REGAIN OUR LATINO POWER – A National Conversation with Latina Leaders

Maria Elena Salinas, Keynote Speaker

Maria Elena Salinas, an award-winning journalist and author, joined CBS News as a contributor in 2019, a role in which she reports across multiple CBS News broadcasts and platforms. Salinas is one of the most recognizable and respected journalists in the country, most notably having served as co-anchor of Univision’s evening news program for more than 30 years.

In a career that spans nearly four decades, Salinas has interviewed world leaders and covered virtually every major national and international news event of our time. Her work has earned the top awards presented in broadcasting, including multiple Emmys, a Peabody, Gracie Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism.

While at CBS News, Salinas has contributed to the network’s coverage of the 2020 election including primetime coverage of Super Tuesday and the Democratic and Republican national conventions. Salinas also anchored the poignant CBS News documentary “Pandemia: Latinos In Crisis,” an hour-long, sweeping look at the Latinx community, along with other communities of color, who continues to bear the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic while fulfilling essential roles across the country. For “48 Hours,” Salinas investigated the death of a college student and the international search for her killer. Salinas also contributed to a special edition of CBS News’ investigative series “Eye on America,” which examined how families throughout communities across the country and once lived paycheck to paycheck, fell through the cracks and found themselves homeless.

Most recently, Salinas was the host of “The Real Story with Maria Elena Salinas,” a crime series for Investigation Discovery. She also covered the 2018 presidential election in Mexico for Telemundo.

Salinas contributed to CBS News in 2016, when she reported on the role Hispanics would play in the election for “CBS Sunday Morning.” While at Univision, she was co-host of “Noticiero Univision” and co-host of “Aquí y Ahora,” a newsmagazine program for Univision.

A versatile and bilingual journalist, Salinas has interviewed every U.S. president since Jimmy Carter. She is at ease interviewing newsmakers such as Manuel Noriega, the former dictator of Panama and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, as she is sitting down with Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan.

Salinas was one of the first female journalists in wartime Baghdad. She participated in the 2004 bilingual debate on Hispanic issues and in 2007 co-hosted the first Democratic and Republican presidential candidate forums in Spanish for Univision.

From 2001-2011, Salinas wrote a weekly syndicated column in both English and Spanish. She is also the author of the 2006 autobiography, “I Am My Father’s Daughter, Living a Life Without Secrets.”

Salinas is a founding member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and for over two decades has provided dozens of students with a scholarship under her name. She also serves on the board of Hispanic Scholarship Board.

Salinas began her journalism career in 1981 as a reporter, anchor and public affairs host for KMEX-TV, Univision’s affiliate in Los Angeles.

REGAIN OUR LATINO POWER – A NATIONAL CONVERSATION WITH LATINA LEADERS (Virtual Multiple Event)

TENTATIVE AGENDA

Friday October 16, 2020 12pm to 2pm EST – 9am to 11am PST

1. COVID-19 AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS: More protection for Latinxs frontline workers in factories and farms dying of COVID-19; more testing, sick-time leave and protection equipment.

Sign our petition to both Houses of Congress

2. INCARCERATION OF UNDOCUMENTED CHILDREN: We demand the immediate freedom of ALL immigrant children held at deportation facilities where COVID-19 has been detected. They are victims of abuse and neglect; their lives are in our hands, and they are OUR children!

Sign our petition to both Houses of Congress

3. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES: We request additional financial assistance for families who lost their jobs by no fault of their own; both parties are dragging their feet in approving funding to help families with essential needs.

Sign our petition to both Houses of Congress

Friday October 23, 2020 12pm to 2pm – 9am to 11am PST

4. IMMIGRATION REFORM: Stop massive deportations that hurt regional economies and break immigrant families. Immigrants bring significant income and tax revenue to regional economies, while provide vital work that bring food and essential products to our homes and our tables

Sign our petition to both Houses of Congress

5. SMALL BUSINESS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Finally, we also request immediate forgiveness for small businesses who received PPP Loans of $150,000 or less. Latinas and other minority women entrepreneurs are closing their doors every day. They need OUR help!

