9th. National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators. Strengthening Our Future, Strengthening Our Legacy

Transcription

1 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators Strengthening Our Future, Strengthening Our Legacy Fajardo, Puerto Rico November 17-20, 2011

2 Copyright: 2011 The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators

3 November 17-20, th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy November Fajardo, Puerto Rico

4 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy Table of Contents Mission/Goals... 3 Welcome Letters NHCSL Executive Committee Members NHCSL Business Board of Advisors... 8 Agenda at a Glance Detailed Agenda: Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Speaker Biographies Special Recognition Award John S. Martinez Excellence in Leadership Award th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

5 Fajardo, Puerto Rico Mission Statement The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3. The mission of the NHCSL is to be the foremost organization serving and representing the interests of Hispanic state legislators from all states, commonwealths and territories of the United States. The NHCSL meets its mission by serving as a catalyst for joint action on issues of common concern, such as housing, immigration, education, energy and healthcare, to all segments of the Hispanic community. In addition, NHCSL provides a forum for information exchange and member networking; supports leadership training; acts as a liaison with sister U.S. Hispanic organizations; promotes public and private partnerships with business and labor; and partners with Hispanic state or provincial legislators and their associations represented throughout the world. For more information visit Goals and Objectives To improve the effectiveness of Hispanic legislators to positively impact public policy and the quality of life for all segments of the Hispanic community. To inform and educate legislators, the government and the public on topics and issues affecting the Hispanic community including, but not limited to, educational programs and initiatives, conferences, workshops, symposiums, newsletters, research studies, and personal contacts. To propose model legislation and administrative actions to reduce and eliminate obstacles to the achievement of a better quality of life and advancements in education, health care, housing, economic development and reciprocity, criminal justice, employment and job training, and other critical issues facing the Hispanic community. To advocate for the appointment of Hispanics to positions of influence in all levels and branches of government that will positively impact public policy for Hispanics. To advocate the hiring and promotion of Hispanics to positions of influence in the private sector. To inform, educate, and promote the active participation of Hispanics in the political and electoral process within their communities and the promotion of their diverse and rich cultures, heritages, and languages. To work toward the achievement of the above goals through NHCSL initiatives and in cooperation with participating and supportive corporations and businesses, government agencies, labor and civic organizations and associations, individuals and other active entities. November 17-20,

6 Welcome Welcome to Fajardo, Puerto Rico and NHCSL s Ninth National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators! The 2011 Summit theme of Strengthening Our Future, Strengthening our Legacy reflects our mission as Hispanic state legislators in developing ideas and creating policy that will fortify our heritage for generations to come. NHCSL continues to be the forum for developing policies that strengthen individual states as well as the country as a whole. Our states continue to suffer with an unstable economy, high unemployment and hurdles in implementing health reform. Latino communities everywhere are struggling through the toughest economic environment we have seen in decades. In the midst of the 2012 Presidential Election, our voice as Hispanic legislators is even more important to address these issues to strengthen our future. We will use this summit to share ideas, formulate policy solutions and empower our communities. Our Summit sessions will address issues in patient protections; including a lunch plenary discussion on the future of employment and economic opportunity and its impact on states; we will explore barriers in broadband adoption; we will feature a town hall discussion on disenfranchised voters; and we will closely examine the impact that domestic violence has on our communities. At this year s Summit, we will also elect a new leadership to guide NHCSL into the future. We are joined by notable state and national elected officials for robust discussions. I have no doubt this summit will prove to be a memorable one. I would also like to extend my gratitude and many thanks to our hosts, the Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly, Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz and Speaker of the House of Representatives Jenniffer González Colón and the Governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Fortuño, for welcoming our membership with open arms. I am positive that our membership will find the true meaning of La Isla del Encanto during the next couple of days. In the same manner, I would like to recognize our corporate partners, whose commitment makes this Summit and so much of NHCSL s work possible. Your participation is greatly appreciated and deserving of recognition. While this Summit will be my last as President, I look forward to continuing to work with all of you and helping NHCSL continue to grow. With your support, I know that NHCSL will have a broader impact in the future of Strengthening Hispanic America. Sincerely, Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy Senator Iris Y. Martinez (IL) NHCSL President 4 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

7 Fajardo, Puerto Rico November 17-20,

8 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy 2011 NHCSL EXECUTIVE President Senator Iris Y. Martinez Illinois First Vice President Representative Minnie Gonzalez Majority Whip-At Large Connecticut Vice President for Public Policy Representative Mario Goico Kansas Vice President for Membership Representative Pedro Marin Georgia Treasurer Representative Mara Candelaria Reardon Indiana Secretary Senator Juan M. Pichardo President Pro-Tempore Rhode Island Parliamentarian Senator Ross Romero Senate Minority Leader Utah Immediate Past President Representative Joseph E. Miró Delaware Members Representative Michel Consejo Vermont Representative Angel Cruz Pennsylvania Senator Mo Denis Nevada Representative Nora Espinoza New Mexico 6 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

9 Fajardo, Puerto Rico COMMITTEE MEMBERS Senator Floyd Esquibel Wyoming Senator Rene Garcia Florida Representative Jenniffer González Colón Speaker of the House Puerto Rico Representative Ben Lujan Speaker of the House New Mexico Assemblymember Tony Mendoza California Representative Catherine Miranda Arizona Representative Richard Miranda Arizona Senator Antonio Muñoz Illinois Assemblymember Felix Ortiz New York Senator Thomas Rivera Schatz Senate President Puerto Rico Representative Louis Ruiz Kansas Senator Leticia Van de Putte Texas Representative Mark Archuleta Wheatley Utah November 17-20,

10 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy 2011 NHCSL Business Chairman Emilio González Vice President, Strategic Alliances Verizon Communications Vice Chairman Sara Johnson Davis Associate Director State Government Affairs Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Vice President for Corporate Policy Jerry Fuentes President, Arizona - New Mexico AT&T Services, Inc. Vice President for Membership Jamie J. Oldani Director of State Government Affairs Lilly USA LLC Secretary Nilda Gumbs Senior Director, State & Local Government Affairs National Cable & Telecommunications Association Strategic Advisor to the BBA Juan Otero Senior Director, Government Affairs Comcast Full Members David Anderson Director of State Government Affairs AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Melissa Bishop-Murphy Senior Director, National Government Relations & Multicultural Affairs Pfizer Inc th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

11 Fajardo, Puerto Rico Board of Advisors Neftali Garcia Director of Governmental Affairs McLane Company, Inc. Denise M. Harrod Vice President, Government Affairs Compu Credit Corporation Holly Jacques Turner Director, State Government Affairs Merck & Co., Inc. Sarah Magruder Lyle Vice President of External Affairs America s Natural Gas Alliance Larry Lucas PhRMA Shawn A. Miles Senior Vice President, Group Head MasterCard Worldwide Marco Paredes Senior Manager for State Government Affairs AMGEN Tony Reinhart Regional Manager of Government Affairs Ford Motor Company Fund Jose Luis Rodriguez Chief Executive Officer HITN November 17-20,

12 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy Associate Business Members Rudy Beserra Vice President of Latin Affairs The Coca-Cola Company Catherine A. Caponi Vice-President, Government Relations EDMC Flora M. Castillo Vice President Corporate Marketing AmeriHealth Mercy Marshall Cohen Senior Director, State and Local Government Affairs Nuclear Energy Institute Rafael Fernandez, Jr. Senior Vice President, State Government Relations Recording Industry Association of America Alex Franco Regional State Government Relations Manager Western & Southern States Mead Johnson Nutrition Susan M. Hess Director, PR and External Communications AREVA Inc. Shaylah Nunn Government Affairs & Multicultural Advocacy Novo Nordisk Inc th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

13 Fajardo, Puerto Rico Jamie Hastings Vice President, External & State Affairs CTIA - The Wireless Association Business Contributing Members Suzanne Hutchinson Executive Vice President Mortgage Insurance Companies of America Howie Hodges Vice President, External Affairs Government Relations Division Time Warner Cable Karla M. Kiriako Senior Manager, State Government Affairs U.S Corporate Affairs Sanofi Aventis Jenny Perez Director of Community Relations Select Management Corp. LLC November 17-20,

