Honoring Mixteca's Roots Journal

Mixteca.org 1

A C E L E B R A T I O N O F T H E L I F E A N D

N O V E M B E R 2 0 , 2 0 1 3

W O R K O F D R . G A B R I E L R I N C O N

Honoring Mixteca’s Roots2

Mixteca.org 3

Our MissiOn

Mixteca’s mission is to empower the Mexican and Latin-American immigrants of the New York area by providing services that enhance immigrants’ quality of life and will allow them to reach sustainable social and economic development.

Our HistOry and WOrk

Mixteca Organization Inc., (Mixteca) is a 501©3 community-based organization in Sunset Park, Brooklyn that was established in 2000 by a group of concerned community members to respond to the host of critical health, educational, and social needs facing the burgeoning Latin-American immigrant community settling in South Brooklyn.

Our work aims to unify our community’s strengths with the knowledge and resources that they need to succeed in their new home. As an organization founded by the community that we serve, we take full advantage of this unique perspective in offering quality programs that respond to our community’s needs and are sensitive to their culture.


Message FrOM CHair

On behalf of Mixteca’s board of directors, staff, and volunteers it is my honor to welcome you to our celebration of the life and work of our organization’s founder, Dr. Gabriel Rincon. For nearly two decades Dr. Rincon has served a critical role in the integration and education of thousands of newly-arrived immigrants to New York City. From his work delivering preventative health workshops as a recent graduate of the NYU School of Dentistry, to his founding of the Mixteca Organization in 2000 and ongoing work as Vice President of the Lutheran Family Health Centers, Dr. Rincon’s work is a testament to the power of the human spirit and invaluable contribution of immigrants to New York City. In “Honoring Mixteca’s Roots” tonight we celebrate not only the values and work that led to our organization’s founding, but how that proud history lives on in the contributions of all who work to further Mixteca’s mission.

I thank you once more for your attendance to tonight’s event and welcome you as partners in Mixteca’s success and that of the thousands of newly-arrived families impacted by our work.

Sincerely,

Rodrigo CamarenaBoard ChairmanMixteca Organication, Inc

Mixteca.org 5

HOst COMMittee

CHairMarty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President

MeMbersGuillermo ChaconCynthia J. FelixWendy Z. GoldsteinClaudia V. GonzalezEmma Graber-PorterJanice Ford GriffinDeborah A. JastrebskiLarry K. McReynolds Randy PeersRobert RodriguezEdmundo RomanElizabeth SchneeRev. Samuel F. Wong

FOunding and FOrMer bOard MeMbers

Facundo Mendez, co-founderAlejandra Rodríguez, co-founderMargarita Rincon, co-founderLeonel GarciaJavier AmigonDr. Dolores Martinez

bOard OF direCtOrs

Rodrigo Camarena, Board ChairmanRosalio Mata, Board Vice ChairmanMyra A. Aguilar, Board TreasurerLeticia Suarez, Board SecretaryEnrique Dolarte, Board MemberAntonio Rodriguez, Board MemberAndres Sada, Board Member

Mixteca.org 5


Mixteca.org 7

dr. gabriel rinCón FOUNDER AND FORMER ExECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PRESIDENT OF MIxTECA ORGANIZATION, INC

Gabriel Rincón was born in Puebla, Mexico. After experiencing undocumented immigration to New York as a teenager, he returned to Mexico where he worked to pay for his education and to study dentistry at the Universidad Autonoma de Puebla from which he graduated in 1981. He performed a year of community service in Hospital Montelimar, in Mana-gua, Nicaragua. After a short stay in Mexico where he practiced his profession, Dr. Rincón moved to New York where he worked various jobs until he was accepted at the College of Dentistry of New York University from which he graduated in 1991 with a DDS Degree. Dr. Rincón served as a Fellow in Oral Surgery at Bellevue Hospital where he first encountered patients dying of AIDS. In 1993, he started his own successful dental practice in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. In 1994, he began working for the community, giving talks about HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis prevention and Lead Poisoning.

