Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral (D-New Bedford) was proud to nominate Von Marie Moniz of New Bedford for the 2023 Latino Excellence Award. She was among the Latino leaders from across Massachusetts honored at the State House on Thursday, October 26th by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll were also in attendance and congratulated all awardees.

The Latino Excellence Awards event is an annual event hosted by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus to commemorate Latino Community leaders, trailblazers, and changemakers who contribute significantly to the Commonwealth.

“We are grateful for Von Marie’s leadership on behalf of New Bedford’s Hispanic and Spanish-speaking community,” states Rep. Antonio Cabral. “Her own personal journey as a small-business owner and her commitment to representing, empowering, and advancing the growing Hispanic population in the South Coast make her well-deserving of this award.”

Von Marie first became involved with E For All! SouthCoast as a Certified Event and Wedding Planner looking to expand her wedding planning business, Von Marie Co. Her positive experience with the program led her to become E for All SouthCoast’s Program Manager. Throughout her tenure, Von Marie has built and sustained a network of local entrepreneurs and small-business owners, providing them with the professional development and technical assistance to help their businesses thrive. Outside of her professional role, Von Marie founded Latinas in the SouthCoast in 2021, a mission-driven group for Latina professionals that provides professional development resources and opportunities, and in 2023 she launched the first South Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“Von Marie is empowering fellow entrepreneurs and small-business owners, connecting them to resources and, most importantly, connecting the Greater New Bedford community to these businesses, which aren’t always found on the beaten path,” said Rep. Cabral. “It is for these reasons I proudly nominated Von Marie Moniz for this year’s Latino Excellence Award. New Bedford is a stronger place because of her.”

The Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus exists to define, highlight, & analyze those issues & concerns affecting people of color in Massachusetts.