14 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy Agenda at a Glance WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 TH (3:00 pm 4:30 pm) Meet and Greet Magnolia Ballroom (4:00 pm) Hotel Check in Begins (5:30 pm 9:00 pm) NHCSL Leadership Dinner Reception Location: La Fortaleza San Juan, PR (Invite only - Legislative/BBA Leadership Members) THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 th (7:00 am 2:00 pm) John S. Martinez 5 th Annual Golf Scholarship Fundraiser (8:00 am Tee-off) Arthur Hills Golf Course El Conquistador Resort (Meet at lobby 7:15am) (1:00 pm 5:00 pm) Summit Registration Atrium Desks 1 & 4 (1:00 pm 2:00 pm) Welcome Lounge Hotel Lobby (2:00 pm 5:00 pm) Lilly Insulin Manufacturing Facility Tour Carolina, PR Transportation departs from lobby at 1:40pm (2:00 pm 3:00 pm) Connecting the Dots in the Digital Age: Policy, Social Capital and Advocacy Palominito (3:00 pm 4:00 pm) Broadband En Acción Meeting (Closed Meeting) Violeta (4:15 pm 5:30 pm) BBA Meeting (BBA members only) Icaco 12 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

15 Fajardo, Puerto Rico (6:30 pm 9:30 pm) Pirates of the Caribbean Reception Reception Location: Palomino Island (White Attire Preferred) Transportation departs from lobby at 6:30pm FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18 th (7:30 am 3:00 pm) Summit Registration Atrium Desk 1 (8:00 am 9:00 am) Opening Plenary Breakfast A Year in Review Grand Caribbean Salon 6-8 (9:30 am 11:30 am) State Patient Protections: Access to Medicines Under Medicaid and Managed Care Following the Affordable Care Act of 2010 Palominito (11:45 am 1:15 pm) Summit Luncheon Latino Jobs: The Future of Employment and Economic Opportunity For America s Fastest-Growing Community Grand Caribbean Salon 6-8 (1:20 pm 2:20 pm) Empowering the Latino Voter Town Hall Palominito (2:30 pm 4:00 pm) Concurrent Task Force Meetings Business & Economic Development (BBTF) Energy Grand Caribbean Salon 3 Education & Civil Rights Health Care International Relations, Trade & Immigration Labor & Workforce Development Grand Caribbean Salon 1-2 (4:15 pm 5:15 pm) Leadership Meeting (NHCSL officers only) Siete Mares A November 17-20,

16 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy (4:15 pm 5:15 pm) Nominations Committee Meeting (Closed Meeting) Violeta (5:30 pm 6:00 pm) Leadership De-Brief (BBA and Executive Committee Leadership only) Siete Mares A (7:00 pm 10:00 pm) Just Think: Puerto Rico! Reception Location: El Faro Transportation departs from lobby at 6:50pm SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 th (7:30 am 12:00 pm) Summit Registration Atrium Desk 1 (8:00 am 9:45 am) Telling Amy s Story Addressing Domestic Violence Grand Caribbean Salon 6-8 (10:00 am 1:00 pm) NHCSL Annual Executive Committee & BBA Meeting (Legislators and BBA only) Pablo Casalas Ballroom (6:30 pm 7:00 pm) Noche de Celebración Reception Location: Castillo de San Cristóbal, Old San Juan (Cocktail Attire) Transportation departs from lobby at 5:40pm (7:00 pm 10:30 pm) Noche de Celebración Awards Banquet *All events will be held at the El Conquistador Resort unless otherwise noted. **All events are Business Attire unless otherwise noted. 14 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

17 Fajardo, Puerto Rico Detailed Agenda WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 TH (3:00 pm 4:30 pm) Meet and Greet Magnolia Ballroom (4:00 pm) Hotel Check in Begins (5:30 pm 9:00 pm) NHCSL Leadership Dinner Reception Location: La Fortaleza San Juan, PR (Invite only - Legislative/BBA Leadership Members) THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 th (7:00 am 2:00 pm) John S. Martinez 5 th Annual Golf Scholarship Fundraiser (8:00 am Tee-off) Arthur Hills Golf Course El Conquistador Resort (Meet at lobby 7:15am) Legislators and guest will participate in the Fifth Annual John S. Martinez Golf Outing hosted by NHCSL and the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico. Join golf legend Chichi Rodriguez and other sport celebrities including boxing champ Felix Tito Trinidad, baseball greats Ivan Pudge Rodriguez and Carlos Baerga for Tee-off under the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean backdrop during and early game. It will be a star-studded event to remember in one of Puerto Rico s most spectacular courses to complete to help raise money to support the John S. Martinez scholarship effort. Support Provided By: Coca-Cola AFLAC Primo Energy Group Inc. Professional Market Research (1:00 pm 5:00 pm) Summit Registration Atrium Desks 1 & 4 **Please visit our Exhibit Booths** (1:00 pm 2:00 pm) Welcome Lounge Open Hotel Lobby November 17-20,

18 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy (2:00 pm 5:00 pm) Lilly Insulin Manufacturing Facility Tour Carolina, PR (Registration Closed) Transportation departs from lobby at 1:50pm This activity is supported by a contribution from Lilly USA, LLC. (2:00 pm 3:00 pm) Connecting the Dots in the Digital Age: Policy, Social Capital and Advocacy Palominito This session hosted by NHCSL s Broadband En Acción Taskforce has two interrelated goals, which are policy exploration and practical skills development. The first half will feature a policy discussion focused on broadband access, digital literacy and the policies that facilitate those goals for a Latino community that is both adept at adopting technology and facing barriers to full participation in the global, digital economy. The second half will feature a practical, hands-on skills training that will enhance legislators skills in connecting, communicating and advocating via social media tools, including Twitter, Facebook, and other social media. Speakers: Henry Rivera Esq., Partner, Wiley Rein LLP Kristin Brown, Account Director, Racepoint Group, LLC 3:00 pm 4:00 pm) Broadband En Acción Meeting (Closed Meeting) Violeta (4:15 pm 5:30 pm) BBA Meeting (BBA members only) Icaco (6:30 pm 9:30 pm) Pirates of the Caribbean Reception (Palomino Island, White Attire Preferred) Transportation departs from lobby at 6:30pm Just a short boat ride from El Conquistador Resort, Palomino Island is home to pirates of all kinds whom will be waiting to greet our Summit participants. There will be live salsa music and dancing, fantastic Caribbean food, torch-lit walkways, Puerto Rican rum and treasures to be discovered on the sand. Come join the fun at our Welcome Reception to start off our 2011 NHCSL Summit in Puerto Rico. Emcee: Adrian Pacheco 16 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

19 Fajardo, Puerto Rico Welcome: Jerry Fuentes, AT&T Senator Thomas Rivera Schatz, Senate President of Puerto Rico Representative Jenniffer González Colón, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico Support Provided By: AT&T Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico (7:30 am 3:00 pm) Summit Registration Atrium Desk 1 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18 th **Please visit our Exhibit Booths** (8:00 am 9:00 am) Opening Plenary Breakfast A Year in Review Grand Caribbean Salon 6-8 This session will reflect on the advancement and accomplishments during two years of service under our current leadership. Task Force members will discuss the progress over the past year in several policy areas such as broadband accessibility, energy and the implementation of healthcare reform within our states. Speakers: Senator Iris Y. Martinez (IL), President, NHCSL Senator Juan M. Pichardo, Co-chair, Broadband En Acción Task Force Senator Sammuel Sanes (USVI), Energy Task Force Representative Jeffrey Sánchez (MA), Healthcare Task Force Support Provided By: Novartis Pharmaceuticals (9:30 am 11:30 am) State Patient Protections: Access to Medicines Under Medicaid and Managed Care Following the Affordable Care Act of 2010 Palominito The states remain at the forefront of the fight to close health disparities ensuring accessible, affordable and culturally competent care. Among the many changes instituted by the sweeping Affordable Care Act signed by President Obama in 2010 is a significant change to the Medicaid prescription drug program, extending manufacturers rebates to drugs delivered to enrollees of Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs). Under this new environment, where states are November 17-20,

