Monica Torres stands with her Latino Excellence Award after being nominated by state Rep. Shirley Arriaga.
Photo credit: City of Chicopee – mayor’s office
CHICOPEE — Monica Torres, who is the Community and Special Projects liaison in the Mayor’s Office, was recently presented with the Latino Excellence Award from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, MBLLC, in Boston.
“I was surprised by the acknowledgement, even the thought that somebody would take notice of my work, my role in what I bring to the city,” Torres shared with Reminder Publishing.
On Oct. 17, the city of Chicopee recognized Torres with a ceremony hosted in the City Hall auditorium. Torres was nominated by state Rep. Shirley Arriaga.
Torres said it was an “eye opener” to see the community gather to celebrate her accomplishment.
“You interact with the community, and you often don’t see the results and you wonder if I’m making a difference, if they notice the help that I am doing. I’ve created this relationship and everybody coming out to support me, that means a lot to me. It means that I’ve touched many hearts and many people that I did not feel aware of, and having them present for this moment, it means a lot.”
Torres discussed being nominated by Arriaga, a Chicopee Democrat, and said, “Coming from Representative Arriaga, that’s another empowered woman, it means a lot.”
The award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to uplifting their communities.
Torres, originally from Manatí, Puerto Rico, has worked for the city of Chicopee for nearly three years, where she has shown tireless commitment to civic engagement and public service.
Among her accomplishments, Torres has successfully led the city’s three largest annual events: National Night Out, Spooktacular and Chicopee’s Christmas Tree Lighting.
In addition, she provides support to residents facing personal challenges, helping them connect with essential resources. Torres has also been involved with the Puerto Rican Heritage Committee and its annual celebration, and she is actively in a new initiative aimed at promoting healthy living across the city.
Torres said, “My goal always has been to help and make a difference and having the platform to do so and being able to connect with a broader audience through my role. It’s really great to have because it shows what we do here in the city and we do it for the positive good to get everybody together and if that’s my role to do so, I will take pride in doing it because the outcome at the end is what matters.”
Arriaga praised Torres and stated, “Monica’s unwavering dedication to the city of Chicopee has made her an extraordinary force for community connection and civic pride. Whether organizing events, supporting local initiatives, or simply showing up where she’s needed most, Monica leads with heart, humility and a commitment to service. Her work represents the very best of what it means to care for a community, not just in words, but through meaningful action. Chicopee is a stronger, more united city because of her efforts, and her impact is felt far beyond its borders.”
Although Torres was presented with the award and recognition, she said she views it as a team award.
“I would like to thank my team, Mayor [John] Vieau for believing in me and supporting everything that I do. Without them, these awards wouldn’t be possible because we all come as a unit and this award is as much as mine as it is theirs and the cities because I’m representing the city within itself at a state level, legislative level. To me, it’s my award but their award as well because we all work together and we’re one unit.”
Mayor John Vieau shared his excitement about Torres’ recognition. He stated, “I am beyond proud of Monica, she is completely deserving of this award. Her dedication and efforts are truly invaluable, and I cannot wait to see what she does next.”
