Carmen Gomez-Goldberg stands as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of education and advocacy. As the President and co-founder of the 100 Hispanic Women of Westchester, she has dedicated her life to empowering Latina women through access to higher education, providing scholarships, internships, and wellness programs. In her role as the Director of Government, Parents, and External Relations at the Charter School of Educational Excellence, Carmen has been a beacon of hope and strength, particularly after the tragic loss of one of her children. The school community’s support not only helped her heal, but also reinforced her commitment to educational advocacy. "I said to me, I need to come here to the school and save some kids, save parents. Do what you know how to do best. Teach them, help them. Well, after my son died, I didn't save them, they saved me because they helped me so much growth".

Her journey, marked by personal challenges including a severe stroke at a young age, showcases her indomitable spirit. When Carmen was just two years old, she experienced a life-altering event. Her mother, then only fifteen, overwhelmed by the intensity of Carmen’s cries, inadvertently caused Carmen to have a stroke due to the force of her shaking. During this critical time, Carmen’s father was serving in Korea, far from home and unaware of the family crisis or maybe just uncapable to do anything. With the steady support of her grandmother and the eventual return of her father from military service, Carmen overcame her speech impediments caused by the stroke to become a vocal advocate for others.

Carmen’s childhood in San Sebastian, where she was born, was enriched by the companionship of her horse, Azabache. This bond with Azabache was a source of joy and comfort that can be seen when she smiles, and her eyes reflect the happy memories that Azabache brings. Her sense of responsibility extended beyond personal challenges, as she played an important role in her family’s dynamics. Carmen assisted her father in raising her younger siblings when another tragedy hit her house. Her Dad's new wife, sadly passed away in childbirth. She instilled in them the values of solidarity and resilience that she embodies. Moreover, Carmen’s proficiency in English became a beacon for her extended family. She generously taught English to her cousins who immigrated to the United States years later after her, facilitating their transition and helping them seize new opportunities in their adopted homeland.

Her academic journey, initially marked by misconceptions due to her muteness, is a story of triumph. Carmen could not talk until she was six bacause of the sroke she suffered. One day, her grandmother had to go to work, in one of her two jobs she had to have to help with Carmen's therapies’. She just said "Mami, don't go". Carmen’s speech, once marked by a lisp, still carries a distinctive huskiness. Carmen’s advanced writing skills and eventual bilingual fluency in Spanish and English by the third grade are a testament to her intellectual capabilities and determination. Carmen’s journey through Concordia College, where she majored in Behavioral Science, has been a cornerstone in her ability to empathize with and understand the unique needs of her community. This degree has equipped her with the tools to analyze and interpret social dynamics that affect Latinos in Yonkers. Her education continues to inform her work, particularly at the local charter school, where she applies her knowledge to create supportive environments that cater to the cultural and emotional needs of Latino students. By understanding the underlying behavioral patterns, Carmen can advocate effectively for resources and programs that resonate with and empower the Latino community, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Her office is full of owls that are given as thank you for all her work.

Carmen Gomez-Goldberg’s profound impact on her community is reflected in the lives of her children, who have embraced her legacy of service. Her daughter, Elena Goldberg Velazquez, has followed in her mother’s footsteps, becoming an example of justice as a judge. Elena’s commitment to fairness and her dedication to the community are testaments to the values Carmen instilled in her family. Alongside Elena, Carmen’s son Daniel was known for his service with the City of Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation1. Although Daniel is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. All of Carmen’s children continue to serve their community with the same passion as their mother. Carmen made sure that all her children were bilingual. This empowered them to connect with and serve a broader spectrum of their community, honoring their heritage and enhancing their ability to make a difference. The Goldberg children, each a pillar of service, carry forward Carmen’s mission, embodying the values of education, empowerment, and the importance of roots and identity. Carmen is also a grandmother of nine grandchildren.  who affectionately refer to her as “Bella,” their endearing rendition of “abuela.” 

Carmen also founded Yonkers Federation of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Carmen’s involvement in this chamber promotes economic development, entrepreneurship, and business growth within the Hispanic community. She has also served as a board member of the Yonkers parks department and the Yonkers Puerto Rican/Hispanic parade, actively contributing to community events and initiatives. Serving as a political advisor to the Mayor of Yonkers, Mike Spano, Carmen’s influence extends into the political arena, where she continues to be a voice for the underrepresented. 

Carmen’s life story is not just about overcoming adversity; it’s about turning pain into purpose, silence into advocacy, and challenges into opportunities for growth and service. Her legacy is one of hope, education, and the enduring strength of a woman. One must look beyond the surface to see the layers of Carmen’s story. It is a tale intertwined with threads of adversity, resilience, and redemption—a narrative that continues to unfold with each life she touches. Carmen’s actions speak volumes, proving that with education and empathy, barriers can be broken, and new horizons can be discovered.