On Friday, September 19th the Board of Commissioners honored 10 prominent Hispanic citizens to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
“Here in Camden County, we are fortunate to have a thriving Hispanic community that is full of people striving to make a difference for the better,” Commissioner Virginia Betteridge said. “The individuals being honored this year are exceptional role models and deserve to be recognized and celebrated. Their stories remind us of the importance of diversity, inclusion, and pride in heritage.”
The 2025 Prominent Hispanic Award will be presented to the following individuals:
- Claudia Eiden: Eiden works in the Camden County Prosecutors Office in the Narcotics Unit, and oversees the Community Outreach and Engagement Unit.
- Janell Simpson: Simpson serves as Deputy Chief of the Camden County Police Department, and was the first Latina to attain the rank of Captain and Deputy Chief in department history.
- Janette Norcross: Norcross, a proud U.S Army veteran, who now serves the community at the Board of Social Services.
- Jeanette Alvarez: Alvarez currently serves as Vice President of the Camden City Advisory Board and Legislative Director to Assemblywoman Melinda Kane.
- Margarita Santiago: Santiago is the proud founder and administrator of STARS Adult Medical Day Care and STARS Banquet Hall.
- Maria Perez: Perez worked at Cooper University Hospital for 28 years, assisting in opening the first hospital Interpreting Department in the South Jersey region.
- Vince Martinez: Martinez is currently serving the Pennsauken Township committee board, and is involved in the Merchantville-Pennsauken Little League.
- Wanda Pichardo: Pichardo is the Superintendent of Camden County Technical Schools.
- Ysabel Nunez: Nunez is the owner of Ysa Nunez Resources and Nunez Advocacy Center, a non-profit dedicated to helping immigrant and underserved communities.
- Jenny Cubero: Cubero works in Constituent Services for Camden County, and is deeply committed to public service.
More information on this year’s recipients is available at: www.camdencounty.com/service/hispanic-affairs/