CHCI eNews June 2010
On Monday, June 21, 2010, CHCI presented actor Wilmer Valderrama with the CHCI Service Award in Los Angeles. Valderrama received the award for his service as the official spokesperson for CHCI's Ready to Lead (R2L) college readiness program that helps Latino high school students enter post-secondary education.
Valderrama also announced the extension of his partnership with CHCI as the R2L spokesperson through December 2012. Since April 2009, Valderrama has appeared at workshops around the country sharing his life story of achieving the American dream and inspiring youth to pursue their own dreams through higher education.

"This has been some of the most rewarding work I have ever done," said Valderrama. "It is crucial that we embrace the youth of today for the future of America. When I tell them they can, that's all they need."
Los Angeles event photos.
Wilmer Valderrama Award video
Five CHCI-United Health Foundation Scholar Interns participated in the 2nd Annual United Health Foundation Diverse Scholar Forum held June 23-25, 2010 in Washington, D.C. The interns met with top medical experts, visited with Members of Congress and received a tour of the Capitol Hill Visitor Center.
CHCI President & CEO Esther Aguilera shared with the interns some of the work CHCI is doing to develop the next generation of leaders. She talked about CHCI's 2030 Initiative and provided helpful tips on what they can do to improve their local communities.

In 2009, The United Health Foundation partnered with CHCI to create a unique scholar/intern program for students interested in the medical field. CHCI Scholars are placed throughout the country at various clinics, hospitals and organizations in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Texas.
Learn more about the CHCI-United Health Foundation Scholar Internship Program.
Join CHCI this September for the 2010 Public Policy Conference, "Celebrating History, Heritage and the American Dream, " as we honor the 200th anniversary of independence for many Central and South American countries and the 400th anniversary of the founding of Santa Fe in 1610 - History and Heritage. The contributions, struggles, challenges and successes of the Latino community across the nation will be highlighted throughout the week - the American dream. The conference is hosted by AstraZeneca.
"AstraZeneca is proud to host the 2010 CHCI Public Policy Conference in support of CHCI's efforts to develop the next generation of Latino leaders," said Rich Buckley, Vice President, Federal Government Affairs, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. "We look forward to participating in the dialogue with Latino leaders from across the nation as they discuss best practices to address the most significant challenges facing Hispanics and all Americans."
Held at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center - NEW LOCATION - in Washington, D.C., on September 12-14, 2010, Members of Congress and national experts will lead discussions on corporate responsibility, education, economy and workforce, financial services, the green economy, health and health care reform, immigration reform, international relations, labor, redistricting and technology.
2010 Hispanic Heritage Month Events Schedule-at-a-Glance 2010 Hispanic Heritage Month Events Sponsorship Opportunities
More than 20 Members of Congress are confirmed to participate in the conference's plenary sessions, luncheons and policy summits, including:
Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez, CHCI Chair Rep. Joe Baca Rep. Xavier Becerra Rep. Dennis Cardoza Rep. Henry Cuellar Rep. Charles González Rep. Raul Grijalva Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez Rep. Ruben Hinojosa Rep. Ben Lujan Rep. Grace Flores Napolitano Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz Rep. Ed Pastor Res. Comm. Pedro Pierluisi Rep. Silvestre Reyes Rep. Ciro Rodriguez Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard Rep. John Salazar Rep. Loretta Sanchez Rep. Jose E. Serrano Rep. Albio Sires
For the second year, CHCI is calling for submissions to showcase Latino talent, innovation and leadership in the green economy. Recognition will take place at the Closing Plenary Session, "Green Economy in our Hemisphere" on Tuesday, September 14, 2010. Submissions are due by August 6, 2010.
CHCI would like to thank its 2010 Hispanic Heritage Month Conference & Gala Planning Committee: Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, Chair, and Reps. Ben Lujan and Ciro Rodriguez.
Each year CHCI's Public Policy Conference draws national leaders from the government, corporate, labor and non-profit communities for discourse on the most important issues facing Latinos in America. Don't miss your opportunity to become a part of history.
The blogs are back! CHCI's summer interns are sharing their Washington, D.C. experience through weekly blogs discussing their personal and professional encounters. They are also talking about policy issues and leadership.
"An office full of smiles, handshakes and a desk with a computer welcomed me on my first day working on Capitol Hill. After introducing myself to the rest of the staff, my supervisor showed me what my duties would be in the office. Nothing could go wrong. If I ever made a mistake, I could always say ‘it's my first day' and all the smiles would come back. Unfortunately, that excuse just worked one day," said CHCI Congressional Intern Eduardo Gonzalez.
Read more congressional intern blogs.
The interns are participating in a blogging contest. After a total of six entries, the top two interns with the most combined votes will be awarded with a round trip ticket from Southwest Airlines, the official airline of the CHCI Congressional Internship Program. Readers can vote once per entry. Each entry allows readers to vote for it by clicking the "Like" icon to demonstrate support for an individual entry.
You Can Help the Next Generation Become a Success Story
CHCI's online application system continues to prove that there is a tremendous need for financial resources and professional development opportunities for the Latino community. CHCI received interestfor its programs from more than 20,000 students in 2010, doubling the number form 2009. We need your help!
Please consider a donation to CHCI so that more talented Latino students have the ability to finance their higher education and become the next generation of Latino leaders and success stories at CHCI. | July 2, 2010

September 12-14 CHCI Public Policy Conference Ronald Reagan International Trade Center Washington, D.C.
September 14 10th Annual Reyes of Comedy Warner Theatre Washington, D.C.
September 15 33rd Annual Awards Gala Walter E. Washington Convention Center Washington, D.C. |