Sign our petition to both Houses of Congress

6. WHAT’S NEXT FOR LATINOS IN THE USA? How will future generations of Latinxs live and succeed in this country? What is left of the AMERICAN DREAM?

Alana Cueto, MSN, RN, CNL, Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine,  President, biennium 2020-2022 National Association of Hispanic Nurses

Alana Cueto is a registered professional nurse, certified clinical nurse leader, educator and Fellow at the New York Academy of Medicine. She was elected as President of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) for biennium 2020 to 2022.

Alana combined purpose and passion as Founding President of the NAHN Garden State Chapter having led the chapter in cultivating healthier communities for all residents in the state of New Jersey. She also served on Governor Phil Murphy’s Healthcare Transition Advisory Board in the State of New Jersey. 

As a nurse member of Nightingale Initiative for Global Health (NIGH) she contributed to the survey for the development of the Sustainable Development Goals used at the United Nations (UN). She presented at the 2018 UN 62nd Commission on the Status of Women, Empowering Girls and Women through Innovative Nursing and Midwifery Interventions, and as a speaker panelist at national prominent conferences that include the 2019 League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) State of LatinX Health in America Summit, and the 2019 Jonas Scholars Leadership Conference.

On September 28, 2019 the Alana Cueto Nursing Scholarship was established by The Wilson Initiative for Health & Social Equity, Inc. Scholarship funds will help pave the way for minority students pursuing careers in nursing. In addition, Alana was honored as an “Unsung Hero” for her advocacy in addressing the social determinants of health and for working to create a more diverse workforce. 

Amy Hinojosa, President and CEO, MANA, A National Latina Organization

Amy Hinojosa is President and CEO of MANA, A National Latina Organization, the oldest and largest Latina membership organization in the United States. Since 1974, MANA has been the leading voice for Latinas in the areas of health, financial well-being, education and technology access, environmental concerns, civil rights and diversity and inclusion. Amy is responsible for the operations and educational programming of the national organization, and national advocacy efforts. Amy currently serves as Vice Chair for the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, Treasurer of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, and Vice Chair of the Hispanic Technology and Telecommunications Partnership.

Angelica Solis-Montero, Coro Women in Leadership Fellow 

Angelica Solis-Montero is a nonprofit executive with more than 15 years of experience in policy development, advocacy, strategic planning and partnerships, program development, and coalition building. She has dedicated her career to improving equity for underserved communities in education, health, economic development and civic engagement throughout Los Angeles.

Angelica is a Coro Women in Leadership Fellow and a 2012 National Fellow, Lead the Way Leadership Institute for Emerging Women of Color Executive Directors at New York University. Angelica has served on the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission since 2016, when she was appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti. Angelica received a bachelor degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a master degree from the University of Southern California.

Rev Carmen Hernandez, Founder, NYC LGBTQS Chamber of Commerce Inc.(Courtesy of CHernandez)

Rev. Carmen Hernandez is a Latina community leader, activist, and advocate, working for people for over 35 years in the Soundview section of the Bronx, NY. Inspired by mentors from a young age, she has always felt a calling to help people. Throughout her years as an activist she has created many organizations and services to help her community.

One such organization is Stratford Community Services, which aims to help and serve young people in the community. Carmen is also known for her famous annual Back2School Jam Block Party which she began coordinating in the ’90s.

In 2005, she started The NYC LGBTQS Chamber of Commerce Inc., a non-profit organization which purpose is to support LGBTQS minority businesses by assisting and facilitating economic development opportunities. Carmen has also created the “LGBTQS United As One Rally” in the Bronx as a way to unite gay and straight people from all cultures and gender backgrounds.

Additionally, she is also the founder and Tenant’s President of 1471-73 Watson Ave Resident Council Inc., one of the NYCHA developments in the Bronx helping to assist low income residents to obtain quality housing and equal housing opportunities.

