Leadership, Laughter and Legacy

Mark CHCI’s 3-Day Hispanic Heritage Events

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) began its three day Hispanic Heritage Month reunion, Leadership for America’s Future.  Events include CHCI’s annual Public Policy Conference at The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel September 12-14, Fourth Annual Reyes of Comedy Night at The Warner Theatre September 13, and the 28^th Annual Gala at the Washington Convention Center September 14.  These are CHCI’s primary benefit function to support its renowned youth leadership development programs and education services.  The reunion is the largest annual gathering in our nation’s capital of Hispanic community leaders, elected officials, and policy and academic experts.

The kickoff of its annual, two-day Public Policy Conference at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel opens with a powerful session on “The State of Hispanic America.”  The program continues throughout the day with fourteen summits led by Hispanic Members of Congress focusing on current issues affecting the Hispanic community.  On Monday, September 12 the conference also features a Latino Executive Roundtable luncheon showcasing top-ranking Latino executives who will share their unique experiences and stories.  CHCI will also honor actor Jimmy Smits for his contributions to the arts and the Latino community at its Tuesday, September 13 luncheon.  The closing plenary session conducted in town-hall fashion and moderated by senior correspondent Ray Suarez of PBS’ NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, will include recommendations from all summit sessions.  This year’s conference lead sponsor is Toyota.

On Tuesday September 13, laughter will fill The Warner Theatre for Reyes of Comedy Night when audiences relax and enjoy the Nation’s up-and-coming Hispanic comedians.  Ric Salinas and Richard Montoya of Fox’s Culture Clash will be the night’s masters of ceremony.  Comedians Jeff Garcia, Sara Contreras, and Joey Medina will showcase their skills and talent to the audience and the night’s headliner, Carlos Mencia of Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia, will close the night of revelry.  The evening’s lead sponsors are Comedy Central, Anheuser Busch, and Sony Music.

This year’s 28^th Annual Gala at the Washington Convention Center pays tribute to the legacy of Hispanic leaders and their contributions to America’s future.  CHCI will bestow its Medallions of Excellence to its three honorees: actress and entertainer, Rita Moreno, community developer, Alonzo Cantu, and Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa.  These prestigious awards are presented to individuals who embody the highest standard of community leadership and activism.  Although known as the most prestigious Hispanic Heritage Month event in the nation’s capital, the Gala is also the largest fundraiser for the Institute’s leadership development programs, raising more than $3 million for its College Scholarship Awards, Summer Internship Program, and Public Policy Fellowship.  Ford is this year’s lead Gala sponsor with key sponsorship also from Comcast, Anheuser-Busch, and Fannie Mae.

CHCI, a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501 (c)(3) organization, provides educational programs for Hispanic college and postgraduate students.  The CHCI board of directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit leaders, and corporate executives.  For more information on CHCI or their Hispanic Heritage Month events, call (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.

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