Honoring the Lives and Legacy of Our Members
We honor the lives, leadership, and lasting impact of the board members who helped shape our organization and strengthen our community.Herman Badillo, Esq.
In honor and loving memory of the Founder of the 100 Hispanic Men Association Inc., we share this powerful moment from his life and work. Presented by C-SPAN, this feature captures not only his voice, but the depth of his leadership, his advocacy for immigrant communities, and his unwavering commitment to justice, education, and civic responsibility. Herman Badillo was a man who opened doors for others, who spoke with purpose, and who believed deeply in the power of unity and opportunity. As you watch, you will hear reflections on identity, social progress, and the responsibility of leadership, principles that continue to guide this organization today. May his legacy live on through the lives he touched, the paths he created, and the generations he continues to inspire.
May we continue to honor his legacy through service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community. His voice may be still, but his impact continues to guide and inspire generations to come. We carry his vision forward, together, with purpose and pride.
Augustine “Augie” Ayala Jr.
In recognition of a lifetime devoted to serving others, the City of New York honored Augustine “Augie” Ayala Jr. by co-naming the intersection of South 4th Street and Hooper Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn as “Augie Ayala Jr. Way.” The dedication stands as a lasting tribute to his decades of community leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the people of Williamsburg. It ensures that his name will forever remain a part of the neighborhood he loved and faithfully served.
Augustine “Augie” Ayala Jr. was a true pillar of the Puerto Rican community, a self-made entrepreneur, and a man whose life was defined by service, generosity, and pride in his people. From humble beginnings shining shoes alongside his father’s piragua truck on South 3rd Street, Augie built his own successful beverage business from the ground up, earning the respect and loyalty of his community along the way. He was recognized for his leadership and impact as one of the original Grand Marshals of the Brooklyn Puerto Rican Day Parade and as a recipient of the 1997 Corporate Leadership Award from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators. Yet, his greatest legacy was his unwavering commitment to giving back, supporting youth programs, community events, and families in need, from local initiatives to disaster relief efforts such as Hurricane Maria. In times of crisis, including September 11th, Augie gave selflessly, donating essential resources to first responders without hesitation. A proud member of the 100 Hispanic Men, he valued the brotherhood and mission of uplifting others, especially the next generation. Above all, Augie was a devoted father to his twin daughters, Susan and Casey, who remain an important part of the legacy he leaves behind. His life stands as a testament to hard work, community, and heart, his legacy will forever live on in the lives he touched.
Kenny Ortega
Kenny Ortega was more than a gifted comedian, he was a proud Nuyorican whose humor brought people together and whose larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Through laughter, storytelling, and an unmistakable stage presence, Kenny celebrated the Puerto Rican and Latino experience while creating joy wherever he performed.
A winner of Season 4 of Comix at Foxwoods Casino, Kenny performed regularly across New York’s comedy scene, earning recognition for his ability to connect with audiences through humor rooted in culture, identity, and real-life experience. His impact extended beyond the stage, with his work and legacy acknowledged by the New York Latino comedy community and HBO Latino during its 2020 Latino Stand-Up Comedy Competition.
Beyond the stage, Kenny was a valued member and supporter of the 100 Hispanic Men Association Inc. He believed in the importance of uplifting the Hispanic community, building meaningful relationships, and giving back whenever he could. His warmth, generosity, and infectious spirit reflected the very values our organization strives to uphold.
Joe Muñiz
Joe Muñiz devoted his life to service, entrepreneurship, and strengthening communities throughout New York and the Caribbean. A respected advocate for BIPOC and Latino communities, Joe served as President of the New York State Coalition of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and worked to ensure that small business owners had a voice and an opportunity to thrive. His commitment could be seen in his work supporting Latino merchants at the historic La Marqueta de Williamsburg, where he advocated for local businesses and helped protect the presence of longtime entrepreneurs within the Brooklyn community. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joe was a proud father and grandfather whose leadership was grounded in family, community, and service.
Those who knew him remember not only the advocate and entrepreneur, but the man himself, his warmth, his unmistakable sense of humor, and his willingness to encourage the next generation of community leaders. We remember Joe with tremendous gratitude for the time, wisdom, and heart he shared with the organization and the communities he served. His work lives on in the businesses he championed, the people he mentored, and the communities made stronger because he chose to serve.
