PROMERICA Bank

On March 7, PROMERICA Bank hosted Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) at the first majority Latino-owned bank in Los Angeles in over 30 years. Governor Richardson praised PROMERICA Bank for serving the Latino business community and for seeking to build family wealth by empowering entrepreneurs with financial services and capital infusion for the success of their businesses.

Left to right: Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM), Maria Contreras-Sweet, founder and chairwoman of PROMERICA Bank and Edward P. Roski, Jr.,Vice chairman

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) held its tenth annual LULAC National Legislative Awards Gala & Policy Summit on February 27-28 in Washington D.C. The gala highlighted critical legislative issues that affect Hispanics in America and recognized several key leaders who have served the Hispanic community. Honorees included Former President William J. Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, and Congresswoman Hilda Solis.

David Cohen of Comcast with LULAC’s national president Rosa Rosales awarding California Representative Hilda Solis with the Courage Award.
Photo credits: LULAC historian Luis Nuño Briones

Left to right: Maria Rodriguez Salazar, vice president at the Northwest region for LULAC, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, holding the Legislative Award and Rosa Rosales, LULAC’s national president
Photo credits: LULAC historian Luis Nuño Briones

Latino Leaders Network

On February 27, Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) was the featured speaker at the Latino Leaders Network Luncheon Series. The Luncheon Series is a quarterly event hosted by Mickey Ibarra & Associates for the Latino Leaders Network. Prominent Latino leaders shared their personal stories and obstacles they have overcome to achieve success. During the event, Gov. Bill Richardson was presented the Nambe Eagle Leadership Award, a symbol of vision, achievement and commitment to the Latino community.

Mickey Ibarra, Latino Leaders Network founder and Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) Photo credit: Steve Cannning

Mujeres Latinas en Acción

Mujeres Latinas en Acción recognized their 2007 community leader honorees at the Voces Unidas (Voices United) Benefit Dinner on March 11, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel of Chicago. The Philanthropy Award was given to the Polk Bros. Foundation and the Maria “Maruca” Martinez Community Service Award was presented to Susana González of MacNeal Hospital.

Left to right: Susana González of MacNeal Hospital receiving the Maria "Maruca" Martinez Community Service Award from Mujeres Latinas en Acción president and CEO Maria S. Pesqueira
Photos credit: Ana Miyares

Left to right: Maria S. Pesqueira, president & CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción; Maria “Maruca” Martinez Community Service award winner, Susana González of MacNeal Hospital; Deborah Bennett and Evette Cardona of Polk Bros. Foundation, winner of the Philantropy Award; and Yolanda Gaspar, Mujeres Latinas en Acción board member and Benefit Dinner chair, also from State Farm Insurance. Photos credit: Ana Miyares

National Council of La Raza (NCLR)

On March 6, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) held its annual gala event in Washington, D.C. The 2007 NCLR Capital Awards gala brought together appointed officials, Hispanic leaders, community activists and executives to honor members of Congress for their outstanding support of public policies vital to Hispanic Americans.

Cecilia Muñoz, senior vice president at the office of Research Advocacy & Legislation at NCLR; Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC); Janet Murguía, NCLR president and CEO; and Monica Lozano, NCLR board chair

Left to right: Rep-Xavier Becerra, Catherine Pino, Fabiola Rodriguez-Ciampoli and Senator Bob Menendez