Latina Leaders Take Center Stage

WASHINGTON - The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest membership-based Hispanic organization in the country, presents Agents of Change... Making a World of Difference. Taking place in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place from April 8-9, this year's National Women's Conference presents a breakfast and recognition of community leaders featuring motivational speaker Dr. Lourdes Ferrer, a women's recognition luncheon featuring United States Treasurer Rosie Rios, workshops, an exhibit hall and a reception as part of the full registration package dedicated to celebrating the achievements of Latinas leading the way in business, government, community, media and education.

"I was raised to never accept unequal treatment as a woman," states Margaret Moran, LULAC National President. "Our National Women's Conference surrounds women with inspiring opportunities to reenergize ourselves with the strength and resources to continue fighting for change in our communities. LULAC recognizes that women are indispensable contributors to our society. We advocate for increased investment in the education and empowerment of Latinas of all ages across the United States."

"The National Women's Conference is a special time to highlight the accomplishments of Latinas who are excelling in their careers," explains Regla Gonzalez, LULAC National Vice President for Women. "Our willingness to step into leadership roles our increased purchasing power, our educational attainment, and our propensity to speak up for our community’s needs – these superior qualities are at the core of what makes Latinas extraordinary. This Conference is where we acknowledge these strengths and encourage women to share their knowledge with others, especially young women who need positive role models."

Leaders to be recognized at the Saturday breakfast include The Honorable Iris Martinez, Illinois State Senator; The Honorable Linda Chapa LaVia, Illinois State Representative; Laura Perez, CEO of Carnicerias La Rosita; Arabel Alva Rosales, President of AAR & Assocs., LTD and Chair of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Esperanza Gonzalez of the Illinois Migrant Council; Sylvia Puente, Executive Director of the Latino Policy Forum; Rafaella Weffer, PhD, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at DePaul University; and Luisa Echeverria, Community Relations Director for Univision Chicago. This event takes place on Saturday, April 9 from 7:00am to 8:45am.

At the Women’s Recognition Luncheon, LULAC is proud to welcome United States Treasurer Rosie Rios as our keynote speaker, as well as Monica Ramirez, Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, and our Mistress of Ceremonies, Satcha Pretto, host of Univision Network’s weekend news magazine “Primer Impacto Extra.” The Women’s Recognition Luncheon will take place on Saturday, April 9 from 12:00-2:00pm.

Featuring free workshops and an exhibit hall open to the public, this Conference gathers top experts to discuss critical areas of importance to Latinas, including: strategies for success, women in the military, the Latino drop-out crisis, the impact of health reform on families, the future of comprehensive immigration reform, and the status of machismo in the Hispanic community. Presenters include powerful women who are key agents for change, including Anita Alvarez, Cook County State Attorney; The Honorable Linda Chapa LaVia, Illinois State Representative; Angelica Atondo, Anchor for Univision and many other outstanding panelists. Addressing the tough issues of domestic violence and human trafficking, the Conference workshops will take place on Saturday, April 9th from 9am-4:30pm. The exhibit hall will be open on Saturday, April 9 from 7am-4pm.

To purchase registration packages for the two-day LULAC National Women’s Conference, or for more information, please visit www.LULAC.org/women.

The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating through 890 LULAC councils nationwide.