Cesar M Estela, Esq, President, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)- NJ Chapter

Attorney Cesar Martin Estela is the President of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). He is a member of American Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the NJ Hispanic Bar Association, and the NJ State Bar Association. He is the National Ambassador for the American Immigration Council in New Jersey.

Estela was born in Lima, Peru and moved to Celaya, Mexico as a child. He understands the very unique situation that immigrants find themselves navigating through the legal system. He has handled hundreds of immigration cases while working at his previous firm. Attorney Estela ensures that each client is given personal attention and is satisfied that his case is being handled thoroughly and competently.

Raised in Newark, NJ, he attended elementary school and high school in this district and graduated at the very top of his class. He graduated magna cum laude from Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and English and a minor in Classic Studies. He graduated cum laude from Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, NJ. His unique cultural and educational background permits Attorney Estela to provide honest and creative solutions for his clients cases. In short, Attorney Estela is an extremely diligent and dedicated advocate who patiently pursues each client’s interests.

Attorney Estela’s law practice is guided by the four basic principles: treat others as you would want to be treated, be creative, honest and hardworking. They derive from the Golden Rule and the three Inca laws: Ama Sua, Am Llulla and Ama Quella.

Gabriela Chavez-Lopez, President, Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley

Gabriela Chavez-Lopez is the current President of the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley (LCSV). LCSV is a local, nonprofit organization whose membership represents a multi-generational, cross-sector network of Latinas focused on civic engagement, leadership development, and sisterhood.

Starting at a young age, Gabriela supported organizations and causes in the Bay Area that represented her deep-rooted passion for social justice and social change. As a dedicated philanthropy professional at the Koret Foundation, she provided support to organizations that contributed to a more just and vibrant community. Gabriela’s “Anchor Institutions” portfolio was focused on local arts, culture, and civic institutions. In this role, Gabriela qualified, advised, reviewed, and evaluated over $35 million dollars in grants awarded to over 150 grantees.

Gabriela has been selected to participate in a variety of leadership development
programs including the Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program, USC’s Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics Certificate Program, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) Leadership Institute, and the LCSV’s Engaged Latina Leadership Activists (ELLA) program.

Dr Jazmin Freddi MD, MBA, MHA (Courtesy Dr Freddi)

Dr Jazmin Freddi is a Medical Doctor and has an MBA and a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins University.

As part of her experience, she worked at the Inter- American Development Bank in Washington DC. She also worked at Janssen Pharmaceuticals by Johnson & Johnson based in Belgium and later on in London. She also worked as an international consultant in health systems and policy.

In 2017 Dr. Freddi founded Latinas in Global Health, a non-profit organization based in the US with a global reach. Latinas in Global Health is a socially conscious organization oriented to action and transformation based on evidence to build a healthier Latam region, achieve equity for all and make gender equality a reality. Jazmin also serves as the President of UN Women USA Miami Chapter.

Jennifer Ibanez Whitlock

Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock is the Manager of Pro Bono Partnerships and Projects for the Immigrant Justice Campaign at the American Immigration Council in Washington DC.

This initiative seeks to address systemic issues of due process in immigration proceedings by training attorneys to provide pro bono representation to detained immigrants. Jennifer oversees the day to day functioning of the Campaign’s diverse array of pro bono programs and Pro Bono Coordination Fellows.

Prior to joining the Council, Jennifer was a partner at the immigration law firm of Whitlock & Gray, LLC, where she focused on family-based immigration, U.S. naturalization, and humanitarian relief.

Leidy Perez-Davis, KIND.org (Photo courtesy Leidy Perez-Davis)

Leidy Perez-Davis joined KIND as a Senior Attorney for the Special Programs team in June 2020. Prior to joining KIND, Leidy worked for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) National office as a Policy Counsel.

At AILA National, Leidy lobbied Congress and the administration on immigration issues with a focus on border enforcement, due process, and removal defense. Prior to AILA, Leidy spent three years as a staff attorney with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington.