20 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy shifting the pharmacy benefit from state-run fee for service (FFS) to MCO models, patients will likely face greater challenges in accessing medications. As states shift the pharmacy benefits it is important that states ensure that the MCOs maintain the same patient protections, transparency and access to prescriber recommended medications that FFS systems have provided to date. At stake is the Latino community s access to potentially life-saving medicines and the efficacy of state systems. Moderator: Senator Rene Garcia (FL) Speakers: Assemblymember Peter M. Rivera (NY) Representative Naomi González (TX) Guillermo Chacón, Latino Commission on AIDS Marthel E. Parsons-Ruiz, M.D., ABPN, Design Your Life Center Support Provided By: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals (11:45 am 1:15 pm) Summit Luncheon Latino Jobs: The Future of Employment and Economic Opportunity For America's Fastest-Growing Community Grand Caribbean Salon 6-8 The post-recession economy is increasingly digital, racing more quickly toward the long-anticipated jobs of the future as manufacturing and the blue-collar economy dwindles. Latinos continue to experience a jobless rate that was, most recently, around 11.3 percent, which is 43 percent higher than the 7.9 percent unemployment rate for whites and higher than the national average. Latinos also lost almost twothirds of overall household wealth by the end of the recession. So where are the jobs and wealth-building opportunities of the future for this community green, entrepreneurial, global, digital, service-sector, and/or otherwise? Speakers: Hector Sánchez, Executive Director, LCLAA Gabriela Lemus, Ph.D., Senior Advisor and Director, Office of Public Engagement, U.S. Department of Labor (Invited) Alejandra Castillo, National Deputy Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), Department of Commerce (Invited) (1:20 pm 2:20 pm) Empowering the Latino Voter Town Hall Palominito 18 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

21 Fajardo, Puerto Rico The Latino vote is a powerful national swing vote, Presidential election determinant, and perhaps most importantly, it is positioned in key states across the country. Candidates and parties want and need to reach out to Latinos to ensure political longevity. Despite this, barriers to Latino political power and civic participation are numerous. The Latino vote and civic participation can be harmed by sometimes illegal state and local activity, as well as state redistricting processes that require advocacy to empower voters and their representatives. This session will explore the barriers and legal/policy frameworks for action. Moderator: Senator Carmelo Ríos Santiago (PR) Speakers: Geraldo Alicea (MA), Former State Representative Representative Angel Cruz (PA) Representative Roberto Alonzo (TX) (2:30 pm 4:00 pm) Concurrent Task Force Meetings Business & Economic Development (BBTF) Energy Grand Caribbean Salon 3 Presenters: Maria del Pilar Avila, Chief Executive Officer, New America Alliance Andres Castillo, Senior Advisor for Education and Outreach, AARP Anna Cabral, Former U.S. Treasurer, Family Finance Ambassador, AARP Education & Civil Rights Health Care International Relations, Trade & Immigration Labor & Workforce Development Grand Caribbean Salon 1-2 Presenter: Todd C. Landfried, Partner, Southwest Policy Advisors, LLC (4:15 pm 5:15 pm) Leadership Meeting (NHCSL officers only) Siete Mares A (4:15pm 5:15pm) Nominations Committee Meeting (Closed Meeting) Violeta (5:30 pm 6:00 pm) Leadership De-Brief (BBA and Executive Committee Leadership only) Siete Mares A November 17-20,

22 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy (7:00 pm 10:00 pm) Just Think: Puerto Rico! Reception Location: El Faro Lighthouse Transportation departs from lobby at 6:50pm Enjoy the romance and mystique of the El Faro Lighthouse, situated on the highest point of the Fajardo cape. This was the second lighthouse erected in Puerto Rico by the Spaniards and its central lantern was officially lit on May 2, Amazingly, the lighthouse has been operating uninterrupted ever since. Excite your senses with the beautiful views of the lighthouse, the smell and taste of the delightful dinner of highend fusion cuisine and listen to music in a breathtaking outdoor setting full of history. Special Hosts: Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico (7:30 am 12:00 pm) Summit Registration Atrium Desk 1 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 th (8:00 am 9:45 am) Telling Amy s Story Addressing Domestic Violence Grand Caribbean Salon 6-8 Domestic violence impacts many communities and families throughout the country. Prevalence seems to be greater when there is poverty. For the Hispanic community, the machismo that sometimes exists allows for a higher incidence. Members will be reminded of the impact domestic violence has and will take a pledge to stop domestic violence and shine a light on survivors. Moderator: Senator Iris Y. Martinez (IL), President, NHCSL Speakers: Albert Browne, National Program Director and Vice President of Education and Technology, Verizon Foundation Hon. Carmen Lopez (Ret.), Judge, Connecticut Superior Court Jacqueline Padilla, Auxiliary of the Advocate, Women s Advocacy Office, Puerto Rico (10:00 am 1:00 pm) NHCSL Annual Executive Committee & BBA Meeting (Legislators and BBA only, Resolutions Adopted/Ratified and Leadership Elections) Pablo Casalas Ballroom 20 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

23 Fajardo, Puerto Rico (6:00 pm 11:00 pm) Noche de Celebración Awards Banquet (New Leadership welcome, Awards presentation) Reception Location: Castillo de San Cristóbal, Old San Juan (Cocktail Attire) Transportation departs from lobby at 5:40pm Noche de Celebración is not just a night for us to remember everything that NHCSL has accomplished and to thank and recognize everyone that has helped us accomplish it. This is also a night to look ahead at everything we would like to achieve and the new leadership that is going to help lead us there. We will be thanking the past leadership for the service and welcoming the injection of life that the new leadership will bring. This celebration will be held at Castillo de San Cristóbal, which is not just the largest fort in Puerto Rico, but it is the largest Spanish built fortification in the Western hemisphere. The breathtaking views from the Castillo will provide all of those in attendance with the perfect opportunity to celebrate the past and look ahead to the future. Emcee: Jose Tañon Presentation of Colors: The National Guard National Anthem: Puerto Rico Symphonic Orchesta Invocation: Senator Luz Z. Arce Ferrer (PR) Award Presentations: Special Recognition Award John S. Martinez Excellence in Leadership Award Recipients: Sen. Luz Z. Arce Ferrer (PR) Sen. Ross I. Romero (UT) Special Invited performers: Tenor Carlos Aponte and the Puerto Rico Symphonic Orchesta Support Provided By: Puerto Rico Tourism Rums of Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico *All events will be held at the El Conquistador Resort unless otherwise noted. **All events are Business Attire unless otherwise noted. November 17-20,

24 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy Speaker Biographies Senator Iris Y. Martinez (IL) President, NHCSL Honorable Iris Y. Martinez was sworn into her first term in the Illinois State Senate on January 8, 2003, to represent the people of Illinois 20th Legislative District. Located on Chicago s north side, the 20th District includes some of Chicago s most diverse neighborhoods including Albany Park, Avondale, Belmont, Cragin, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, and Portage Park. Senator Martinez is a trailblazer in many respects. Upon her election in 2002, Senator Martinez became the first Hispanic woman in Illinois to be elected to the State Senate. In January 2007 she made history once again when Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. named her Assistant Majority Leader, a position never before held by a Latina. As one of the Illinois Senate s top legislators, Senator Martinez currently serves as Chair of the Senate Licensed Activities Committee and Vice-Chair of the Senate Pensions and Investments Committee. Senator Martinez is also a member of the Illinois Senate s Commerce, Education, Energy and Redistricting Committees. Senator Martinez is also very significantly involved in the national political arena. In September of 2009 she was elected Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Hispanic Caucus and in November of 2009 she was elected President of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. She is also a member of President Obama s Change Commission. Throughout her years in the General Assembly, Senator Martinez has worked diligently to protect working families and their communities. Senator Martinez secured much needed funding for community agencies such as the Children s Place, an agency that works with children and families affected by HIV and AIDS, and Concordia Avondale Community Center, which provides daycare, after-school programs and a center for seniors. Martinez also has fought for funding for the Gilead Outreach & Referral Center, which connects uninsured families of metropolitan Chicago with affordable healthcare programs for which they are eligible. She has consistently sponsored and passed legislation to improve the health and welfare of the neediest residents of her district and throughout the state, focusing mainly on women s health issues. Through her leadership, several important pieces of legislation signed into law recently have made a direct impact on the people of Illinois. Senate Bill 220 which focuses on affordable housing development, House Bill 1744 which seeks reform of Employment Eligibility Verification Systems, and Senate Bill 1162 which tackles consumer fraud include a few of the issues Senator Martinez has addressed. Senator Martinez remains committed to creating a better Illinois through fair and equitable legislation. Senator Thomas Rivera Schatz (PR), Senate President, NHCSL Executive Committee Member The honorable Thomas Rivera-Schatz is the current President of the Puerto Rico Senate. He was born on June 10, 1966 in the Bronx, New York City. His father, José A. Nía Rivera, former mayor of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, inspired his vocation for public service, while his mother, Christina Rivera, instilled in him his integrity and moral values. 22 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

