A Bronx Woman of Influence

On June 30, 2015, the Bronx News recognized Wilma Tamayo-Abreu—the Feerick Center’s longtime Program and Administrative Coordinator—with its 25 Women of Influence Award. A ceremony and reception was held at Scavelli’s restaurant on City Island, New York. In attendance were Wilma’s family and friends and several Feerick Center colleagues, including John D. Feerick, Dora Galacatos, Robert J. Reilly, and 2013-2014 AmeriCorps VISTA member Sara Trongone. Assistant Dean Anita Batisti of Fordham University’s Graduates School of Education was also honored.

Wilma was recognized, in part, for her contributions in connection with the Bronx CLARO Program, one of the three limited legal advice clinics for people dealing with consumer debt that the Feerick Center helps to administer. Since its inception in June 2009, Wilma has been instrumental in developing the Program into the powerhouse that it is today. On a weekly basis, the Bronx CLARO Program engages anywhere from 10 to 15 volunteers and serves between 25 and 35 CLARO visitors—many of whom are economically distressed consumers and/or vulnerable people including seniors on limited income, people with disabilities, recent immigrants, and very low-income workers. Wilma coordinates student and attorney volunteers and is deeply involved in every aspect of the Program’s administration, including serving as the public face of the Program with Bronx residents in need. Without question, Wilma is the heart and soul of the Bronx CLARO Program and the key to its success week in and week out.

We salute Wilma for her well-deserved recognition! She has brought honor to both Fordham University and the Feerick Center for her service to Bronx residents in need.