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¡Punto Final!

The Need to Recognize the Historic Contributions of Latinas in the U.S.

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez was re-elected to represent the 47th Congressional District in California.

It was an honor for me to co-chair this year’s third National LATINA Symposium. This month’s issue, which features the symposium, gives you a sense of the incredible Latinas that participated from all over the country. I was inspired by the amazing leaders who joined in the day’s events.

As the only Latina and ranking woman on the House Armed Services Committee, I am particularly impressed with the commitment of this symposium in honoring Latinas serving valiantly in our armed forces. What a lot of Americans do not realize is that Latinas have served in the armed services dating back to the early 1900s. Latinas served bravely during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm. Not only have we served our country with honor throughout the wars of the 20th century, but we have also demonstrated incredible leadership as officers. Latinas have served and led our armed forces. Not only do we need to recognize the historic contributions of these amazing Latinas, but we must also be eternally grateful to the amazing women who have served and sacrificed, and who continue to serve our country in the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The service and leadership of our Latina sisters in the military makes me proud. I pray for all of them to complete their missions and return safely home to their families and I would like to express my eternal gratitude for their service.

I was deeply inspired by the service and leadership demonstrated by retired Lieutenant Colonel Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, who delivered the keynote address at this year’s symposium luncheon. She served for two decades as an officer in the United States Army. Not only did she serve our country with honor and courage, but she also became the highest-ranking Latina to work in combat support. She is truly an inspiration and a role model. Given the battles we face every day to set good examples for our daughters, sisters, nieces, and goddaughters, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Castillo Kickbusch is a role model we can be proud to hold up for young Latinas everywhere.

After rising through the ranks of service in our armed services, she also started her own company. She founded Educational Achievement Services, Inc., an organization that provides educational support to all families, as well as culturally sensitive services to Latino families.

The diversity of Lt. Col. Castillo Kickbusch’s leadership contributions is a prime example of the numerous ways we are all able to give back to our communities. In our own ways, Latinas everywhere are in positions to provide leadership in business, education, military, law and politics.

I applaud LATINA Style for initiating the National LATINA Symposium two years ago, as well as continuing to hold the symposium on an annual basis. It is critical that we come together to recognize the amazing leadership in all areas of our society. I believe we must continue to support and recognize the accomplishments of our Latina sisters to help combat negative stereotypes in the media, and even Congress.

I am grateful for the overall mission of LATINA Style, a real voice for professional Latinas and I am truly honored that I was chosen to co-chair the National LATINA Symposium this year. I am already looking forward to next year’s symposium.