25 Fajardo, Puerto Rico He attended high school at Colegio Santa Cruz in Trujillo Alto, and later earned a BA degree (Magna Cum Laude) in Political Science from the Inter American University in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Soon afterwards, he was accepted at the Inter American University Law School, where he graduated with honors in A year later he passed the local bar exam with one of the highest grades ever obtained in the Island. Rivera-Schatz began his legal career as Chief Advisor to the Senate and House of Representatives of Puerto Rico. In 1996, then former Governor Pedro Rosselló appointed him as Prosecutor at the Department of Justice. After finishing his service as a prosecutor, he returned to private practice, tending both criminal and civil cases. Early in 2000, he entered another stage of his professional career when he was appointed Electoral Commissioner for the prostatehood New Progressive Party (NPP). Four years later, then party president Pedro Rossello also appointed Rivera-Schatz as Secretary General of the NPP. He held both positions simultaneously until August 1, 2007, when he decided to run for public office by announcing his candidacy as Senator-at large. In the November 2008 election, he won his Senate seat by a landslide, and his fellow senators elected him as President of Puerto Rico s Upper Chamber. He was sworn into his current leadership position on January 12, Throughout his career, Rivera-Schatz has participated in numerous public opinion forums as a political analyst, especially in top radio news programs, including his own. Likewise, he has served as an international guest observer in the electoral processes of various Caribbean and Latin American nations. Representative Jenniffer A. González-Colón (PR), Speaker of the House, NHCSL Executive Committee Member Jenniffer A. González-Colón became a member of the Puerto Rico legislature in February of 2002, when she was chosen in a special election to fill the vacancy of Representative for district number 4. In the 2004 elections, she sought and obtained the post of At-large Representative for the New Progressive Party (NPP) and also became the Vice Chairwoman of the US Republican Party in Puerto Rico. In the term she chaired the House Government, Federal Affairs and Veterans Services Committee. Given that one of the great motivations of her political life is resolving the colonial situation of Puerto Rico, she assumed that role with great passion and commitment, initiating conversations towards consensus legislation. As committee chairwoman she was the author of bills to adopt the new Bill of Rights of Puerto Rican Veterans, the Law Regulating use of Social Security Numbers, the Law for Database Security Disclosure, among others. Her legislation on noise abatement earned her the recognition of the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board. The people rewarded these efforts and in the 2008 general election she was the highest vote-getter for her party in the House. Having been instrumental in the landslide victory in the 2008 general election, she was selected by her peers as Speaker of the House, and became Vice Chairwoman of the NPP. From this position, González Colón has dedicated all her efforts to approve legislation in areas such as women s rights, adoption and the economy. More recently, she has November 17-20,

26 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy become the leader in the public discussion of the economic impact of the cost of energy to consumers and has presented important legislation to that effect. Speaker González-Colón holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico and a Law degree from Inter American University of Puerto Rico Law School. She is also a Robert Thompson Leadership Academy Graduate and Henry Toll Fellow of the Council of State Governments. Hon. Geraldo Alicea (MA), Former State Representative Former State Representative Geraldo Alicea was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives on November 7, 2006 to represent the 6th Worcester District. The district includes his hometown of Charlton, his childhood home of Southbridge, and the towns of East Brookfield, Spencer and Oxford. He earned his Bachelor s Degree from Westfield State University and a Master s Degree from Anna Maria College. As a member of the state legislature, Representative Alicea served on the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, Committee on Health Care Finance, Committee on Education and the Committee of Veterans and Federal Affairs. He was the Vice-Chair of the Massachusetts Black / Latino Caucus. He is currently on the Board of Directors for Aspira, Massachusetts Chapter and a former Executive Board member of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. As a member of the Joint Committee on Education, he played a pivotal role in crafting the Education Reform Bill Massachusetts largest and most comprehensive piece of education reform legislation since Geraldo also filed a bill during his tenure prohibiting all junior operators from using any type of cell phone or texting messaging device while driving, which was included in An Act Relative to Safe Driving signed into law last year. Representative Roberto R. Alonzo (TX) NHCSL Task Force Chair, International Relations, Trade & Immigration Roberto R. Alonzo is currently serving his sixth term as a Texas State Representative in the 81st Texas Legislature ( ), having been elected in November 1992 and started his first term during the 73rd Regular Session in State Representative Alonzo serves House District 104 in the Legislature, which is in southwest Dallas including primarily the communities of Oak Cliff, Cockrell Hill, northeast Grand Prairie, North Oak Cliff, and Arcadia Park. When he was first elected, Rep. Alonzo made history by becoming the first Mexican American from North Texas elected to the Legislature, outdistancing his opponent by a 2 to 1 margin with over 66% percent of the vote. On July 7, 1993, Rep. Alonzo once again made Texas history when Governor Ann Richards signed HB 1261 into law - the first piece of legislation authored by the Dallas freshman representative, creating 24 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

27 Fajardo, Puerto Rico the Texas Partnership and Scholarship Program (TPSP). Gov. Richards' signature of HB 1261 at the time made the TPSP the first program of its kind in the country modeled after the "I Have A Dream" Foundation of New York to be attempted on a statewide scale. The TPSP is a cooperative partnership effort between business, schools, and communities working together to provide mentoring/counseling programs and college scholarships for financially-needy students. Alonzo currently serves on the House Committees on Higher Education and Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence. During the 2009 interim, he was also appointed by House Speaker Joe Straus to serve on the Texas Judicial Council, the Indigent Defense Task Force, as well as the Select Committee on Transportation Funding. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of the International Relations, Trade & Immigration Task Force of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), to which he was appointed by Illinois State Senator Iris Y. Martinez who serves as the current NHCSL President (2010). Maria de Pilar Avila, Chief Executive Officer, New America Alliance Ms. Avila rejoined New America Alliance (NAA) in May 2010 as Chief Executive Officer. As NAA s Founding Executive Director from , Pilar applied her leadership and management skills in carrying out the vision of the NAA Board of Directors, turning the vision into a reality, and a startup into a viable, well-established and highly respected national American Latino business initiative. She brings a deep understanding of the organization s advocacy goals and shares the objective of leveraging and accelerating the economic, political and human capital development of the American Latino community. Over her career, Pilar has earned a strong reputation as a business and civic leader, most recently at Palladium Equity Partners as Vice President and part of the investment team from Before joining the NAA as Founding Executive Director, from , Pilar was Vice President of Marketing & Events at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where she developed strong relationships with Latino entrepreneurs in key U.S. markets, Mexico and Puerto Rico, and dealt with the complex intersection of Latino business progress, political advocacy and corporate America. In 2010, Pilar was recognized by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the 100 Influentials. In 2006, she was recognized as one of the 20 Most Influential and Outstanding Hispanic Women in Business by Hispanic Trends Magazine (now PODER Enterprise). She received the New America Alliance Chairmen s Leadership Award in Pilar earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida. Kristin Brown, Account Director, Racepoint Group, LLC Kristin Brown is an Account Director on the Racepoint Group Corporate and Advocacy teams and has vast experience achieving strategic results in traditional and social media. November 17-20,

