Press Release

DISTRICT ATTORNEY MELINDA KATZ CO-HOSTS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION WITH SPECIAL ACCOLADE TO ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND OTHER HONOREES

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, joined by Acting Queens Borough President Sharon Lee, hosted a celebration of Hispanic Heritage last night during a virtual event that honored notable people of Hispanic and Latin descent and included songs and musical performances.

District Attorney Katz said, “Our borough of Queens is the most diverse county in the world and our Hispanic community makes up 28 percent of those who call Queens home. We are a family enriched by the beautiful culture and traditions of people whose background hails from Spanish-speaking countries all over the world. It was my pleasure to partner with Borough President Lee to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans that have positively impacted all of us.”

During the two hours of virtual festivities, DA Katz and Borough President Lee honored:

  • Assistant District Attorney Gabriel Mendoza, who has been a prosecutor in Queens for nearly 10 years. A graduate of Fordham University School of Law and Texas State University, ADA Mendoza’s field of expertise is investigating and prosecuting homicides, violent felonies and complex conspiracy cases. He is dedicated to righting the wrongs and providing victims of crime justice in our legal system.

 

DA Katz said, “ADA Mendoza most recently worked on investigations involving violent streets gangs, including MS-13, Latin Kings and Trinitarios. His work is making a real difference and helping to keep our communities safe for all. I am delighted to acknowledge his hard work and dedicated service to this office.”

  • Aridia “Ari” Espinal, the Governmental Relations Representative for the Mason Tenders District Council was born and raised in Corona, Queens. Ms. Espinal is a devoted public servant fighting to improve the lives of those who live and work in Corona, Jackson Heights and Elmhurst. She has organized soup kitchens, coat drives and more.

 

  • The NYPD Hispanic Society, which was first incorporated in 1957, was established to promote and develop a friend and fraternal spirit among all members of Spanish descent within the New York City Police Department. The group works to enhance opportunities for members and has been involved in challenging entrance and promotional exams and assessing the status of Hispanic officers. The group played a significant role in aiding the island of Puerto Rico following recent hurricanes with members volunteering and traveling to the U.S. Territory to help with aid, translators and accompanying Red Cross staff to remote regions to distribute food and emergency equipment.