L-R-County Legislator Jose Alvarado, Honoree Nelson Gisbert and BOL Chair Vedat Gashi
The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Hispanic American Heritage Month on Monday evening with a ceremony honoring Nelson Gisbert, a Yonkers entrepreneur and trailblazer in Hispanic business leadership, and Brenda Maeda, a cosmetology business founder, educator, and youth mentor.
Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown), who convened the ceremony, said, “The stories of Nelson Gisbert and Brenda Maeda remind us that Westchester County’s strength comes from the people who choose to build their lives, families, and businesses here. It is an honor to celebrate their achievements as well as their resilience, hard work, and contributions to our community during Hispanic Heritage Month.”
Legislator José I. Alvarado (D–Yonkers) said, “It is my pleasure to honor Mr. Nelson Gisbert, owner of Nelson Services Systems in the City of Yonkers. His journey from Havana, Cuba to the shores of the United States exemplifies the sacrifices some are willing to make in pursuit of the American dream. His contributions to the fabric of our great county go far beyond the boundaries of entrepreneurial success, expanding to all facets of everyday life, including education and community service. I am honored to recognize Mr. Gisbert for his accomplishments as the Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrates Hispanic American Heritage Month 2026.”
Legislator Nancy E. Barr (D–Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook) said, “Brenda Maeda is the quintessential honoree for our Hispanic American Heritage Celebration. Brenda came to this country from Guatemala when she was 15, speaking very little English. By the time she was 28 she owned her own hair salon business and was employing members of her family and her community. Since then she has mentored numerous young women, raised money for countless charities, and currently splits her time between her family, her salon in Harrison, and a part-time job teaching high school students in the Bronx. She exemplifies why immigrants are an integral part of our community, our economy, and the continuation of the American dream.”
The meeting replay will be posted here when available.