28 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy Kristin successfully utilizes the media to help accomplish goals on the Hill, within states and federal agencies, surrounding litigation, mitigating other crises and promoting reputations. She has had proven success managing media relations campaigns within various industries and addressing a wide variety of communications challenges advancing an issue, garnering publicity, managing negative press and negotiating crowded message environments. In her role at Racepoint, Kristin provides guidance and oversight to clients seeking to expand their strategic corporate and global communications and advance advocacy and issue agendas. As such, she has provided strategic counsel and management and top-notch media relations to countries governments and major corporate and trade association clients that represent a cross-section of industries, including energy, healthcare, international trade, environmental technology, transportation and consumer products. Prior to joining Racepoint Group, Kristin was a director at Prism Public Affairs, where she provided crisis and litigation communications and public affairs counsel. Her experience includes strategic communications campaigns surrounding debates on Capitol Hill, potential Congressional investigations, maintenance of a firm s reputation surrounding a possible Federal Corrupt Practices Act indictment, negative attention surrounding allegations of misuse of a government contract and civil, criminal and multi-state litigation. Albert J. Browne, National Program Director and Vice President of Education and Technology, Verizon Foundation At Verizon, Mr. Browne is responsible for building the foundation s initiatives in the Education and Technology space and most recently charged with the organization s Diversity Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships, where he is now also responsible for catalyzing ideas with partners such as the National Urban League (NUL) and National Council of La Raza (NCLR) to use technology and our philanthropy to solve critical problems in our communities. With an annual budget of $35 million he is also laser focused on how technology and effective partnerships can advance education and reduce disparities in America. This includes leading the effort to expand the foundation s flagship and signature program The Thinkfinity Community. The Thinkfinity Community is the dynamic online community of tens of thousands of educators and parents all discussing and exchanging ideas in education. Thinkfinity is the Verizon Foundation s digital platform that provides over 55,000 standards-based educational resources free to educators and is developed in partnership with ten of the nation s leading education organizations. Verizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon. Mr. Browne s visionary leadership is transforming Thinkfinity to better serve the needs of teachers, parents and students in today s global society by providing advanced and accessible technology content. This web-based program infuses 21st century skills resources into education that helps students, parents and caregivers extend learning beyond the classroom. Prior to joining Verizon, Mr. Browne was Vice President of Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC), 26 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

29 Fajardo, Puerto Rico where he led the startup of three successful business divisions, built fifteen Technology Community Centers and raised more than $50 million for education and economic programs. At CPDC, Mr. Browne was the chief socio-economic architect behind a number of firsts, including the idea to integrate broadband technology into affordable housing communities as a community empowerment tool a model which led to the economic revitalization of the Edgewood Terrace community in Northeast Washington, DC, and the creation of the U.S. Department of Commerce sponsored In-Home Healthcare Technology Initiative. During his tenure, Mr. Browne directed CPDC s strategic partnerships along with workforce, education, technology, and resource development. He is credited with making CPDC an acclaimed community development corporation. Mr. Browne has advanced degrees in Forensics, Psychology and Business Administration, certificates in leadership and served for over 12 years as an adjunct university professor at Washington Adventist University and Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Anna Cabral, Former U.S. Treasurer, Family Finance Ambassador, AARP Anna Escobedo Cabral was nominated on July 22, 2004, by President Bush to serve as Treasurer of the United States. She was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 20, Immediately prior to taking this office, Ms. Cabral served as Director of the Smithsonian Institution's Center for Latino Initiatives, where she led a pan-institutional effort to improve Latino representation in exhibits, and public programming among the Institution's 19 museums, five research centers, and the National Zoo. From 1999 to 2003, Ms. Cabral served as President and CEO of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, which partners with Fortune 500 companies to increase Hispanic representation in employment, procurement, philanthropy and governance. Under her leadership, the organization published a best practices series, and instituted a partnership with Harvard Business School to provide executive training programs in Corporate Governance Best Practices to community leaders. From 1993 to 1999, Ms. Cabral served as Deputy Staff Director for the United States Senate Judiciary Committee under Chairman Orrin G. Hatch. The Committee's jurisdiction ranges from oversight of the Department of Justice and our nation's criminal and drug enforcement laws to approving federal judicial nominations, and it includes review of immigration, antitrust, patents and trademark, and technology-related legislation. In addition, she simultaneously served as Executive Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Republican Conference Task Force on Hispanic Affairs, a position she held since Ms. Cabral managed this task force of 25 senators dedicated to ensuring that the concerns and needs of the Hispanic community are addressed by Congress through legislation. A native of California, Ms. Cabral majored in Political Science from the University of California, Davis, and earned a Master's degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in international trade and finance from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. November 17-20,

30 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy Alejandra Castillo, National Deputy Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), Department of Commerce Ms. Alejandra Castillo has recently been appointed to serve as National Deputy Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). In this role, Ms. Castillo will serve as the principal advisor to the MBDA National Director and will assist in managing the day-today activities of the Agency. Prior to her appointment with MBDA, Ms. Castillo served as Special Advisor to the Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Commerce s International Trade Administration (ITA) where she was responsible for business outreach and development of policy initiatives geared at trade promotion and enforcement of U.S. trade laws. Ms. Castillo s experience will also be valuable to MBDA as she will play an integral role in developing and implementing MBDA s Global Export Initiative for the minority business community as part of President Obama s National Export Initiative. A practicing attorney for several years, Ms. Castillo has worked in the private, government and non-profit sector. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Ms. Castillo served as the Interim Executive Director of the Hispanic National Bar Association headquartered in Washington D.C. During her tenure at HNBA, she was instrumental in working with the White House as well as non-profit organization, such as the Latinos for a Fair Judiciary, in support of the nomination and confirmation process to the Supreme Court of Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Ms. Castillo served in the Clinton Administration as a Senior Policy Analyst to the Deputy Director at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). In her position, Ms. Castillo was responsible for developing and analyzing White House initiatives on drug control policies in areas of drug trafficking interdiction, anti-money laundering, as well as drug prevention and treatment programs. Before joining the White House, Ms. Castillo served as key staff for the Democratic National Committee Chairman, Don Fowler, and then joined the Clinton Gore Re-election campaign as Deputy Director for Special Projects. A native of New York, Ms. Castillo holds a Bachelor Degree of Arts from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in economics and political science. Ms. Castillo holds a Master s degree in Public Policy from the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin and has a Juris Doctorate degree from American University (AU)-Washington College of Law. Andres Castillo, Senior Advisor for Education and Outreach, AARP Andrés Castillo of AARP's Education and Outreach department is experienced in developing and executing national and state level consumer education campaigns. His area of expertise is financial security and he currently spearheads the team s work in multicultural outreach. He joined the Financial Security team in 2004 after beginning his AARP career in the NY state office. Prior to joining AARP, he worked for Chase Manhattan Bank as a financial analyst. He 28 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

31 Fajardo, Puerto Rico holds an MBA from Thunderbird, The Graduate School of Global Management, and a BS from Binghamton University. Guillermo Chacon, Latino Commission on AIDS President of the Latino Commission on AIDS, Guillermo Chacón is recognized for his great ability to build networks, coalitions and mobilize Latino/Hispanic communities on the policy and program levels. Among many other achievements he has pioneered the First National Latino/Hispanic AIDS Leadership Summit, among national partners, in the United States in January 2008 a national agenda setting process that shaped a comprehensive response to the AIDS crisis among Hispanic communities. Mr. Chacón also played a key role in launching, in 2003, the National Latino AIDS Awareness Day a nationwide community mobilization, public health marketing campaign to promote HIV testing and education in Latino/Hispanic communities. As founder of a Latino Religious Leadership Program that has been running for the past 14- year, Mr. Chacon initiated the Commission s New York Citywide initiative to build health ministries at churches/congregations in low-income Latino communities that provide much needed HIV prevention and health promotion. Mr. Chacón serves as the principal media spokesperson for the Commission. In November 2010 Guillermo Chacón was appointed by Governor Elect Andrew Cuomo to serve in his transition team in the area of Education & Health. In December 2010, he was re-elected to the leadership of the Federal AIDS Policy Partnership, FAPP- a national coordinating body that facilitated a better national respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the United States. Mr. Chacón also serves as a community adviser to the National Alliance of Latin-Americans, Caribbean Communities, NALACC, and serves as board member for The Salvadorean American National Network, Salud Latina/Latino Health in Chicago, Solidaridad Humana in Long Island and the New York Immigration Coalition in New York. Mr. Chacón was born and raised in El Salvador, Central America. He has studied teaching at the National University of El Salvador and is an undergraduate student at Fordham University in the Organizational Leadership Program. Representative Angel Cruz (PA), NHCSL Executive Committee Member Representative Angel Cruz is in his seventh term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. During his tenure, Representative Cruz obtained and enacted several important pieces of legislation. He obtained grants for numerous nonprofit organizations in the district, and played the lead role in investigating the kidnapping and release of Delamar Vera, who made international news. Representative Cruz focused on seeking ways to support communities in securing a better quality of life. He has filed many bills, opposing firearms, against registration of votes, and allowing for the study of diabetes in children. Representative Cruz was the first and only member to support the education of November 17-20,

