Gómez nominates Jayne Astacio Melendez as 2025 Latino Excellence Award Honoree

State Senator Adam Gómez (D-Springfield) announced today that he has nominated Jayne Astacio Melendez for the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus’ (MBLLC) Latino Excellence Awards celebration at the Massachusetts State House. The annual event is hosted by the MBLLC in the Great Hall commemorates Latino leaders and trailblazers who moving the needle forward in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. 

“I am deeply honored to nominate Jayne Astacio Melendez as the Hampden district’s Latino Excellence honoree for 2025,” said Senator Gómez. “Jayne is a shining example of what it means to lead with heart, heritage, and purpose. Her unwavering commitment to community, her bold advocacy for Afro-Latino culture, and her tireless work to uplift others make her a true embodiment of Latino excellence in Massachusetts.” 

Jayne Astacio Melendez’s bio can be found here: 

Born in Manatí, Puerto Rico and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, Jayne Astacio Melendez is a proud Afro-Boricua leader whose work exemplifies the values of cultural pride, community empowerment, and intergenerational leadership. From a young age, Jayne has been deeply rooted in Springfield’s Puerto Rican community, dedicating her life to uplifting local voices and creating spaces where Latino heritage is celebrated and honored.  

As a longtime board member of the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade, Jayne has led transformative efforts to expand the event’s reach and impact across Western Massachusetts. Her leadership has brought new visibility to Afro-Latino culture, fostered regional partnerships, and inspired civic engagement through vibrant community programming.  

Through her work with Empower Bridge Strategies, Jayne continues to mentor entrepreneurs and civic leaders, offering strategic guidance in networking, fundraising, and organizational growth. Her commitment to building bridges between businesses, cultural institutions, and young changemakers reflects her vision for a more inclusive and empowered future.