Ibero-American Action League honors three for their service to Rochester's Latinx community

Three community leaders were recognized by the Ibero-American Action League for their dedication to the well-being and betterment of Rochester's Latinx residents.

Why 'Latinx'? In 2021, an Ibero-American Action League report chose the term. Learn more about why.

Ibero held a virtual 2023 State of the Latinx Community luncheon Oct. 16, which focused on current public safety issues faced in the El Camino neighborhood of the city and granted the trio of awards.

Here are the winners:

Alicia Torres Award 2023: Orlando Ortíz

Orlando Ortíz, CEO of RocOn Property Management, has served as president of the Puerto Rican Festival Inc., which puts together the annual celebration of Puerto Rican culture and heritage in Rochester.

His tireless efforts to bring the festival to life was just one of the reasons that earned him the Alicia Torres Award, which recognizes individuals who show exemplary leadership in support of Rochester's Latinx community.

Learn more from previous coverage: Ibero-American Action League seeks nominations for the 2023 Alicia Torres Award

Ortíz said that like Torres, the award's namesake, he believes in the power of community, compassion and dedication. The award serves as a continue commitment to the future, he said.

"It is a reminder that the work is far from over and that we must continue to serve our community with the same passion, dedication and humility that (Torres) exemplified throughout her life," Ortíz said. "It's also a responsibility to bring others along to work on this as well. So, I encourage others to identify community members to join the work, and see where their passions meet with community needs. And if we can marry those two together, it's even better."

Unsung Hero Award 2023: Ronald "Ron" Malley

Ronald "Ron" Malley retired as a lieutenant from the Rochester Police Department, where he spent more than 30 years. Most recently served in the Northeast Quadrant Neighborhood Service Center, which serves the El Camino area.

"It kind of caught me off guard, but I want to thank everybody," Malley said.

Ibero said what set Malley apart is his commitment, compassion and drive to serve others.

The Unsung Hero award was an appreciation of his commitment, leadership and public service, among other standout attributes, said Ibero's Chief Community Engagement Officer Miguel Melendez, who is president of Rochester City Council. Melendez said that Malley could be seen at various meetings, events and activities in his district.

"Lt. Malley is someone who cares and was willing to advocate for the El Camino neighborhood," Melendez said.

Malley said that over his career, he had challenging assignments and rewarding ones, and his time in the service center was both.

"One of the most rewarding times in my career because it really got back to the most important thing: community," Malley said.

President's Award 2023: Ida Pérez

Ida Pérez has been a longtime member of the Ibero-American Action League, and she served as director of Ibero's Early Childhood Services.

The President's Award goes to an Ibero employee who has gone above and beyond in their duties and contributions to the agency's mission, said President and CEO Angelica Pérez-Delgado, who is Pérez's niece.

"The work that she's leading in this neighborhood is not new. (It's) who my aunt has been her entire life," said Pérez-Delgado.

Pérez started at Ibero's Early Childhood Center in 2005, and before then had served at Action for a Better Community's Head Start program, said Perez-Delgado.

Pérez, who is retiring, was recognized for the role she has played at Ibero's center.

"She has been the leader and has impacted thousands of children and thousands of parents who have received early childhood services here at Ibero," Pérez-Delgado said.

Pérez said that she will continue her advocacy work in Rochester. She's not going anywhere.

"This is where I live. This is where my time will be spent until the end of my days," Perez said, adding that Perez-Delgado might be right in suggesting that her aunt will lean further into service during retirement.

"Be careful because here I come."

Child care challenge: Loss of federal funding for NY child care providers could be 'catastrophic' for families

Fashion fundraiser: What are the hottest fashion trends in Rochester right now? Take a peek

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Ibero-American Action League 2023 awards: See who won in Rochester NY