Hispanic Society Members Share Mother’s Day Memories

Yvette Andino, Director of Employee Engagement and Special Assistant to the Chair

I grew up at Wise Towers on the Upper West Side, where my parents still live. In honor of Mother’s Day, I just want to thank my mother, Germina Andino, who instilled in me the importance of education and taught me to be proud of my culture and heritage.

With a mother’s love and wisdom, she taught me life’s lessons and made me the woman I am today. I couldn’t have done it without you, Mom, and I will always be indebted for the courage you have shown and taught me.

Edith Irizarry-Oviedo, Classification Analyst, Human Resources

Although I didn’t grow up in a NYCHA development, I’ve been working for the Authority for 28 years. My mother, Edith Sr., was born and raised in Puerto Rico and didn’t have much when she was young. She came to the United States for a better life for herself and always encouraged my siblings and me to strive for more than her generation had. My mother taught us about dignity, strength and respect for yourself and others. I’m thankful for her upbringing, because it made me the mother I am today.

Ligia Santiago, Caretaker at Wagner Houses

My mom, who immigrated from Puerto Rico, raised me and three other siblings as a single parent at Smith Houses. She was strict and helped me to overcome so many obstacles. She taught us to be respectful and obedient. I grew up looking up to her and I still do.

“She raised us that way to keep us safe and to make us strong. Now I have become a strong, independent woman and the things she taught me help me on the job. And now I am raising my kids the same way.