In 2000 he and three other concerned community members formed Mixteca Organization, Inc. with an aim to serve recent Mexican and Latino immigrants in New York. Dr. Rincón presently serves as President of the Board of Directors of Mixteca Organization, Inc as Vice-President of Mexican American Societies, Sunset Park Lions Member, Sunset Park Health Council Member, Lutheran Medical Center Board of Trustees Member, and this past February was appointed to Vice-President of Lutheran Family Health Centers and volunteers tirelessly in administering and implementing Mixteca Organization’s programs. The Governor of the State of Puebla, the Brooklyn Borough President, the Mexican Consul General, the New York City Council, Sunset Park Lion’s Club, and the Health Department of New York City have recognized Dr. Rincón for his community efforts. Dr. Rincón received the prestigious Union Square Award and the Bank of America Local Hero Award. He has appeared on Spanish radio stations in New York and has been invited to several conferences to discuss Mexican immigrants in New York and the role of community-based organizations. In 2008 and 2010, Dr. Rincón spoke on behalf of the New York Mexican community at a forum with Mexican President Felipe Calderon alongside the Mexican Ambassador, First Lady, and various Mexican Ministers. In November of 2011, Dr. Rincon won the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leader Award. In 2012, he was named “Man of the Year in the Mexican Community of New York” by Casa Puebla NY. Also in 2012, he received the HOPE Award from the American Journal of Health Promotion. On April 2013, he was honored by the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau for his longstanding work with the department to enhance the quality of life of the Hispanic community. This fall he will be receiving the New York Immigrant Achievement Award presented by the American Immigration Council.

Mixteca.org 7


Mixteca.org 9


a FeW WOrds tO dr. gabriel rinCón

Mixteca.org 11


A lo largo de mi experiencia profesional como Cónsul General de México en Estados Unidos y Canadá he tenido oportunidad de conocer a un gran número de líderes comunitarios que permanentemente trabajan en beneficio de nuestra comunidad mexicana sin más retribución que la satisfacción de servir al prójimo.Sin duda entre ellos destaca el Dr. Gabriel Rincón, quien por iniciativa propia fundó hace más de 12 años Mixteca Organization (2000) en uno de esos lugares en donde la necesidad por tender una mano a nuestra comunidad era apremiante.

Ubicada en Sunset Park, Nueva York, bajo el liderazgo del Dr. Rincón un grupo de miembros de la comunidad dieron vida a esta organización no-lucrativa para apoyar en programas de salud, educación, asuntos legales y migratorios de la comunidad mexicana y latinoamericana de Brooklyn.

La incansable labor del Dr. Rincón ha llevado a posicionar a Mixteca Organization como una de las más sólidas en su género, no solo en el ámbito de la circunscripción de Nueva York, sino dentro de Estados Unidos. Numerosos casos me ha tocado presenciar de organizaciones que surgen con intenciones loables pero que a la vuelta de los años desaparecen o se debilitan en su accionar. Mixteca Organization es caso contrario su proceso de avance y consolidación ha sido sistemático. Gradualmente ha incorporado diferentes programas a sus actividades, adaptándose a las necesidades de la comunidad que sirve y atiende.

El Dr. Rincón se ha ganado a pulso el reconocimiento y respeto de propios y extraños, así como el afecto de la comunidad mexicana, méxico americana, anglo, latina, china y de los diferentes grupos étnicos que convergen en la cosmopolita ciudad de Nueva York.Baste mencionar, entre el cúmulo de reconocimientos que ha recibido, el Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leader Award en el año 2012 así como el HOPE Award from the American Journal of Health Promotions. Su apoyo a la comunidad mexicana se ha traducido en la permanente colaboración con el Consulado General de México a través de todos sus titulares. En lo personal mucho reconozco el esfuerzo permanente de Mixteca Organization por los múltiples eventos llevados a cabo en sus instalaciones durante mi gestión consular. Asimismo mucho aprecio los profundos lazos de amistad que nos unen y que estoy cierto permanecerán para siempre.

Ahora que ha tomado la decisión de dejar en manos de nuevas generaciones este esfuerzo, en un gesto de sapiencia, madurez profesional y altura de miras, hago votos porque el ejemplo de Mixteca Organization sea replicado muchas veces en beneficio de la muy noble comunidad migrante mexicana, a quien tanto reconozco, admiro y valoro.

Carlos M. sadaCónsul General de México en Los Ángeles

Mixteca.org 13


SalutesLutheran’s own

Gabriel Rincon, D.D.SOn his Retirement from

Mixteca Organization, Inc.

Thank You for YourTireless Efforts and Dedicationto the Communities We Serve

Lutheran HealthCareemma graber - PorterChair, Board of Trustees

Wendy Z. goldsteinPresident & CEO

Lutheran Family Health Centersrev. samuel F. Wong

Board President

larry k. McreynoldsExecutive Director

Mixteca.org 15

“El amor de Dios es como el mar puedes ver su inicio pero no su final”,

Y así es su trayectoria, como un ejemplo del amor.

Dear Dr. Gabriel Rincon,

Words cannot express the deep respect we have for you. You have been a true friend and leader who cared about each and every one of us. Your drive and commitment has made it possible to make things happen, always for the benefit of the community. Your vision has inspired many, we will treasure the knowledge you have shared with us, never forget the endless hours you spent and continue your legacy for the years to come. As your journey continues, we wish you good health and much joy.