32 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy Latino children in Philadelphia s district 180. He is the only member in the Pennsylvania Legislature of Puerto Rican descent. Cruz was also recognized for his leadership during Hispanic Month in 2011, by the Philadelphia Eagles. Representative Cruz has received awards from various community organizations for his efforts. He has held various leadership positions including precinct leader for over 16 years, and Assistant Secretary of the Democratic Party, the only Hispanic to reach that position. Representative Angel Cruz is the highest-ranking Latino in the state of Pennsylvania, holding the longest term. Senator Rene Garcia (FL), NHCSL Member, Health Task Force Senator Rene Garcia was born and raised in the city of Hialeah, to working class Cuban American parents. In 1997, at the age of 23, Rene Garcia was elected to a two-year term on the Hialeah City Council. He was re-elected, to a four-year term in November While serving as a city Councilman Rene Garcia graduated with a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Florida International University. In December of 2004 Rene graduated from the University of Miami with a Master s in Business Administration, specializing in Health Administration and Policy. Garcia was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in November of He was re-elected consecutively in 2002, 2004 and 2006 and has proven to be a dedicated community leader. Furthermore, he served as Chair of the Miami Dade Legislative Delegation, Chair of the Health Services Sub-Committee, Chairman of Health Innovation Committee, Chair of the Florida Hispanic Caucus, and was named Deputy Whip for the House of Representatives. Garcia's passion for health care and his constituents is something that he works very hard to defend and take care of. He has championed numerous causes for health care ensuring that everyone has rights and access to health care and are provided quality service. Representative Naomi González (TX) State Representative Naomi Gonzalez was born and raised in South Central El Paso, Texas. She was captain of her High-Q team and was a JROTC Battalion Commander at Jefferson High School. She graduated with honors from Our Lady of the Lake University with a Bachelor s Degree in Business Administration. In 2003, Naomi received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary s University. While attending law school, she served as a staff writer on The Scholar, a law review discussing minority issues and concerns. She was also founding member and Vice-President of the Employment and Labor Law Association and is licensed to practice law in Texas and New Mexico. In 2004, she returned to El Paso to practice law where she worked in the domestic violence unit of the County Attorney s Office, where she served until being elected as State Representative of District 76. The El Paso Times featured Naomi in a column titled 52 Under 40 where she was recognized for her community service efforts. She 30 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

33 Fajardo, Puerto Rico has also received the Mexican-American Bar Association s Outstanding Member of the Year Award. Representative Gonzalez is currently serving her first term in the Texas House of Representatives. She was the youngest female and the only Hispanic female of the incoming 2011 freshman class. She served as Deputy Floor Leader for the House Democratic Caucus, and also successfully passed 23 bills, one of the highest bill passing ratio in the House of Representatives. Todd C. Landfried, Partner, Southwest Policy Advisors, LLC Over the past 25 years, Todd Landfried has been at the forefront of fresh thinking and innovation in both the public and private sectors. As an education policy analyst in the late 80 s he helped create the state-by-state education assessment standards that are still in use today. While at USDA, Todd helped pioneer the use of the World Wide Web as an economic development and communications tool. As a corporate CEO in the mid-1990 s he helped launch the industry that now provides Internet access services in thousands of hotels around the globe. Since 2004, Todd has been a leader in pushing for the development and passage of sensible federal immigration reform and fighting against ill-conceived state legislative efforts. In 2005, he created Arizona s first immigration training programs for elected officials and candidates to educate them as to the realities of this important issue. Using the latest in academic and social research, he developed a series of specific talking points to challenge the anti-immigration rhetoric and worked with local and regional business leaders to create recommendations for solving the problem at the national level that minimized the negative social, economic and legal impacts. Todd became the voice of the business group Arizona Employers for Immigration Reform in November He helped lead AZEIR s opposition to SB1070 and was instrumental in educating the media, elected officials, business leaders and the public about the negative consequences of all of Arizona s anti-immigration bills. He has testified before legislative committees and caucuses and addressed business groups, colleges and universities in Arizona, Kansas, Utah, Louisiana and Texas. His expertise and research is credited with helping stop SB1070 copycat bills in those states and elsewhere. He holds a B.S. in Political Science from Cleveland State University and an M.P.A. in Public Administration from The George Washington University. He resides in Phoenix, Arizona. Gabriela Lemus, Ph.D., Senior Advisor and Director, Office of Public Engagement, U.S. Department of Labor Dr. Gabriela D. Lemus was appointed Senior Advisor and Director of the Office of Public Engagement at the Department of Labor in July Prior to her appointment, she was the first woman to hold the position of Executive Director at the Labor Council for Latin American November 17-20,

34 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy Advancement (LCLAA) from , as well as the first woman to chair the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) from During her tenure at LCLAA, she helped co-found the National Latino Coalition on Climate Change (NLCCC) and was a Commissioner for the Commission to Engage African-Americans on Climate Change (CEAAC). She served 3-year terms on the advisory boards of both the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) from and the United States Labor Education in the Americas Project (USLEAP) from From , she was Director of Policy and Legislation at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) where she launched the LULAC Democracy Initiative, a national Hispanic civic participation campaign and founded Latinos for a Secure Retirement - a national campaign to fight against the privatization of Social Security. Under both the Clinton and Bush administrations, she was invited by the State Department to travel to Latin America to lecture on democracy and civil society participation. Dr. Lemus was an adjunct professor of international relations and border policy at the University of Memphis, San Diego State University, and the University of San Diego; as well as a Guest Scholar at the University of California, San Diego Center for U.S.-Mexico Studies. She received her doctorate in International Relations from the University of Miami in Hon. Carmen Lopez (Ret.), Judge, Connecticut Superior Court Carmen L. Lopez served twelve years as a judge of the Connecticut Superior Court, having been appointed to the position in 1996 and retiring in During her appointment to the Bench, Judge Lopez presided over criminal, civil and juvenile matters. Judge Lopez s tenure on the bench was marked by leadership of initiatives aimed at enhancing the judicial system s ability to address and prevent problems affecting families and youth. While assigned to the criminal division of the Waterbury Judicial District, she helped establish a special domestic violence docket that utilized a multi-disciplinary team oriented approach emphasizing counseling, as well as accountability in the disposition of these cases. Judge Lopez also coordinated the Connecticut judicial system s participation in a federal program designed to improve its ability to serve court-involved girls and young women. During her time on the Court, Judge Lopez was committed to using the judicial system to address the needs of court-involved children and youth. This commitment provided the impetus to organize the first Juvenile Court Law Day event, which brought together numerous community and national leaders. As a member of the National Council of Family and Juvenile Court Judges, she participated in organizing its first National Summit on Child Maltreatment and Domestic Violence. In 2001, Judge Lopez was invited to participate in the Reclaiming Futures Judicial Leadership Summit, a national program sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2003, Judge Lopez was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Council of Family and Juvenile Court Judges, a position she held until Judge Lopez was also a member of the planning committee for the Children s Defense Fund s Cradle to Prison Initiative. She is currently a member of the Amigos de Clemente, an organization of Roberto Clemente fans. In 2000, Judge Lopez received the Judge John T. Downey Award given by the Connecticut 32 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

