Raices 2025 | CBM Public Relations

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BRENDA TORRES MUÑOZ

COSECHA AWARDEE

OWNER, CRIOLLISIMO RESTAURANTS

Known as “The Mother of Puerto Rican Food” in Connecticut, Brenda Torres Muñoz is a celebrated Puerto Rican entrepreneur and restaurateur whose culinary journey spans more than three decades. Born and raised in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, she inherited her love for cooking from her parents, who for 28 years ran El Restaurante de Todos, a family business credited with inventing the now iconic “mayoketchup”. In 1987, Torres Muñoz immigrated to Connecticut, where she recognized the need for authentic Puerto Rican flavors in the Latino community of New Britain. A year later, she opened the first Criollísimo, which quickly gained a reputation for its signature rice with pigeon peas and roast pork, as well as Puerto Rican-style sandwiches that evoked memories of home for thousands in the diaspora. Today, Criollísimo has expanded into multiple locations, including Criollísimo Restaurant and Criollísimo Sandwich Shop in Connecticut, Criollísimo Coffee Market in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, and an upcoming Criollísimo Express. Through her restaurants, Torres Muñoz remains committed to preserving the authenticity and freshness of Puerto Rican cuisine. Her menus feature beloved staples such as roast pork, mofongo, stews, and traditional sandwiches, continuing to attract lines of loyal customers daily. Beyond the kitchen, she has led the Puerto Rican Parade in Hartford for over 25 years, and regularly donates meals to local shelters carrying Puerto Rico not only in her cooking but also in her community work. With every plate, mural, and handmade artisan product featured in her establishments, Brenda Torres Muñoz shares the flavors, traditions, and heart of Puerto Rico proving that no matter how far one travels, home can always be brought back to the table.

JOHNNY SUAREZ

RAÍCES AWARDEE

SERGEANT, HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

A native of Medellín, Colombia, Sergeant Johnny Suarez proudly serves the Hartford Police Department with over a decade of dedication to public safety and community engagement. At the age of 18, he immigrated to the United States, pursuing higher education at Naugatuck Valley Community College before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Central Connecticut State University. In 2012, Suarez entered the Hartford Police Academy, where he graduated at the top of his class and received the prestigious Samuel Luciano Award from the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association. He began his career patrolling the Barry Square neighborhood, quickly earning the trust of local residents through his commitment to relationship-building and community policing. Throughout his career, Suarez has demonstrated leadership and mentorship. As a Field Training Officer, he guided new officers with professionalism and care. His service has been recognized with multiple honors, including a Life Saving Award (2016) for rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle, a Distinguished Service Award (2014) for the arrest of a robbery suspect, and recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (2020) for his efforts in combating impaired driving. Promoted to Sergeant in 2020, Suarez currently serves in the patrol division, where his fluency in Spanish strengthens connections with Hartford’s Latino community. He also serves on the executive board of the Hispanic Officers Association, furthering his commitment to outreach and advocacy. Outside of his police work, Suarez is an avid cyclist—often carrying a repair kit in his cruiser to assist community members—and most enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.

DR. MIRTHA NELLY ALDAVE

RAÍCES AWARDEE

BOARD MEMBER, COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

Dr. Mirtha Nelly Aldave is a lifelong advocate for education, equity, and social justice. A proud member of the University of Hartford’s Class of 1980, she went on to earn five additional academic degrees, including a doctorate, each underscoring her unwavering belief in the transformative power of learning. For more than 40 years, she dedicated her career to Hartford Public Schools, serving as a Bilingual/Bicultural/TESOL and Adult Education teacher as well as a Library Media and Technology educator. A pioneer in bilingual education, Dr. Aldave developed and led numerous programs for multilingual students, most notably the New Arrivals Program at Bulkeley High School, which now serves as a model for schools across the district. Her influence extended well beyond the classroom. She mentored generations of educators, designed professional development for multilingual and SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) learners, and consistently championed inclusive and equitable practices. Deeply committed to her community, she also volunteered to support immigrant and refugee youth through afterschool programs at the Hartford Public Library and lent her expertise to organizations advancing education and social justice. Today, she serves on the board of Community Partners in Action, an organization celebrating its 150th anniversary and one that played a role in her early professional journey through a college internship. Dr. Aldave retired in June 2025, honored by colleagues, students, and families whose lives she touched through her compassion, leadership, and vision. Her legacy is one of empowerment, innovation, and lifelong service to education and community.

