,

Jorge I. Montalvo

Director

NYS Office for New Americans

Office of New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer

November 18, 2014 New Immigrant Community Empowerment 37-41 77th Street, 2nd Floor Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Dear Friends, It is an honor to extend greetings to all attending the New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) Gala. For 15 years, NICE has worked to ensure that new immigrants to New York City are able to gain a foothold in our city. By helping new immigrants build social, political, and economic capital, NICE enables them to live and work with dignity and justice. Through voter registration drives, meetings with elected officials, a hate crime rapid response program, and partnerships with other community organizations, NICE has taken a large leap forward for immigrants in New York City. Congratulations to tonight’s honorees: Vincent Alvarez and Cristina Jimenez. These two individuals exemplify the work that NICE has done over the last decade and a half to organize and support new immigrants. Their work has improved the lives of countless New Yorkers and made our city more welcoming to new immigrants. Thank you to New Immigrant Community Empowerment for organizing tonight’s celebration of community and service. Please accept my best wishes for continued success. Sincerely,

Scott M. Stringer New York City Comptroller


NICE NICE



November 18, 2014 Valeria Treves New Immigrant Community Empowerment 37-41 77th St., 2nd Fl Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Dear Valeria Treves, I would like to congratulate you on your 15th Year Anniversary working towards greater equality for our newest New Yorkers. NICE’s dedication to the idea that new immigrants should be able to live productive, healthy, and happy lives in New York infuses its daily work. Creating an environment in which new immigrants are able to thrive is a proud goal, and you have been able to make significant strides towards this objective. Your work is making a difference in the lives of countless new immigrants. I am proud to be working with NICE to advance several initiatives including workforce development for day laborers and the fight against immigration services fraud. I also want to express special congratulations on the recent launch of your graphic novel, Ana Busca Trabajo, as an effort to avoid employment agency fraud. I look forward to many more collaborations in the future! Congratulations and may you always remain a committed defender of immigrants’ rights. Sincerely,

Carlos Menchaca New York City Council Member 38th Council District, Brooklyn

DISTRICT OFFICE

4417 4TH AVENUE

BROOKLYN, NY 11220

TEL: (718) 439-9012

FAX: (718) 439-9042

CITY HALL OFFICE

250 BROADWAY, SUITE 1759

NEW YORK, NY 10007

TEL: (212) 788-7372

FAX: (212) 788-7768

E-MAIL: [email protected]

THE COUNCIL OF


CARLOS MENCHACA COUNCIL MEMBER

38TH

DISTRICT, BROOKLYN

CHAIR

IMMIGRATION COMMITTEE

COMMITTEES

GENERAL WELFARE

RECOVERY AND RESILIENCY

SMALL BUSINESS

STANDARDS & ETHICS

TRANSPORTATION

Congratulations,to,NICE,on,15,years,of,building,power,of,workers!,

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

NDLON congratulates New Immigrant Community

Empowerment (NICE) on your 15th Anniversary!

¡Adelante compañeros!

675 South Park View Street, Suite B, Los Angeles, CA 90057(213) 380-2783 · http://ndlon.org · [email protected]

Find us on Social Media:

twitter.com/NDLON facebook.com/NDLON instagram.com/DayLaborerNetwork

Congratulations NICE!

Harris Law Group, LLPWorkers Compensation Social Security Disability

T: (212)684-3160

Fresh Local Sustainable

Your Raw Bar, Delivered www.openoysternyc.com

NICE NEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

BPF Law congratulates NICE on its 15th anniversary and the

Honorees- Vinny Alvarez of the Central Labor Council and Cristina Jimenez of United We Dream.

BPF Law-Improving people’s lives one case at a time

78-27 37th Avenue, Suite 1 Jackson Heights, NY 11372

p. 718 205 5353 f. 718 205 5133 e. [email protected] !

Superior service in

Safety ManagementWe are experts in commercial and residential

high-rise construction projects.

✔ NYC Certified Site Safety Managers/Coordinators

✔ Site Safety Plans & Programs✔ Safety Audit Inspections

✔ Training Courses:OSHA

Site Safety ManagerConcrete Safety Manager

Supported ScaffoldFire Safety Manager

212.683.7200 | site-safety.com

Plan Today, Safe Tomorrow.

Congratulations To

New Immigrant Community Empowerment

On Your 15th Anniversary Gala!

Congressman Joe Crowley Paid%for%by%Crowley%for%Congress%

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW IMMIGRANT

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND ALL ITS HONOREES

THE KLEIN LAW GROUP, PC WORKPLACE ACCIDENT LAWYERS

1 (800) 579-8881

David & Susan Klein carrying on the work of their Father Lawrence Klein in fighting for the rights of the injured and disabled throughout New York.

