10/05/2026
Congratulations Yeimi!
Congratulations to Yeimi A. Hernandez Cruz on receiving the Comunidad Impact Award from the Latino Action Network Foundation (LANF)! 👏🏽
As we celebrate her accomplishments over the past 10+ years, we recognize a commitment to community that began while she was still a student and continues through her leadership today.
Her contributions include:
• Advocating for better schools in Freehold Borough. On September 24, 2015, as a high school sophomore, Yeimi delivered testimony supporting school expansion to address overcrowding. She spoke about children learning in divided libraries and converted spaces, calling for the classrooms and resources they deserved.
• Testifying before the New Jersey Senate Transportation Committee on December 12, 2019, supporting access to driver’s licenses for undocumented residents. She shared how transportation barriers affected her family and others trying to get to school, work, and everyday activities.
• Speaking up for Dreamers and immigrant families, bringing their experiences directly to decision-makers and sharing her own story through Asbury Park Press coverage.
• Serving as Deputy Director of the Latino Coalition of New Jersey, continuing her advocacy for students and families, and working with school administrators and community organizations to ensure their concerns are heard.
• Yeimi also works closely with the Mexican Consulate to help individuals detained by ICE obtain legal representation. Through this work, she helps connect detainees with legal assistance during a time of fear and uncertainty, reflecting her commitment to ensuring that members of our community have support when they need it most.
In her 2015 testimony, Yeimi declared: “To fight for my community! Today and now.” Those words continue to reflect her dedication.
As Director of the Coalition, I am proud to work alongside Yeimi and celebrate this well-deserved honor.
Felicidades, Yeimi! Thank you for your courage, compassion, and commitment to our community. 🎉