ELIDA (ELLIE) JOYA-REYES

BRANCH AWARDEE

DIRECTOR, GREATER HARTFORD MISS PUERTO RICO CULTURAL PAGEANT

L. Elida (Ellie) Joya-Reyes was born in Lima, Peru. She studied at the Federico Villareal National University in Lima, where she earned a bachelor's degree in social work, focusing on intervening with employers who did not comply with the rights and benefits of Peruvian workers. She immigrated to the United States with a suitcase full of dreams and held various jobs before establishing her career. Now based in Hartford, she has worked with public schools for more than 15 years. For over a decade, she has also volunteered with CICD and currently serves as the Director of the Greater Hartford Miss Puerto Rico Cultural Pageant. Joya-Reyes leads a dedicated group of volunteers committed to preserving Puerto Rican culture among young people. She began her involvement as the mother of a contestant and Queen to her daughter, Sasha Candelaria, and has since continued her service in honor of her Puerto Rican husband, Jaime Candelaria. She remains proud to contribute year after year, witnessing the young women who participate grow in confidence while deepening their connection to their Puerto Rican roots.

ESTELA MORALES SEGARRA

SEMILLA AWARDEE

CO-FOUNDER, THE CT LATINAS GOLF TEAM

FOUNDER, AMIGOLF ACADEMY

Estela Morales Segarra is an LPGA Class A member, accomplished coach, and passionate advocate for growing the game of golf. She is the co-founder of the CT Latinas Golf Team and founder of AmiGolf Academy, where she creates programs that make golf fun, welcoming, and accessible to players of all ages and backgrounds. Based in Hartford, CT, Estela coaches at Goodwin Park and Keney Park Golf Courses as well as local indoor facilities, including Stingers and Golf Lounge 18. Her coaching spans a wide range of community programs, from LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, LPGA #inviteHER, and She Golfs with Travelers to The Venus Society, Proud Veteran Women’s Golf Team, First Tee Connecticut, PGA Jr. League, and PGA HOPE. She is deeply committed to creating spaces where new players feel included and returning players find joy in the game. In addition to coaching, Estela serves nationally on three LPGA committees—Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, New Members, and Girls Golf Experts. In 2025, she published her first children’s book, Christian the Ball Picker, inspired by her father, her son, and the young golfers she mentors. Outside of golf, Estela works as the Financial Inclusivity Coordinator and Instructor at the Hartford Public Library, where she teaches essential financial literacy skills. Through strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations, she continues to expand access to both golf and financial education—using her platform to build opportunities, strengthen community, and inspire the next generation.

CARLOS OQUENDO
(a.k.a DJ ASERE)

TRONCO AWARDEE

TRADING ASSISTANT

Carlos Oquendo (DJ ASERE) is a Cuban refugee who emigrated to Connecticut in 2007 and has since built a multifaceted career in business, entertainment, and community leadership. For the past 18 years, he has worked with a multinational agri-business, where his dedication and expertise have led to multiple promotions. He currently serves as a Trading Assistant, supporting complex operations in global markets. Carlos’s professional journey in the United States began as a coffee taster, overseeing a laboratory where he graded and sampled coffees from around the world. This experience sparked a lifelong passion for coffee culture and global trade. In addition, he is the founder and owner of ASERE Music Entertainment, an entertainment company that reflects his love for music, culture, and community engagement. A graduate of Gateway Community College, Carlos earned an associate’s degree in Business Management and Liberal Arts. His education and career reflect his commitment to professional growth, adaptability, and entrepreneurship. Outside of his professional endeavors, Carlos is a proud father of two daughters and an avid reader of personal growth, business, and psychology, drawing inspiration from writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Mario Vargas Llosa. Energetic, hardworking, and detail-oriented, Carlos brings passion and discipline to everything he does—whether in global business, music and entertainment, or in his most important role as a father.

ADINA G. RIVERA

RAÍCES LEGACY AWARDEE in HONOR OF SARAH FERRER de ROMANY

SOCIAL WORKER

Adina G. Rivera is a licensed Puerto Rican social worker with over 50 years of service to Connecticut’s Latino community. A graduate of the University of Connecticut’s MSW program with high honors, she began her career in the 1970s at the Institute for the Hispanic Family in Hartford, serving as a case manager, therapist, consultant, and group facilitator. Her clinical work has focused on children, adolescents, and adults coping with ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, and substance abuse. For 35 years, she has also provided case management to cognitively challenged Latino/a individuals and is certified by the State of Connecticut to administer medications. She has supervised graduate social work students and consistently advocated for Latino/a families. Since 2020, Ms. Rivera has offered tele-mental health therapy to adults, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She currently practices at Hartford Psychological Services and Humanidad. An active member of Saint Augustine Catholic Church, she has long supported community needs through leadership roles. Her contributions have been recognized by the Latino Social Workers Network, which named her a Distinguished Latina Social Worker in 2014, and by the State of Connecticut in 2021 for her lifetime of service.