FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Anthony Puglisi

October 12, 2012 973-621-2542

Lauren Shears

973-621-1590

ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO HOSTS

ANNUAL ESSEX COUNTY LATINO HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION

Estrella del Condado de Essex Awards to be Presented to

Verizon Public Relations Manager Esmeralda Cameron

and Hispanic Law Enforcement Society President George Torres

Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. hosted the County’s Annual Latino Heritage Celebration on Friday, October 12th in the Essex County Hall of Records. With an array of colorful flags representing 22 Latino countries as the backdrop, DiVincenzo led a spirited celebration to pay homage to the rich culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to the Spanish speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

During the program, DiVincenzo presented the County’s 2012 Estrella del Condado de Essex Awards (Stars of Essex County) to Esmeralda Cameron, Verizon Public Relations Manager for the New York-Metro Region, and George Torres, President of the Hispanic Law Enforcement Society of Essex County, for their commitment to improving the lives of all residents, their leadership, and dedication to public service.

“We are honored to recognize Esmeralda Cameron and George Torres, two outstanding Latino leaders. Both of them have worked diligently to improve our residents’ quality of life,” said DiVincenzo. “Our cultural celebrations give us the opportunity to highlight the achievements of individuals from many different backgrounds, and learn about their heritage as well,” he noted.

George Torres, a Newark Native, was elected President of the Hispanic Law Enforcement Society of Essex County in April 2011. As President, he, along with the Executive Board, were able to raise money to provide children with scholarships by hosting the organization’s H.L.E.S. Scholarship Dinner. Under his leadership, the Society has participated in several community service activities, such as toy drives, turkey give-a-ways, Halloween parties for children and families and various cancer walks. Mr. Torres has dedicated his life to public service. He became a Police Officer in 1996, where he patrolled the West Ward of Newark. In 2006, Mr. Torres was a member of the Vailsburg Task Force and, after 16 years of dedicated service to the West Ward of Newark, Mr, Torres was promoted to the rank of Detective, where he was assigned to Dignitary Protection.

“I am very humbled and thankful for this award. I want to thank the County Executive for considering me on such a special month,” said Torres. “I must also thank my Executive Board for their hard work and support. My name is on this plaque, but if I had it my way all of their names would be on it as well,” he added.

Esmeralda Diaz Cameron is currently the Public Relations Manager for the New York Metro Region for Verizon Wireless. As a company spokesperson, Ms. Cameron leads the development and execution of Corporate Communications plans to enhance the Verizon Wireless brand in the New York Metropolitan Area through positive media coverage, community relations programs and strategic employee communications. She is also responsible for the regional HopeLine community relations program, which focuses on domestic violence prevention and awareness.

Ms. Cameron’s career includes media experience from both sides of the desk as a PR professional and as a television anchor and producer. In her former role as Communications Director, Press Secretary and Spokesperson for Newark Mayor Cory Booker, her leadership was instrumental in propelling Newark into the national spotlight through the development and execution of strategic communications plans utilizing social media in conjunction with the cultivation of strong partnerships with the media. The office won several awards, including the NJ League of Municipalities “2009 Best Public Relations Office in NJ,” the ‘Shorty Awards” for use of social media as a government entity to educate and inform constituents and was recognized as the “2010 Best Public Information Office in NJ.” Under her leadership, the Communications Office operated the City’s first municipal television studio, aired an award-winning radio show entitled “Newark Today” on WBGO 88.3FM, coordinated major media events that involved such luminaries as Governor Chris Christie, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, actor/director Forest Whitaker, British Prime Minister David Cameron and produced thousands of collateral materials and developed relationships with nation, regional and local reporters.

She previously served as Associate State Director for AARP and Public Affairs Producer at MY 9 WWOR TV.FOX 5 WNYW TV from 2000 to 2005. Ms. Cameron has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish from Rutgers University-Rutgers College. She resides in Newark’s North Ward with her husband Samuel Delgado.

“When I think of Latino Heritage Month I think of friends and family. I am proud of my heritage and I am proud to be here today. I am deeply honored to receive this award from the County Executive,” said Cameron. “As Press Secretary for the City of Newark it was a privilege to serve the residents of Newark and disseminate information to them in a timely fashion. At Verizon Wireless I have the opportunity to serve people in a different capacity and I am most happy about my role dealing with our HopeLine program, which focuses on domestic violence awareness,” she added.

Pastor Maria Ortiz of Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington delivered the program’s invocation. Entertainment was provided by students from Arts High School. Freshman guitar student Alejandra Urgiles sang and played “Espacio Sidera” by Jesse and Joe, and senior vocal students Ashley Gomez and Jocelyn Figueroa sang “Presciosa.” The National Anthem was sung by Calvin Pearson.

The Latino Heritage Month Celebration is the part of a year-long cultural series created by County Executive DiVincenzo to highlight Essex County’s diversity. Other cultural heritage celebrations include African American History Month, Irish Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, Italian Heritage Month, Jewish Heritage and Portuguese Heritage.