35 Fajardo, Puerto Rico Court-Appointed Special Advocate Organization. She is also the recipient of the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association s Certificate of Merit, presented on Law Day A native of Puerto Rico, Judge Lopez has had a long-standing involvement with the Latino community throughout the State of Connecticut. Jacqueline Padilla, Auxiliary of the Advocate, Women s Advocacy Office Ms. Padilla has been a Social Worker for the last 16 years, a defender for human rights for her entire career and a fighter for a better system as a life time commitment. She began her journey and dedicated the first six years of her career to the protection of deaf children s rights. Since 2002, as a chief social worker in the Women's Advocacy Office through the 24-hour hotline, she is devoting most of her time to the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and gender discrimination. Today, as an Auxiliary to the Advocate, she is responsible for the supervision of the Hotline, oversees the immediate response and coordination of the support toward victims, ensures the rightful actions and amends the omissions which ever may impact and deprive women's rights, benefits and opportunities to which female victims are entitled by law. Furthermore, as a continuing and overall support to the rebuilding of a new life for women's victims, she develops and coordinates the efforts for community education on women's rights and related matters and, as a veteran with many years of experience in the field, advises and assists the Advocate in programs that promote improvements on the eradication of discrimination and inequality. As a loyal advocate and crusader for and women's rights, she represents the Advocate as a direct link with private women's entities and nongovernmental organizations, state and municipal offices of the Island, that are engaged in the development and promotion of women's rights, proposing legislation that is pertinent to the establishment of the effective development of public policy. Marthel Parsons Gonzalez-Ruiz, M.D., ABPN, Design Your Life Center Dr. Marthel Parsons Gonzalez-Ruiz, M.D. is a Hispanic physician Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is and has been an educator, a public figure, a physician, a business woman and a social activist. Her grassroots community activities emphasize two areas. Education and change in Mental Illness Stigma and the strengthening of the Latino/Hispanic self-esteem that will translate into a bottom up force for change and empowerment. She was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. She obtained a Bachelors Degree in Science. She taught high school physics, chemistry and biology while attending her first two years of medical school. She obtained her Medical Degree at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California School of Medicine in While awaiting to enter a specialty residency program in Surgery, her life took a radical November 17-20,

36 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy change when a magnitude 8.1 earthquake struck Mexico City on September 19, 1985 causing the deaths of over 10,000 people, and injuring over 30,000 people, flattening over 6,000 buildings including many hospitals and over half a million people losing their homes. That was the beginning of a deep understanding and interest in Psychiatry and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Parsons graduated from a medical postgraduate four year Residency program in the specialty of Psychiatry at UMKC Kansas City at Western Missouri Mental Health Center. She also completed two years of Psychoanalytic Training at the KC Psychoanalytic Institute. As a physician her positions have included UMKC Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, psychiatrist at Osawatomie State Hospital, Rainbow Mental Health Facility, Kansas Department of Health, Shawnee Mission Hospital and Western Missouri Mental Health Center - Emergency Room Services. She is a frequent Mental Health guest speaker at the local Hispanic radio stations, the Dias de la Salud and health fairs at the Kansas City Mexican Consulate, while participating in many prestigious Medical Associations. Senator Juan M. Pichardo (RI), NHCSL Task Force Chair, Business & Economic Development Senator Juan M. Pichardo (RI) arrived to the United States from Jicome-Santiago, Dominican Republic in 1975 at the age of nine, and lived in New York City, NY with his mother and two sisters prior to moving to Providence, RI in Since then, Senator Pichardo has lived in Providence, RI and has been actively involved in the community throughout different stages of his life. Senator Pichardo joined the 143rd Military Security Force as a Security Police Specialist. He quickly succeeded in obtaining rank and within three years obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Rhode Island College. Senator Pichardo had a 17-year career at the largest health care facility in Rhode Island, RI Hospital/Lifespan, where he held several positions. While at RI Hospital, he became a Patient Financial Advocate where he assisted and provided personal guidance to patients and families and helped them obtain Medicaid, Social Security Insurance benefits, and community free care services. On January 7, 2003, Juan M. Pichardo was sworn in as a State Senator representing the 2nd Senatorial District in the State of Rhode Island. Located in Providence, RI, Senate District Two encompasses the neighborhoods of Elmwood, Reservoir Triangle and the West End. Senator Pichardo has the distinction of being named the first Latino elected to a RI Senate seat and the first Dominican American elected to a State Senate seat in the United States. In the General Assembly, he serves as Senate Deputy Majority Leader and as a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Human Services and Transportation. In addition, Senator Pichardo also serves as Secretary of the Health and Human Services Committee. By co-founding a non-profit organization, Quisqueya In Action, Senator Pichardo remains extremely active in the community. 34 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

37 Fajardo, Puerto Rico The organization works to maintain the Dominican-American cultural relationship and assists and promotes the pursuit of higher education among young people and families in the city of Providence, RI. Senator Pichardo also co-founded the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee (RILPAC), of which he is the former Vice President. Senator Carmelo Rios Santiago (PR), NHCSL Task Force Co-Chair, Labor & Workforce Development Born May 21, 1973 in Santurce, Puerto Rico, eldest son of Don Carmelo Ríos Nazario and Mrs. Lydia Santiago Estrella. In 1991, he attended Florida Air Academy in United States, where he graduated as a Lieutenant Colonel and was selected as one of the top ten baseball players in the state of Florida. In 1993 he moved to Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Economics. In 1998 he obtained the degree of Juris Doctor. He exercised his profession as lawyer and notary, as legal advisor to the Office of the Commissioner of Municipal Affairs and Director of the Division of litigation of State Insurance Corporation of Puerto Rico. In 2001 he started his own legal firm specialized in Administrative Law, Civil and Criminal. Among his clients were The International Longshoremen Association (ILA), and many municipalities. Enter for the first time in the political field of Puerto Rico as a candidate for the Municipal Legislature of Guaynabo in 1999; he was elected Majority Whip. In November 2004 he was elected as Senator for the Bayamón District, where he chaired the Senate Committee of Financial and Municipal Affairs. In November 2008 is re-elected for a second term a Senator for the District of Bayamón. He is currently President of the Government Affairs Commission; Vice-President for the Municipal Affairs; Secretary of Public Safety Commissions and Judicial Affairs, Member of the Civil and Banking Law, Consumer Affairs and Public Corporations Commission, Member of The Judiciary Committee and Member of the Committee of the Self Determination Rights for the People of Puerto Rico. Henry Rivera Esq., Partner, Wiley Rein LLP A partner with Wiley Rein, LLP, specializes in representing companies before the Federal Communications Commission, Congress, the Commerce Department and the White House. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, he is the first Hispanic FCC Commissioner. He serves as Strategic Counsel at the Internet Innovation Alliance and has served as a chair and member of FCC and State Department advisory committees, of U.S. delegations to international November 17-20,

38 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy telecommunications conferences and as president of the Federal Communications Bar Association. He has been named to the International Who s Who of Regulatory Communications Lawyers, one of the top 12 telecom experts in the U.S. by Legal Media Group's Best of the Best, in Super Lawyers of Washington, DC, in "The Best Lawyers in America," in "Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business" and been recognized as a Leading Individual in the field of Communications & IT law. He is a frequent speaker, author and conference leader and serves on the board of many charitable organizations. He is a Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star recipient. He holds J.D., B.A. and B.S.B.A. degrees. Assemblymember Peter M. Rivera (NY) Peter Manuel Rivera was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He migrated to New York City at an early age along with his mother, Candita; his father, Victor Manuel; and his sister, Lucy. A graduate of New York City public schools, Peter was awarded a Baccalaureate degree in Business Administration from Pace College and was conferred a Juris Doctor from St. John s Law School. His career in public service began as a police officer in the South Bronx. He became a Federal Agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency (D.E.A.), where he distinguished himself in Operation Eagle, at the time the largest federal narcotics operation in the United States. Shortly thereafter, upon graduating from law school, he joined the Bronx District Attorney s Office working as an Assistant District Attorney in the Homicide Bureau. While in the Homicide Bureau, he tried the first Co-Op City homicide. He has since been in private law practice, where he has handled several highly publicized cases. Elected to serve as a member of the New York State Assembly in November of 1992, Peter M. Rivera represents the areas more popularly known in Bronx County as Van Nest, West Farms, Parkchester and Castle Hill. He is presently the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Assembly and presides over the chamber. He is also a member of the Governor s Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Review Team. Assemblyman Rivera is a member of the following standing committees: Agriculture; Consumer Affairs and Protection; Judiciary; and Rules. He is a past chairman of the Assembly Standing Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. As the committee chairman, Assemblyman Rivera convened the Mental Hygiene Work Group to reorganize the Mental Health System in New York State. He also sits on the powerful New York State Assembly Committee on Rules and was the most recent past Chairman of the New York State Assembly Committee on Cities and before that Chairman of the New York State Assembly Committee on Real Property Taxation. Hector Sánchez, Executive Director, LCLAA Hector E. Sanchez is the Executive Director of LCLAA (Labor Council for Latin American Advancement). He has worked in Labor, education and non-profit organizations, and has over 10 years of policy, advocacy research and community outreach experience. He has become an indefatigable voice, highlighting systematic 36 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

