BELLEVILLE, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. hosted the county’s annual Latino Heritage Celebration on Thursday, Sept. 28, in the Essex County Hall of Records in Newark.
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 Europe, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
During the program, DiVincenzo presented the county’s 2017 Estrella del Condado de Essex Awards — Stars of Essex County — to Sue Ortiz-Hands, a resident of Belleville and director of the Essex County Division of Community Health Services, and Ramon Rivera, partner at Scarinci Hollenbeck law firm, for their commitment to improving the lives of all residents, their leadership, and dedication to public service.
“We are honored to recognize Sue Ortiz-Hands and Ramon Rivera for their commitment to improving the lives of all residents, their leadership, and dedication to public service,” 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.
“Sue Ortiz-Hands and Ramon Rivera are both well-deserving of this honor,” said former Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver. “Sue Ortiz-Hands is an unsung hero in the county and Ramon Rivera is following in his father’s footsteps, upholding his legacy.”
Ortiz-Hands, a resident of Belleville, currently serves as the director of the Essex County Division of Community Health Services. For the past 33 years, she has worked in various county departments, including administration and finance, Office of Management and Budget, Department of Public Works, commissioner of Registration/Superintendent of Elections and the Essex County Economic Development Corp. In addition to her work, she serves as the county’s liaison to the township of West Caldwell and as a member of the Essex County Prevention Coalition Team for Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Ortiz-Hands has always taken an active role in her community, having served as a member of the Get Out the Vote — GOTV — Team for North Ward District 7 for 21 years, a charter member of the Forest Hills Action Group Neighborhood Watch Team for nine years, a Belleville Zoning Board member for two years and as a member of the Belleville Municipal Alliance, which develops educational and prevention programs to prevent medication misuse and addiction. In 2007, she participated in the Newark Police Citizen/Clergy Academy, which was a 10-week program that immersed residents in the daily experience of Newark police officers and provided participants with a better understanding of crime fighting in the city of Newark.
Ortiz-Hands earned her associate of arts degree in liberal arts from Essex County College and is a alumna of Essex County Vocational Technical Schools – North 13th Street Tech. She is happily married to her husband, Lee A. Hands, and they have three sons, Lee Jr., Keith and Timothy; nine grandchildren, and 30 nieces and nephews.
“I am truly honored and humbled to accept this award and join the other past honorees who I look up to. Thank you to the county executive for taking a chance with me and giving me the opportunity to join your team of administrators and directors,” said Ortiz-Hands.
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