By DIANE WILLIAMS

At the annual Somos conference’s LCLAA Awards breakfast in Albany March 7 weekend, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement bestowed top honors on DC 37 Legislative Aide Orlando Rivera Jr. for his activism in New York City’s Latino community.

LCLAA’s 18-member board voted unanimously to recognize Rivera’s outstanding work in the DC 37 Political Action Dept. and his volunteerism and outreach in organizing voters for key political campaigns, and giving back via food and toy drives in NYCHA.

“Orlando’s commitment to the community is evident,” said Carmen Flores, a LCLLA and Somos board member and DC 37 Education Fund staffer. “We recognize ordinary people who do extraordinary things, they are the glue to the puzzle. We see the amazing work Orlando is doing.”

SSEU Local 371 Executive Vice President Yolanda Pumarejo also serves on the board. Eduardo Rosario of DC 37’s Safety and Health Unit chairs the NYC Chapter of LCLAA.

“I was astonished to get this award,” said Rivera, an AFSCME Next Wave activist and former delegate of SSEU Local 371 and Local 768 member. “I want to do good and serve my community to my greatest capacity.”

Rivera is the third DC 37 staff member to win this top award. LCLAA previously recognized Asst. Director Erica Vargas and Flores.