Aida Gonzalez

Aida Gonzalez is the President of Cultural Activities for the Spanish American Community Club of Co-op City.

Born in Juncos, Puerto Rico, Ms. Gonzalez came to New York and resided in Spanish Harlem. Working to make ends meet, she held two jobs to support her children until she was able to relocate to Co-op City in the 1980s.

Ms. Gonzalez became involved in community life and joined the Spanish American Community Club. Through her efforts of engagement and her passion for knowledge, she invited shareholders and local organizations to learn more about Hispanic culture. Since the concept of culture has many definitions and interpretations, she built a collaboration of community partnerships devoted to broadening participation, ideas, values, beliefs, family, musical genres, faith, and traditions for both Hispanics and non-Hispanics.

She embraced a diverse community that stands strong today with all cultures in Co-op City and beyond. Ms. Gonzalez organized events for the community for Hispanic heritage, Three Kings Day, toy giving, music, and storytelling.

A compassionate and giving person, she has provided certificates of achievement to elementary school children in partnership with the Riverbay Corporation and other organizations.

Ms. Gonzalez is a supporter of teaching Afro Latino and indigenous education. In partnership with members of the Club, she was instrumental in advocating for a modest scholarship fund for the children of members of over four years, assisting students in their academic excellence and leadership roles.

Ms. Gonzalez and her husband host El-Batey, a yearly picnic to connect and develop relationships within the community. She works with legislative officials to emphasize the importance of promoting diversity. Ms. Gonzalez celebrates that we are all unique and different and encourages all to embrace and celebrate our differences.

Today, the Spanish American Community Club stands 55 years young. Ms. Gonzalez believes that together, anything is possible. She works from the heart and handles adversity while serving her community with integrity and compassion in addition to keeping the Co-op City community relevant and involved. “Yes, We Can” – “Si Podemos."