In the News

• Latinas on Board!
  
  Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., announced recently that its Board of Directors has nominated Aida M. Alvarez, former administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, for election to the Wal-Mart board at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting on June 2.
  “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board of one of the world’s finest corporations,” said Ms. Alvarez. “I am especially proud of the company’s dedication to improving the lives of its customers and associates and to serving the communities they share.”

• Ann Marie Tallman, a highly accomplished leader in the public, private and non-profit sectors,joined the Board of Directors of J.C. Penney Company, Inc. on May 19. Ms. Tallman, an attorney, most recently served as president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF).
  “I am delighted to be involved in the next phase of J.C. Penney's growth and success as the company continues to execute its long range plan to become the preferred shopping choice of Middle America," commented Ms. Tallman.

Anita Nuñez

Anita Nuñez grew up in the Washington, D.C. area as the first American-born child in a family originally from Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
After graduating from West Virginia University, Anita’s career in the hospitality industry began at the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau, where she strategically planned nationwide events promoting Puerto Rico for meetings and conventions. She was quickly promoted to regional sales manager, where she spearheaded sales initiatives focusing on the growing US Hispanic Market.
After six years at the Bureau, Anita’s career led her to work under the guidance of Hector Torres, one of the most influential Hispanics in Washington, D.C.’s hotel community. Anita became part of Torres’ sales force as the associate director of Sales at the Beacon Hotel and Corporate Quarters in Washington, D.C.
Anita’s zest for the hospitality industry and the U.S. Hispanic Market caught the attention of Hilton Hotels Corporation, which recently appointed her to the position of national director of Multicultural Sales. Anita’s work will consist of fostering strong relationships with Hispanic organizations and focusing on the needs of this growing market.

Cindy Chavez

Meet Cindy Chavez, candidate for mayor of San Jose! Currently the city’s vice mayor, Chavez has built a career in public service in the city. In 1998, she won her first election to San Jose’s City Council, where she and focused on building a great urban center by establishing standards for traffic calming, building affordable housing and promoting excellent schools. Four years later, she ran unopposed for re-election and was named vice mayor during her second term.
A “smart growth” advocate, Chavez marshals talent, resources and native ingenuity to revitalize downtown neighborhoods and businesses that make up the heart of her San Jose district. She was instrumental in creating the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, which engages residents in redevelopment efforts and for which San Jose has received national recognition.
Chavez is also passionate on the subject on education. She is a founder of Safe from the Start, a literacy, nutrition and safety program for children. She increased the number of homework centers in San Jose neighborhoods, providing after-school support for kids.
Chavez also lends her skills to advance local high school technology, the arts and participation of emerging ethnic communities. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Joint Venture, Silicon Valley Network and the statewide Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology. She also serves on the Boards of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and the American Leadership Forum. Chavez lives in San Jose with her husband and son.