11 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 Near Wall Street

www.thekleinlawgroup.com Workers’ Compensation…Social Security Disability…Personal Injury…Hours & wages Attorneys

THE HEAT and FROST INSULATORS & ALLIED WORKERS, LOCAL NO. 12

THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF LOCAL 12 SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF THE


PRESIDENT ANTHONY FAGIOLO

BUSINESS MANAGER MATTHEW P. ARACICH

LOCAL Union No.12, 35-53 24th Street, Long Island City, N.Y. 11106-4416

¡Felicitaciones por muchos

años de un ex-celente trabajo!

- Familia Treves

¡Felicidades!En Solidaridad,


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!

BAZAN Attorney

Proud Board Member

CONGRATULATIONS to the members, organizers and leaders of NICE for their outstanding work!

HAPPY 15TH ANNIVERSARY!

We join NICE in honoring Vincent Alvarez Cristina Jimenez

President Co-Founder & Managing Director New York City Central Labor Council United We Dream

Serving the immigrant community in all IMMIGRATION law areas.

We pride ourselves in the treatment we give our clients and how serious we take each and everyone of our cases.

HONESTY and RELIABILITY

Ana Maria Bazan Law Firm 37-06 82nd Street Suite 308 Jackson Heights NY 11372

Tel: (718) 478-8583 [email protected]

www.bazanimmigration.com

ANA MARIA

outtengolden.comNEW YORK 212-245-1000

CHICAGO312-809-7010

SAN FRANCISCO415-638-8800

Advocates for Workplace Fairness

Vincent AlvarezPresident

New York City Central Labor Council

Cristina Jimenez Co-Founder & Managing Director

United We Dream

Outten & Golden LLP congratulates NICE on its 15th Anniversary Gala

“Celebrating our Resilient Community!”

We join you in honoring

!

congratulates NICE and tonight's honorees

on their successful efforts to improve the

lives of immigrant workers!

http://www.progressivecities.us/

CIR Congratulates

Vincent Alvarez, President, Central Labor CouncilChristina Jimenez, Co-Founder, United We Dream

NELP Salutes Vincent Alvarez, President, NYC Central Labor Council,

and Cristina Jimenez, Co-Founder and Managing Director, United We Dream For their tremendous work to protect and defend the rights of immigrant workers in New York

The Executive Board, Members and Staff of Construction and General Building Laborers’ Local 79

are proud to support the

NEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT 15TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Michael Prohaska Business Manager

Victor Rizzo Secretary-Treasurer

Kenneth Brancaccio President

John Norbury Vice President

Joseph Cestaro Recording Secretary

Carl Cully Executive Board Member

Anthony Vita Executive Board Member

Construction & General Building Laborers’ Local 79, Mason Tenders’ District Council of

Greater New York & Long Island, LIUNA, AFL-CIO, NYC-CLC 520 8TH Ave., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone (212) 465-7900 Fax (212) 465-7903


Nuestras felicitaciones y mejores deseos a los amigos de


Por la Gala de su aniversario número 15 y

a sus homenajeados

Vicent Alvarez Presidente de New York City Central Labor Council

y Cristina Jimenez

Co-‐ Fundadora y Directora de United We Dream

De sus amigas,

Leonor Coyle Esq. & Ines Cruz LLM Virginia & Ambinder, LLP

Por más de 20 años Virginia & Ambinder L.L.P, ha ayudado a miles de trabajadores, pertenecientes o no a algún sindicato, ha recobrar los

salarios y beneficios que por ley les corresponden. V&A presta consultoría legal en varios consulados, como Mexico, Guatemala,

Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Peru y Ecuador, así como a muchos sindicatos laborales en Nueva York y Nueva Jersey. Continuaremos abogando por los miembros de la comunidad hispana, y así poder

brindad igualdad en el lugar de trabajo.

Salutes

New Immigrant Community Empowerment for its commitment to the rights of immigrant workers

Congratulations to

Vincent Alvarez, President New York City Central Labor Council Cristina Jimenez, Co-Founder & Mmanaging Director United We Dream

Héctor J. Figueroa President

Larry Engelstein Kyle Bragg Executive Vice President Secretary-Treasurer

Congratulations to Vincent Alvarez & Cristina Jimenez, for being honored at NICE’S 2014 Gala,

for their hard work and commitment to empowering immigrants.

NICE



We Proudly Support

New Immigrant Community Empowerment 15th Anniversary Gala: Celebrating Our Resilient Community!