With profound gratitude and appreciation for your generosity, commitment and innovative leadership,rodrigo Camarenarosalio MataMyra a. aguilarleticia suarez enrique deolarteantonio rodriguezandres sada Mixteca Organization, Inc Board of Directors


Dear Dad,

What can I say that everyone else hasn’t said? Well here’s one thing…I love you. You’re a role model for a lot of people, a prime example, a mentor and a hero. But to me you’re my dad and that’s the best word I can use to describe you and that no one else can use. It’s easy for me to write this but it’s also difficult because there isn’t enough space in the world to write what I truly feel. I can say so many things about how incredible you are because of everything you’ve done with Mixteca and all the community work but it’s no surprise to me. You’ve always been like that. And everyone who has something to say will say a lot of good things about you but they don’t know you the way I do, so I’m going to talk about that. You’ve always been my hero, ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted to be like you. It first started with me being in kindergarten telling the principal that I wanted to be a dentist when I grew up. And to this day I still want to be like you. You’ve done a lot of things with Mixteca and you put up with a lot and went through a lot as well, but what you’ve done with me, how you and my mom shaped me into the man that I am today, that’s what I admire and appreciate the most. You’ve been tough, strict, and even though a lot of times I felt unfair, it was all a way of teaching me about life and how to prepare me the best you can. I can’t tell you or even put into words how much I admire, appreciate and love you. You’re the best father a son can have. You’re the best friend a person can have. The relationship we have is one of a kind and I don’t know where I would be without you. For 13 years the world knew you because of your work with Mixteca and all the amazing things you did with it, things nothing short of amazing. But you’ve been my dad for 31 years and I’m not surprised. You came here to the US and did what others can only dream of. You’re determination and drive is one of a kind. To see what you’ve been through, to see how you don’t make excuses to get what you want, and to still have time to be a father, that’s what I see, that’s what I admire and that’s makes me proud to be your son. When you started Mixteca 13 years ago I had no idea what you were getting yourself into and if I would have known I would have done everything to try to talk you out of it because I know what you’ve been through all these years. But I know how you are. I know you would have done it still because you love to help others. You’ve never been selfish, you’ve always done favors for other people and never expected anything in return and you’ve taught me to do the same. And we are better people because of you. The community, Margarita and I are better people because of you. The world will never know another Dr. Gabriel Rincon. The legacy you leave behind is extraordinary. And I have the honor and privilege of telling the world that you’re my dad. On behalf of everyone whose life you’ve touched and impacted, especially mine…thank you. I can never repay or thank you for everything you’ve done for me, all I can do is try to make you proud and be the man you taught me to be.

Thank you and again…I love you.

ruddy rincon

Mixteca.org 17

Con respeto y mucho orgullo he podido ser testigo directo, de ver realizados los sueños y superación de retos de quien de gran y humilde corazón ha brindado su valor en oro, para que todo aquel necesitado, sin esperar jamás recompensa alguna.

Los retos al vivir con él, han hecho una aventura, en donde lo imposible lo hace posible y que durante el vivir de los días, se olvida por completo de sí mismo.

Me enseño que la mejor manera de conseguir las cosas es hacerlas en su momento, porque quizás mañana el entusiasmo se apague y no ocurra nada.

Por eso y por muchas cosas doy gracias a Dios, por permitirme compartir con él estos momentos agridulces, de alegría y satisfacciones.

Con mucho amor,Margarita rincón


robert Wood Johnson FoundationCommunity Health leaders

Congratulations to

Dr. Gabriel RinconCommunity Health leader 2011

For service to Mixteca and brooklyn’s latin american immigrant community

CHL is a national leadership program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, administered by The Harris Foundation.

www.communityhealthleaders.org

Agradezco al Dr. Rincón, a su esposa Margarita y a Mixteca por siempre hacerme participe de la organización.

Para mi es un honor y un privilegio acompañarlos.

En hora buena,antonio Martínez

Mixteca.org 19

Dr. Rincon,

I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work with and get to know you over the last 9 years.I admire your tireless dedication to the community, your generosity of spirit and time, and most of all your integrity. You are a role model and an inspiration for so many, and while your relationship with Mixteca has changed, your deep commitment to the community and your connection to the organization live on at Mixteca every day!

Thank you as well to Margarita, who has made significant contributions to and sacrifices for Mixteca for nearly two decades, and to Ruddy, who spent many of his formative years at Mixteca meetings and events, and who as a young adult has become an important contributor to the organization and to the community.

