Events
Bridge Builder Award Celebration 2025
October 23rd, 2025
An Evening of Hope and Unity
An unforgettable night where hearts came together, stories inspired, and bridges were built.
On October 23rd, our community gathered in Springfield, Massachusetts to celebrate those who dedicate their lives to healing, empowering, and uplifting others.
The 2nd Bridge Builder Award Celebration was more than an event — it was a reminder that together, we create change.
About Cruzando Puentes
Cruzando Puentes was born from a simple but powerful idea: connecting dreams with opportunities, people with resources, and hearts with hope.
Our mission is to create culturally safe spaces where marginalized and multicultural communities can access the tools they need for healing, growth, and stability.
Through gatherings like this celebration, we continue to amplify voices, build bridges of understanding, and strengthen the spirit of community.
Bridge Builder Honorees 2025
We were honored to recognize four outstanding leaders whose service and compassion have touched countless lives:
Sergeant Gumersindo Gómez — U.S. Army veteran and Executive Director of the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers of Massachusetts, a lifelong advocate for veterans’ rights and housing.
Shannon Mumblo — Registered Nurse, Clinical Social Worker, and nonprofit leader committed to empowering women and families through faith and compassion.
Gladys Lebrón-Martínez — Community advocate and former Holyoke City Councilor whose decades of public service have strengthened civic engagement and equity.
Dr. Edna N. Rodríguez, PsyD — Clinical Psychologist and Regional Director of Behavioral Health at Trinity Health, championing accessible mental wellness for all.
Each of them reminds us that building bridges begins with empathy, courage, and the will to serve.
Evening Highlights
The evening opened with music, laughter, and heartfelt connection as guests from across the region gathered to honor community builders.
Our hosts, Samalid and Ayanna, guided us through a night filled with gratitude, reflection, and inspiration.
The program included:
A warm welcome from our Board President Verónica García.
Words of encouragement and prayer.
Moving award presentations to each honoree.
A special video on the vision of Cruzando Puentes.
Closing remarks inviting everyone to continue supporting this mission of hope.
It was a night that reminded us: every act of kindness builds a bridge.
With Support From:
This celebration would not have been possible without our generous sponsors and community partners:
Home City Development, New Valley Bank & Trust, New North Citizens’ Council, and GJG Signs and many more.
Your belief in the power of connection helps us reach more families, more hearts, and more lives.
ESPANOL 
ENGLISH 
