My name is Carmen Sonia Martinez and I was born in the Dominican Republic. I arrived to the United States in May 1972 to live in New York City. I came to the Mohawk Valley, attended Herkimer County Community College and graduated with an A.A.S. degree in Travel & Tourism. However, my career took a turn towards the healthcare field after my daughter was born.

Since then, I been have working in this field for about 20 years with an insurance company Excellus, BC BS. Upon my arrival to Oneida county back in 1990, I realized that while there were many Latinos in this area, there was not enough awareness regarding different educational or cultural services to guide them towards resources for assistance. Due to the Language barriers were the main impediments to Latinos seeking assistance when needed. This does not mean that anyone is at fault. Latinos are very proud people. This makes it difficult for this culture to seek the help from persons that do not speak the same language. I have raised two children, Cristina (22) and Michael (17) in this area hoping that they also follow me, in raising their own children. I realized there is no better area to raise kids than in the Mohawk Valley.

One of the many reasons for starting this organization was to unite the Latino community to act as one voice. There were many times that I spent helping someone with different services such as housing, the department of motor vehicle, immigration, healthcare, social services, court and/or employment issues. Whether it's a person that has been here all their lives or newcomer, someone is always in need of help and/or information. MVLA will be there for everyone that needs assistance. My long range goal is to see the MVLA organization become a common household name in the Latino communities of the Mohawk Valley, to be a place to find answers to common questions, just as other cultures get their questions, answered.

I have written a motto from my own life experiences, “Every moment of your life has movement and direction” / “Cada momento en tu vida tiene movimiento y direccion”.

It just means that every one moment in your life, can get you closer to the goal that you aspire to reach. I believe the movements made in my life have led me to reach the goal of creating this organization, the Mohawk Valley Latino Association, Inc., and with the help of the other members of the organization we can meet meet the community’s needs as they arises.

Greetings From the President

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Anthony John Colón
Vice-President

Anthony John Colón moved from the New York City area to the Mohawk Valley in early 1986. He worked for various automobile insurance related corporations before establishing Techno-Logic Solutions, Inc. in 1999. TLS, Inc. currently provides various Bilingual (English/Spanish) professional services taking advantage of "Tony's" multifaceted background and record of successful accomplishments at local, regional, national, and international levels.

He believes it is important to provide community aid and services to all Mohawk Valley residents in need. He is driven by the belief that the MVLA, Inc. will evolve into the leading community minded organization in the Mohawk Valley. His motto: "The best leaders in our community are those that humbly serve those in most need."

His community involvement is varied, besides his role as Vice President of the MVLA, Inc. he also serves as Executive VP for the REVOLUTIONARY TRAILS BOY SCOUT COUNCIL located in the Mohawk Valley, Church Treasurer for SOUTH GATE MINISTRIES & CHURCH located in Waterville, New York, and in 2003 - 2004 also served as a VP on the Board of Directors for the MULTI-CULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL INTERPRETERS OF CENTRAL NEW YORK located in Utica, NY.

He lives in Utica with his wife, Marabella and their children, Christina and Christopher.

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Susan Fitzgerald Culkin
Treasurer

I was born and raised in Utica. I lived in Binghamton, NY for 10 years where I attended Broome County Community College. Upon returning home I attended Utica College of Syracuse University. My home is in Floyd where I live with my 12yr old son. My daughter and son-in-law live in Rensselear, NY. My sisters and their families along with my mother all live locally.

I first met Tony Colon who is the MVLA Vice-President about 7 years ago on another board that we were both involved with. He asked me if I would be interested in joining the MVLA and accepted after learning what the MVLA was all about.

At some time most all cultures have received some type of discrimination or prejudices. I feel this is basically due to people not understanding the culture and their needs. My heritage is that of a full blooded Irishwoman and I realize that even the Irish have been discriminated against.

The MVLA, Inc strives to assist all cultures not just the Latin culture. They do so with no prejudice. If the MVLA doesn't have the answer they try very hard to direct people to someone who can assist with the correct information.

The MVLA, Inc has a bright future in the Mohawk Valley with the drive of a Board that has great leadership and compassion for their fellow man/woman.

Currently I am Owner/President of The Family Touch, Inc. which provides home care services in Oneida County area.

My personal quote is: "Never underestimate the power of a Woman".

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H. Stuart De Camp
Member At Large

Born in 1963 raised in Thendara, NY. I began learning languages in high school and continued in college. I attended the University of Salamanca, Salamanca in Spain. After University I took a job in Puerto Rico where I stayed for 12 years.Languages have given me opportunities I never would have had only speaking English. I returned to this area to care for elder parents. I work as a Financial Services Representative for MetLife.

I am Licensed to sell Life & Health Insurance in New York and New Jersey. Also I am Registered representative of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and MetLife Securities. Inc.

After spending so many years living in “another culture” you adopt many aspects of that culture. The food, the language and of course the dancing! – I met Sonia at a dance fund raiser and was very impressed with her commitment to MVLA, Inc. and what the organization is trying to do for local community. So I joined to give a helping hand. In addition, I am a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Currently I live in Thandara, NY. I am sure you believe as I do, that we have at least some responsibility to those who depend on us: if nothing else, we have the responsibility to make conscious, deliberate decision about their future, rather than leaving their future to change and good luck.

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Nancy Swedin
Secretary

I am a 37 year old female married for 14 years to Curt my husband. I am mother of two beautiful daughters named Laura 12 and Gabriella 5. I was born and raised in New York City (NYC); however my parents are 100% Latinos. I moved to Utica about two years ago, to join my husband as he had a job here and give our daughters a better life; and after this time I'm still trying to adjust to the quiet and tranquil life.

I was introduced into the MVLA by Sonia Martinez whom I met during work.
Currently, I am the secretary at MVLA and my expectations in this organization is be efficient in what my duties are and participate in any and every community activity that is possible.

I enjoy meeting new people and helping people in need. I am pretty sure this organization is doing just that and this is one of the reason I accepted this position.

Favorite Saying: "I believe that things always happen for a reason."

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