Every spring, we at LATINA Style step back to reflect upon and evaluate the progress of the Hispanic community. Since the magazine’s premiere at this time 11 years ago, the changes that have taken place are staggering. In politics, in business, in corporate America and in all types of leadership positions, Latinas are making their mark in increasing numbers. It is quite a pleasure to step into a meeting of prominent Hispanic organizations and see so many Latinas at the table.

In our “¡Punto Final!” column, we bring you the vision of one of our leading stars, Janet Murguia, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza. She will follow and expand on the stellar work of retiring Raul Izaguirre, one of the true trailblazers and heroes of the Hispanic community.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Cari M. Dominguez

Our Latina leaders have had the grace to allow their Latino counterparts to remain at the leadership table with them. In this issue, U.S. Senator Mel Martinez provides us “His View” from the top of the political arena. As one of only two Hispanics in the U.S. Senate, he will surely be watched closely by all of us in the community who follow the votes on the Hill.

In early February, we hosted the annual LATINA Style 50 Best Practices in Diversity Conference and Awards Ceremony. As always, it was an uplifting and inspirational event as the most accomplished Latinas in corporate America came together with the highest-ranking Latinas in the federal government to celebrate their accomplishments and share their experiences. I would like to especially thank U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Cari M. Dominguez for their continued support of the LATINA Style 50.

Another special group of Latinas is making a significant impact in the philanthropy arena. Our cover is graced by one of these leaders, Marilda Gándara, president of the Aetna Foundation. There is an art to making decisions that can make the difference in whether an organization succeeds or fails; they are, after all, decisions of the heart.

In the months to come, you will be hearing a lot about Social Security reform. Latinas will be affected more severely than most by this issue, and we will be reviewing the different positions in our next issue and on our website.

Speaking of our website, I encourage you to visit it often; we are in the process of further developing www.latinastyle.com into a mini-portal for Latina executives and business owners. And speaking of business owners, applications for the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund Awards are now available at

www.latinastyle.com/annabusiness.html Also, we launched the 2005 LATINA Style Business Series in Denver this past week, and it was an enormous success.

Finally, do not forget to keep our soldiers in your prayers. Latinos and Latinas continue to serve our country with distinction and courage. We hope that we can bring them home soon.

Robert E. Bard

[This article has been edited for www.latinastyle.com. For the full version, check out the March/April issue of LATINA Style.]

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