39 Fajardo, Puerto Rico injustices against Latinos. Prior to coming to LCLAA, Sanchez was the DC-Mexico Policy Education Director at Global Exchange and he served as the Policy and Community Liaison for the Education Trust. He was also a professor of US-Mexico Relations at the Autonomous University of the City of Juarez, Mexico. Sanchez plays a central role in the national Latino leadership: he was elected to the executive committee of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), which is comprised of the 30 leading national Latino organizations. He is also the Vice-Chair of the National Latino Coalition on Climate Change (NLCCC) and sits on the board of directors of the U.S. Labor Education in the Americas Project (USLEAP). He frequently debates Latino issues on national and international media networks including NPR, CNN, CNN Español, Univision, NBC-Telemundo, TeleSur, Radio France International and Azteca America, among others. His opinions and letters have been published by NPR, The Washington Post, The Economist, Huffington Post, Common Dreams, Open Left and several Spanish-language media outlets. Sanchez holds a Bachelors and Master s degree in Political Science from the University of Texas. Representative Jeffrey Sánchez (MA) Chairman Jeffrey Sánchez serves as Massachusetts State Representative for the 15th Suffolk/Norfolk District, which includes the Boston communities of Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, and Roslindale, along with Precinct 5 of the Town of Brookline, MA. On February 12, 2009 Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo named Representative Sanchez as the new Chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Heath, the committee charged with reviewing a broad spectrum health policy issues, including health care quality, safety, and transparency; health care technology; professional scope of practice and workforce issues, chronic conditions and disease treatment and prevention; food and drug safety; and environmental health. Under his leadership, the Joint Committee on Public Health is committed to seeking the nexus of health care in the traditional setting and the promotion of public health in the community setting with the goal of improving overall wellness and achieving sustainable reductions in health care spending. In addition to his committee duties and responsibilities, Chairman Sánchez s overall legislative agenda emphasizes initiatives that address access and retention in education, public infrastructure development, workforce development, public health and affordable housing. Prior to his appointment to the Committee on Public Health, Chairman Sánchez served as the Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development where he helped usher through the Commonwealth s life sciences commitment. He also sponsored and promoted an Act Relative to Biomedical Research that clarifies the type of research permissible under state law in respect to neonates. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Legal Education from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and a Masters of Public Administration from John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he is honored to have been a Rappaport Urban Scholar. November 17-20,

40 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy Senator Sammuel Sanes (USVI), NHCSL Task Force Member, Broadband En Acción and Energy Sammuel Sanes was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 10, 1964 and was raised in St. Croix. After High School, Sammuel Sanes joined the United States Navy, and after serving five years, he received an Honorable Discharge. He then returned to St. Croix where he worked for the Navel Underwater Tracking Site which is located in Frederiksted. Sammuel Sanes then decided to further his education and moved to Florida where he received his Bachelor s degree in Public Administration from Florida Memorial University. Sammuel Sanes eventually returned to his home where he earned his Master s degree in Educational Counseling from the University of the Virgin Islands in June of Sammuel Sanes is now serving in the 29th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Sanes serves as Secretary and Chairs the Committee on Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice and Co-chairs the Committee on Rules and Judiciary. In addition, Senator Sanes serves as a member of the Committee on Finance, the Committee on Education, Youth and Culture and the Committee on Health and Hospitals. On November 2, 2010 Sammuel Sanes was re-elected to serve in the 29th Legislature of the Virgin Islands and resumed his responsibilities on January 10, Special Recognition Award Recipient Senator Luz Z. Arce Ferrer (PR), NHCSL Task Force Chair, Healthcare Senator Luz Z. Arce Ferrer was born in Barrio Caimital Bajo of Aguadilla. She graduated (Cum Laude) with a concentration in English from Agriculture and Mechanical Arts Campus (CAAM) in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Later she received a certificate in Public Housing Administration from Temple University in Pennsylvania. She started her political career working with the young statehood voters in Aguadilla. Now she is in her fourth term as Senator at Large and she is always present helping the community with their needs and problems. She is co-founder of the Coalition Against Family Violence. Senator Arce created an assessment committee to study the Mental Health Law and an assessment committee for the development of the public policy for early childhood. Senator Arce has held many leadership positions, in the Legislative Assembly as the second woman vice president of the Senate of Puerto Rico and Majority Whip, President of the Caucus of Women Legislators. She is President of the Labor, Veterans Affairs and Human Resources Committee, Vice president of the Government Committee, Secretary of the Health, the West Region Development of Puerto Rico and the Women Affairs Committees. She is 38 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

41 Fajardo, Puerto Rico also a member of the Special Committee of Self Determination of the People of Puerto Rico in regard to the status of the Island. In addition, Euroamericana International University recognized her with a Doctor Honoris Causa tittle in recognition of her outstanding job in a cultural strengthening and academic exaltation of the education in the countries in America and Europe. She was appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico as a member of the Council for Workforce Development, who administrate the W.I.A. funds and to the State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice. She also is a member of the Council of State Governments, Eastern Region, member of the Steering Committee of the Education Commission of the States and NCSL. Just recently, Senator Arce was appointed to represent the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators in the State Legislators for Health Reform that works closely with the Obama Administration. John S. Martinez Leadership Award Recipient Senator Ross Romero (UT), NHCSL Parliamentarian Senator Ross I. Romero was born in Pueblo, Colorado on November 13, He soon moved to Utah with his parents, who pursued graduate degrees at the University of Utah. Ross grew up in Salt Lake City, UT. Ross graduated from Highland High School, Salt Lake City (1989). He attended the University of Utah where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science (1993), and then graduated from the University of Michigan Law School (1996). Ross practiced law in Salt Lake City for ten years. In 2003, Ross became a shareholder with the law firm Jones, Waldo, Holbrook and McDonough, P.C. In 2007, Ross went to work for his current employer Zions Bank as a Vice President in the Specialty Banking Group. In 2004, Ross was elected to the Utah State House of Representatives. In 2006, he was elected to the Utah State Senate. He was elected as the Senate Minority Whip in 2008 and in 2010 was elected by his fellow Senators the Senate Minority Leader. Ross has been active in many National Hispanic organizations such as the Hispanic National Bar Association, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. Locally Ross serves on the Board of the Utah Advisory Board of the Sundance Institute, which hosts the Sundance Film Festival and serves on the Board of Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. He has also served on the Board of the Young Alumni Association for the University of Utah and served on the Salt Lake City Board of Adjustment. November 17-20,

42 Strengthening Our Future Strengthening Our Legacy NOTES 40 9th National Summit of Hispanic State Legislators

43 The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) is the preeminent organization representing the interests of 300 Hispanic state legislators from all states, commonwealths, and territories of the United States. Founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3, NHCSL is a catalyst and advocate for joint action on issues of common concern, such as health, education, immigration, homeownership, energy and economic development to all segments of the Hispanic community. NHCSL also works to design and implement policies and procedures that will impact the quality of life for Hispanic communities; serves as a forum for information exchange and member networking; an institute for leadership training; a liaison with sister U.S. Hispanic organizations; a promoter of public/private partnerships with business and labor; and a partner with Hispanic state and provincial legislators and their associations representing Central and South America. 444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 404 Washington, DC Tel: Fax: Copyright: 2011 The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators

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