'Be Fearless': Speakers and Performers Inspire Next Generation of Hispanic Leaders during during 'Comunidad, Educación, y Cultura' Event at Berkeley College
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Senior Director, Communications and External Relations
973-200-1099
KME@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Photo Caption: (L to R) Panelists Pilar Vasquez, Associate, Financial Aid, Berkeley College; Robert Cruz, Manager, Creative Services, WNJU and WNBC, NBC Universal; Maria Rivera, Director, Continuing Education, Berkeley College; and Andres Gonzalez, Vice President, Partnerships, New York City Football Group; answer questions from moderator Panagiota Babadelis, CEO, Dellas Management and Director, Marketing, Berkeley College, during “Comunidad, Educación, y Cultura,” a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration held at Berkeley College on September 28, 2023.
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Leaders in entertainment, education, and athletics shared their journeys to success during “Comunidad, Educación, y Cultura,” a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration held at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ, on September 28, 2023. Berkeley College was a flagship sponsor of the event, organized by Dellas Management.
“Be fearless. Be true to yourself,” said Panagiota Babadelis, CEO, Dellas Management and Director, Marketing, Berkeley College, who moderated the event. “Push forward. The world will accommodate you – you don’t have to accommodate the world.”
Sharon Montero, radio personality and voice actor for “Alma’s Way” on PBS Kids, shared her journey from radio to children’s programming.
“I would have never went for ‘Alma’s Way.’ I was very comfortable with my radio career,” Montero said. When Montero lost her job in radio and faced the COVID-19 pandemic, she found a new door had opened.
“I always wanted to be part of kids’ lives,” she said. “Because I wanted to show them they can do it just like I did.”
Photo Caption: (Left) Sharon Montero, radio personality and voice actor for “Alma’s Way” on PBS Kids (second from left) with performers from Endurance Productions during “Comunidad, Educación, y Cultura,” a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration held at Berkeley College on September 28, 2023. (Right) Vocal artist Jae Camilo performs during “Comunidad, Educación, y Cultura.”
Andres Gonzalez, Vice President, Partnerships, New York City Football Group, encouraged attendees to make connections.
“Network, network, network,” Gonzalez said. “Because you never know how one person can lead to your next opportunity. … I feel privileged to be doing something I am passionate about. I think there is still an upward trajectory that I want to continue to achieve and challenge myself.”
Robert Cruz spoke about his career struggles and successes that led him to his current role as Manager, Creative Services, WNJU and WNBC, NBC Universal.
“I thought my talent would just bring me a job and it didn’t,” Cruz said. “The doors are not open – you need to go out there knocking, and if you have a chance to open it, open that door.”
Maria Rivera, Director, Continuing Education, Berkeley College, encouraged lifelong learning. She said education is both powerful and attainable for all. “I believe education is magic, because education was a transformative experience for me,” Rivera said.
Pilar Vasquez, Associate, Financial Aid, Berkeley College, urged first-generation college students to look for support to help them achieve their goals.
“Our families are so focused on making it in this country that sometimes they find themselves alone,” Vasquez said. “Always look for mentors. Find someone who is able to guide you. … You’re always going to find that helping hand.”
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate vibrant cultures, traditions, and the enduring legacy that has shaped our nation’s history,” said Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College. “At Berkeley College, we are incredibly proud to serve a large population of Hispanic students. Our institution has been a haven for diversity and inclusivity, and our Hispanic students have played a pivotal role in shaping our community.”
LaTysha Gaines, Campus Operating Officer, shared the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, which was introduced in the United States in 1968 and enacted into law in 1988.
“Across the country, we celebrate this month with pride and joy,” Gaines said. “Today’s program is ‘Building Bridges.’ Building bridges allows us to begin and continue to cultivate relationships, and to understand and appreciate one another.”
“Comunidad, Educación, y Cultura” also featured a spoken word performance by Endurance Productions and a musical performance by Jae Camilo.
About Dellas Management
Dellas Management, a service agency, was founded in 2017 by Panagiota Babadelis.
Dedicated to a path that applies her passion, skills, and talent in the fields of business, music, and entertainment, she has more than 10 years of experience that comprises brand strategy and development, management, marketing, public relations, radio, production, and songwriting.
Babadelis has worked with award-winning artists, producers, and composers from all over the world. Highlights of her career include event production of sold-out shows in various venues, expansive omni-channel marketing strategies, executive production of studio-recorded albums, and working with performers at various arenas, including Madison Square Garden.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 3,600 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for 10 consecutive years. Berkeley College was also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2023-2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
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