Serrano Receives La Casa Visionary Award

Senator Serrano was recipient of La Casa Visionary Award, at the 27th Anniversary Gala Event of La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña.

"This is a tremendous honor for me. La Casa has done an incredible job protecting our culture and our people at a time of great change in this city," said the Senator.

"I am extremely proud of my Puerto Rican heritage. It informs the way I lead and represent my district," he said. "We must respect our past, and where we came from, if we have any hope of creating a better future."

The Senator mourned the loss of founder and former Executive Director Otilio Diaz. "He was a hero to this community," he said.

"I applaud the new Executive Director, Leticia Rodriguez, for the vision and wealth of knowledge she brings to this organization," he said. "Otilio left some big shoes, and I am confident she will fill them."

La Casa is a non-profit community-based institution with a mission to promote, preserve, enrich and develop the cultural and literary heritage of Puerto Ricans and other Hispanic groups.

An East Harlem institution for 20 years, La Casa has developed into an effective community resource offering programs, classes and field trips, and welcoming educators and students form around the world.