More than 60 Hispanic women, the majority working in the agricultural sector, were honored in a celebration of their work and community involvement with dinner, music, and more during a special event at the Society Hotel in Bingen on Saturday night, April 9 , at an event sponsored by Comunidades, a Hood River-based community organization.
“We wanted to show gratitude for all the Hispanic women who work in agriculture,” explained Ubaldo Hernández of Columbia Riverkeeper. Her hard work, especially during the pandemic, has made it clear how essential her work at the Gorge is, she noted.
Sixty women were honored individually, receiving dinner, gifts and roses during the four hours of the event. All attendees have been active in the Communities group, which offers classes and training focused on civic engagement and building future leaders in the community, Hernandez said. "All of these women have been active in the group and we wanted to thank them."
Topping the list of honorees was Carmen Grodzki, who has been active in the Gorge community for 20 years. “I am surprised and happy,” Grodzki said of the recognition. Grodzki is involved in leadership training, including helping to prevent domestic and sexual violence within the community and helping to support victims as they recover, as well as working on social justice issues impacting the region.
Hernández pointed out that most of the community work and training takes place at night, since most of the women who attend these sessions do so after a hard day's work in a fruit packing plant or in the orchards.
Claudia Cuentas, a musician, dancer and licensed marriage and family therapist, was on hand to make the night special.
"We want to celebrate women, their strength and wisdom," she said. She offered a mix of art therapy and group activities, much of it drawn from the culture of Peru, where she is from. "I want you to move and dance and celebrate," he said before his performance began. "I love people. I like people to feel included, part of the community. "It's all about healing. Art heals and empowers."