Congratulations to our very own

Vincent Alvarez President

New York City Central Labor Council

&

Cristina Jimenez Co-Founder & Managing Director

United We Dream

New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO 275 7th Ave. 18th Floor, New York City 10001 212-604-9552

www.nycclc.org * www.facebook.com/nycclc * Twitter: @Centrallabornyc

9/11¿Estuvo Presente?

Si UStEd:➧ Trabajó o fue voluntario durante el recate, la recuperación, la demolición o la

limpieza del desastre de 9/11 en el World Trade Center➧ Vivía, trabajaba, o asistía alguna escuela al redor de la área impactada

Entonces puede ser elegible para recibir los beneficios del Programa de Salud de WTC de manera gratuita, que incluye exámenes médicos y tratamiento para síntomas relacionadas, como:

➧ Dificultad para respirar o asma,➧ Cáncer,➧ Estrés, ansiedad o depresión

Llámenos y dejar un mensaje sin costo en la línea directa de NYCOSH 855.498.2243 o visite la página web en www.cdc.gov/wtc para más información.


NICE NICE



The City University of New Yorkcongratulates

New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE)and distinguished honorees

Vincent Alvarez, New York City Central Labor CouncilCristina Jimenez, United We Dream

on the occasion of the

NICE’s 15th Anniversary Gala: Celebrating Our Resilient Community

November 18, 2014

1-800-CUNY-YES WWW.CUNY.EDU CUNY TV-CHANNEL 75

BENNO SCHMIDTCHAIRPERSON, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JAMES B. MILLIKENCHANCELLOR

LOCAL UNION 14-14B The International Union of Operating Engineers

Affiliated with the AFL-CIO

Congratulations to Honorees Vinny Alvarez

& Cristina Jimenez

EDWIN L. CHRISTIAN Business Manager

CHRISTOPHER T. CONFREY

President WALTER J. McKENNA JOHN R. POWERS Vice-President Rec./Corr. Secretary

HUGH R. MANLEY KENNETH KLEMENS, JR. Treasurer Financial Secretary

Business Representatives CHRISTOPHER T. CONFREY

JOHN R. POWERS HUGH R. MANLEY

KENNETH KLEMENS, JR.

141-57 Northern Boulevard • Flushing, New York 11354 Telephone (718) 939-0600


NICE NICENEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT NEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

EDISON SEVERINO Business Manager

PAWEL GRUCHACZ Secretary-Treasurer

CONGRATULATES

VINNY ALVAREZ &

CRISTINA JIMENEZ

KAZIK PROSNIEWSKI

President

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS Stanislaw Kosiec ♦ Jorge Roldan ♦ Alberto Torres Cecilia Balseca ♦ Robert Popilowski ♦ Ruth Ruales

Marek Truskolaski ♦ Mario Agurto

MASON TENDERS DISTRICT COUNCIL OF GREATER NEW YORK

LiUNA

AFL-CIO

THANKS TO

NICE for their perseverance in organizing immigrant workers

LOCAL 78LOCAL 78LOCAL 78 NEW YORK CITY, NEW JERSEY & LONG ISLAND

LOCAL 78LOCAL 78LOCAL 78LOCAL 78LOCAL 78LOCAL 78LOCAL 78LOCAL 78LOCAL 78LOCAL 78LOCAL 78

Arthur Cheliotes PRESIDENT

Linda Jenkins FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

Gina Strickland SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Gloria Middleton SECRETARY-TREASURER

Gerald Brown RECORDING SECRETARY

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

Lourdes Acevedo Charles Garcia Denise Gilliam Lisa Lloyd Debra Paylor Suzanne Polite Lenora Smith Venus Williams Hazel O. Worley

LOCAL 1180 COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA, AFL -CIO

6 Harrison Street ~ New York, NY 10013 -2898 PH. (212)226-6565 FAX (212)966-6831

WEBSITE: www.cwa1180.org

NICE NEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENTNEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENTNEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENTNEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENTNEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

NICE



Taking Hispanic causes to heart

Salutes

New Immigrant Community Empowerment

for their continued commitment to promoting the well-being

of the Latino community

www.hispanicfederation.org Raymond M. Pocino, Vice President & Eastern Regional Manager

VINCENT ALVAREZ

CRISTINA JIMENEZ

EASTERN REGION

WE ARE PROUD TO SALUTE THE NEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

15TH ANNIVERSARY GALA HONOREES

CONGRATULATIONS


NICENEW IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT


37-41 77TH ST, 2ND FLOOR,JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372

718-205-8796

www.nynice.org

/nynice.org

@nice4workers

@nice4workers

nice_gala_journal_final_w_b_spread_final

Documents

advancing immigrant

immigrant groups

new york city labor

fi fteen years of leadership

fi ghting

fi eld

director of united

group of queens