I hope you can take a bit of time to rest now that you no longer need to be at Mixteca every Saturday! I am looking forward to following your ongoing work on behalf of the Mexican-American community in New York City.

In admiration,liz schnee

EDMUNDO ROMAN-PEREZ, ESQ.ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

COngratulates dr. gabriel rinCOn FOr His innOvative leadersHiP

505 59th St. 2nd FloorBrooklyn, NY 11220

Tel: (718)439-3950Fax: (718)439-6599

Email: [email protected]

Mixteca.org 19


Me complace poder felicitar al Dr. Gabriel Rincón y el gran legado que nos deja a su comunidad. Fui testigo del gran ser humano que es y cuanto ama su labor. A todo momento Mixteca siempre estaba en sus prioridades. Gracias Dr. Rincón, a sido una bendición todo lo que a brindado a familias como la mía donde un joven pudo salir de la universidad con su apoyo, donde una mujer adulta estaba perdiendo la vista y con su intervención hasta el día de hoy pueda valerse por ella misma, donde quiso empoderar a mujeres como yo y muchas mas. Hoy le puedo decir que su legado ya esta en nosotras. Usted inicio algo tan maravilloso como creer que nuestra comunidad latina en general somos capaces de hacer la diferencia. Hoy y siempre que Dios lo bendiga a usted y a su maravillosa familia y estoy segura que adonde quiera que valla su labor tan hermosa de ayudar y educar no a terminado, porque se y estoy segura que muchas familias mas lo estaremos necesitando. Muchas felicidades por su ardua labor y felicidades a la nueva generación por tener el valor de tomar las riendas de un futuro de una comunidad en una necesidad continua. Dios los bendiga y les invito a pensar que no están por una casualidad, cada uno de ustedes son como el cuerpo humano si funcionan en equipo pensando en el beneficio de su comunidad llevaran a Mixteca mas allá y entonces será el mayor regalo que puedan regalarse a ustedes mismos a su comunidad pero sobre todo el legado del Dr. Gabriel Rincón vivirá por siempre.

soledad Herrera

“Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots” - Victor Hugo

Dr. Rincon,

Your diligence and dedication speaks volumes of your character. It has been an honor to work with you day in and day out at Mixteca. Like a giving tree, you hold no reservations when giving your very best to help, regardless of who it is.

Thank you for taking the lead nearly twenty years ago to empower our community. My family is one among the thousands that has been positively impacted by your vision. I extend my gratitude to you and the founding members of Mixteca. In sharing your knowledge and believing in a group of young individuals, today you are paving a new way.

I remain forever grateful,saide Calixto Executive Director

“No pressure”

Mixteca.org 21

la tiendita deli grocery3924 8th Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11232(718)871-5388

Felicita y agradece al Dr. Rincón por su trabajo y trayectoria en la comunidad Hispana. Como miembro de la comunidad, soy

testigo de su esfuerzo y el apoyo que nos ha brindado.

Gracias Dr. Rincón

nicol’s unisex705 5th Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11215(718)832-8181

Congratulates Mixteca and its Founder,

Dr. Gabriel Rincon

Dr. Rincón,

Felicitaciones por todos los éxitos de Mixteca. Se que ha sido una aventura, un gran sacrificio y gran esfuerzo. Es un honor haber sido parte de la historia de Mixteca. Su trabajo y esfuerzo son una inspiración para muchos.

Con mucho cariño, adriana

On behalf ofRandy Peers, Executive Director

& Everyone at OBT

Congratulations to Dr. Gabriel Rincon A True Community Hero

Sunset Park783 Fourth Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11232718-369-0303

Bushwick25 Thornton Street

Brooklyn, NY 11206718-387-1600

BWRC280 Wyckoff AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11237

718-381-3222

Bed-Stuy20 New York AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11216

718-399-9700

Y Roads Center161-04 Jamaica Avenue

Jamaica, NY 11432212-630-9727

is proud to supportMixteca in:

Honoring Mixteca’s Roots

www.obtjobs.org

Mixteca.org


staFF

Saide Calixto, Executive DirectorEvelyn Camarillo, Community Health PromoterHaydee Davila, Education CoordinatorNarcisa Loza, Domestic Violence Initiative Coordinator Saira Camarillo, Administrative AssistantNurys Angomas, Bookkeeper

tHank yOu

We are deeply thankful to every individual who has contributed to the empowerment of the Mexican and Latin American community through their support and partnership with Mixteca.

Mixteca.org 23

Mixteca Organization, inc.245 23rd Sreet 2nd Floor

Brooklyn, New York 11215Tel: (718) 965-4795

Email: [email protected]

Documents

Honoring Mixteca's Roots Journal