Hispanic Pride Fills Nation's Capital

WASHINGTON, DC (September 15, 2004) -- Three thousand of America's leaders crowded into the new Washington Convention Center for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 27th Annual Gala, the most prestigious event honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15.

A sea of black ties and sequin gowns dressed the convention center's grand ballroom, as U.S. Senator John Kerry addressed a packed room of Congressional Members, non-profit leaders and corporate executives - many the "who's who" of the nation's Hispanic leadership. Both CHCI chair, U.S. Rep. Ciro Rodriguez and president and CEO, Ingrid M. Duran, gave farewell remarks ending their tenures as
leaders of the Institute.

Before Senator Kerry made his case for becoming the next U.S president in November, Rep. Rodriguez's remarks gave meaning behind the glitz and glamour of the black-tie fundraiser for CHCI.

"It is my hope that my last words as CHCI Chairman will give clarity to the real reason for tonight's event," said Rep. Rodriguez during his address.  "Behind the glitz and glamour of the CHCI gala; hidden within the black ties and sequin dresses is an important mission: to develop a new generation of Latino leaders."

Although known as the most prestigious Hispanic Heritage Month event in the U.S., the CHCI Gala is also the largest fundraiser for the Institute's leadership development programs, raising more than three million dollars for its College Scholarship Awards, Summer Internship Program and Public Policy Fellowship.

Since taking over as executive director of CHCI in 1998, Duran has been a monumental force in strengthening CHCI's programs, operations and stature. For the past six years, she has expanded the organization's impact, and sustained its
position as the premiere educational organization dedicated to developing a new generation of Latino leaders.

"In the last six years, the most important lesson I've learned is that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers," said Duran during an emotional speech officially ending her tenure as president and CEO. "It's about the empowerment of a new generation."

Civil rights and farm worker activists Delores Huerta and Arturo Rodriguez, president of the United Farm Worker Union of America, were awarded the CHCI Medallions of Excellence for community service and leadership, respectively. Both Huerta and Rodriguez marched alongside the late Cesar Chavez in the civil rights movement and have continued fighting for justice and labor and farm worker rights. Univision anchor Jorge Ramos received the Chairman's Humanitarian Award.

Cuban singer Albita headlined the evening's entertainment sending thousands into dance mode with hip-shaking salsa. Eva Longoria, who is starring in ABC's "Desperate Housewives," hosted the gala.

CHCI, a non-profit and non-partisan educational 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services for Hispanic college and postgraduate students. The CHCI board of directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, non-profit leaders, and corporate executives.