May 26, 2026
Community Board 12-Manhattan (CB12M) held a Mother’s Day celebration on Saturday, May 23, at Bocadito’s in Inwood, welcoming mothers from across the area for an afternoon of community and appreciation.
The event opened with a welcome address by Chairperson Anthony Viola, followed by remarks from First Vice Chair Leo Jimenez and District Manager Kiana Diaz. Attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and a raffle featuring prizes including a roundtrip JetBlue flight.
“My mom is my world, my first love, my first home, and my forever home. I also extend that same love and gratitude to the many other moms who stepped in and played an essential role in raising me,” said Diaz. “Growing up in Washington Heights and Inwood, so many of us were raised village-style, surrounded by surrogate mothers who looked out for all of the neighborhood kids as if they were their own.”
More than 50 community members gathered to honor local mothers, with CB12M presenting each attendee a rose of their choice as a symbol of their motherhood and significance to the community.
“Behind every strong community are mothers and leaders whose love and sacrifice make all the difference,” expressed Paola Garcia, Assistant District Manager of CB12M. “We proudly celebrate all the mothers of Community Board 12-Manhattan.”
This event marks the first in a series the Board plans to host highlighting the role models — many of them mothers — who shape and strengthen the neighborhood.
Diaz concluded, “This event alone could never fully thank the women in our community who take each other’s children under their wings — feeding families, clothing children, and coming together to support neighbors in need, even during times when they may not have had the means for themselves. These mothers deserve the world, and I’m grateful to give them this small token of appreciation for all of their sacrifice.”
About Community Board 12-Manhattan
CB12M is a local agency of the New York City government, serving the neighborhoods of Washington Heights and Inwood. CB12M consists of up to 50 volunteer members with connections in the district. Made up of committees carrying out its work, CB12M addresses issues including affordable housing, education, small business needs, and public safety, to name a few. CB12M is one of 59 community boards that advocate on behalf of the people of New York City.