National Association of Puerto Rican Hispanic Social Workers
Thank You for Making the 2026 Annual Cruise for Social Justice a Powerful Success
We proudly hosted our Annual Cruise for Social Justice Scholarship Fundraiser — an unforgettable afternoon dedicated to community, culture, collective action, and investing in the next generation of Latino leaders.
Set against the New York City skyline, this year’s gathering brought together social workers, mental health professionals, advocates, community leaders, students, and supporters who share a collective commitment to advancing equity and expanding opportunity across our communities.
This Year's Honorees
Maria L. Lugo is a mission-driven nonprofit leader and health equity advocate with more than 20 years of experience advancing community-
centered programs that address disparities impacting Latino communities nationwide. As National Director for Health Programs at Hispanic
Federation, she leads national initiatives focused on mental health, maternal wellness, chronic disease prevention, nutrition, and culturally
responsive care through community partnerships, education, and advocacy.
Committed to both community wellness and workforce sustainability, Maria also facilitates support groups for frontline staff, fostering healing-centered spaces that reduce burnout, strengthen emotional well-being, and promote resilience among helping professionals. Guided by a deep commitment to service and community well-being, Maria combines strategic leadership with hands-on experience in program development, stakeholder engagement and partnership building, trauma-informed care, case management, and community outreach.
She holds dual master’s-level training in Human Services and Marriage & Family Counseling and is currently completing a Master’s in Social Work, building on her background in counseling and human services. Her work is driven by a commitment to advancing health equity, empowering Latinx communities, and promoting healing, dignity, and social justice.
Kathy Acosta, LCSW is a first-generation Latina, trauma therapist, and entrepreneur specializing in complex and intergenerational trauma among first-generation adults and communities of color. She is an EMDR-certified therapist whose clinical work integrates EMDR, Brainspotting, and parts work.
Kathy is the founder and CEO of Hero Counseling Center, a group practice in Ridgewood, NJ, Hero Consultations & Coaching, where she supports therapists in building and growing their practices, and the Latinx Practice Collective, a community providing coaching, resources, and referrals for Latinx private practice owners.
She currently serves as President of the Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey and Treasurer of the New Jersey Association of Women Therapists.
Outside of her work, she is a wife and mother to two young children, ages 4 and 1. As a first-generation Latina, her work is deeply personal, driven by the belief that her community deserves access to exceptional, culturally competent care.
Luisa Lopez currently serves as Executive Director of the Latino Social Work Coalition and Scholarship Fund. With a robust background in government relations, Luisa has left an indelible mark on New York's social work landscape, having served in pivotal roles at the Office of the Manhattan Borough President, the NYC Council, and at the Congressional office of former Bronx Congressman José E. Serrano.
A committed advocate for systemic change in vulnerable communities across New York State, Luisa's professional journey is defined by her relentless pursuit of positive impact. Her experience spans national and local levels, as demonstrated by her contributions to groundbreaking social interventions and her role in shaping policies that address arbitrary barriers within the social work profession.
At the Latino Social Work Coalition, she passionately emphasizes the crucial need for culturally and linguistically competent social workers, highlighting their indispensable role in enhancing public life, civic participation, and the communities they serve.
Luisa's educational foundation combines political theory and practical social work, with a B.A. in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Social Work from New York University Silver School of Social Work.5
Claudia M. Boyle is a native of Colombia, South America. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia. During her undergraduate studies, she completed an internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry, where she conducted research involving Latina women and their families, while also providing family therapy, advocacy, and support services for young girls.
Ms. Boyle later earned a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Miami. Proud of her bicultural heritage, she has dedicated her career to serving diverse communities through culturally responsive and compassionate mental health care.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with more than 30 years of post-master’s clinical, supervisory, and executive leadership experience, Ms. Boyle currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Hispanic Counseling Center in Hempstead, New York. The nonprofit organization provides comprehensive mental health, substance use treatment, and supportive services for adults, children, and adolescents within the community.
In addition to her executive leadership role, Ms. Boyle is actively engaged in community advocacy, education, and professional collaboration. She serves as a Board Member of 100 Hispanic Women of Long Island and has taught a trauma-focused course at Hofstra University for the past three years. She also serves on several advisory boards, contributing her expertise in behavioral health, community engagement, and culturally responsive care.
Throughout her career, Ms. Boyle has worked extensively with individuals from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, particularly within Hispanic communities. Her experience has strengthened her ability to develop creative, culturally informed approaches to addressing the unique needs and challenges of diverse populations. She is deeply committed to fostering meaningful engagement within the human services field and advancing accessible, community-centered behavioral health care.