During that time, Leidy represented mostly unaccompanied minors, victims of violence and trafficking, and family units before the Baltimore and Arlington Immigration court and before USCIS. Leidy has also worked as the Director of Outreach for Congressman Don Beyer of Virginia’s eighth congressional district where she supported the office’s legislative agenda through meetings with key community leaders and organizations focusing on women, Latinos, and small businesses.

Cristy Marrero, award-winning journalist, writer, and Latinx advocate

María Cristina “Cristy” Marrero is the Editor in Chief of The Americano and Floricuas, the only news site focused on politics ever created by Latinos for Latinos, owned and operated by Courier Newsroom.

This avid “conversationalist” as she prefers to be identified, left Puerto Rico when she was 19 years-old because a clairvoyant had told her she was a gypsy in a past life.

Only a few years later, Cristy would become Editor-in-Chief of Siempre Mujer magazine, published by Meredith Corp. In 2014, she was promoted to Group Content Chief for all Meredith Hispanic Media titles, becoming the youngest Latina to assume this role, the first Latina to ever win a Women in Communications, Inc. Rising Star Award (2013), as well as a Julia de Burgos Award honoree (2014) from National Puerto Rican Day Parade, a MIN Most Intriguing People in Media honoree (2015) and a Folio Awards Top Women in Media 2015 honoree.

In 2015, Cristy became the Editorial Vice President for Hola and Hello Media and founding Editor-In-Chief of Hola! USA Spanish and English editions, putting the brand on the American map. Within a year, the magazine reached more than 400,000 readers on a monthly basis and 1.5MM MPV’s on the website.

Most recently, NYC Comptroller, Scott Stringer honored Cristy with the prestigious Hispanic Heritage Month Award (2015), along with other two Hispanics making a difference. At age 30, the chatty gypsy suddenly became the youngest Latina in the U.S. to assume that position.

A nationally recognized #influencer and lifestyle expert frequently quoted in media, Cristy appears frequently on Extra!, Primer Impacto, Un Nuevo Día and Al Rojo Vivo (Telemundo), The Today Show and 4 New York NBC News (NBC), among others. You can see her every week on CNN en Español’s Showbiz as its New York contributor and on Despierta América (Univision) as a lifestyle expert.

Throughout her career, Cristy has interviewed many world-renowned personalities including Sofía Vergara, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Salma Hayek, Antonio Banderas, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchú. But before she “got lucky” in New York City, she also worked and lived (and partied!) in her motherland of Puerto Rico and later on, in Buenos Aires and Miami; Cristy began her career as a reporter for Caras Puerto Rico before becoming fashion and beauty editor for Vanidades, both owned by Televisa Publishing.

Maria Santiago-Valentín, Child Study Team LDTC

Maria Santiago-Valentín is a Child Study Team LDTC, Behavior Analysis Technician (BAT), Mindfulness Educator, and Doctoral Candidate of Education at Walden University. Maria presented An Overview of the Neurological Base of Bipolar Disorder at the 2018 Global Mental Health Congress in France, published by the British Journal of Childhood & Development Disorders and the Belgian Longdom Journal.

Her eBook: Bipolar Disorder Etiology and Treatment Overview: Mindfulness, Medication, Digital Psychiatry and Classroom Accommodations won 2019-1st Place (Special Needs-Disability Awareness Category) at the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and International recognition with WELUM in Copenhague, Denmark. Dr. Ona C Miller appointed Maria as Global Female Ambassador and to the Global Library of Female Authors.

She collaborates with  O.a.b.i. founded in Trinidad Tobago by Sherna A. Benjamin and as Education and Research Associate for The Center for Building Resilient Communities of New Jersey. Maria is 2020 ALL NJ Chapter for Business Networking Chair,  Editorial Board Member of the International Journal of Psychiatry Research, and a Climate Reality Project Leader, Mentor, and Trainer. She is a contributing author (Chapter 24 Climate Crisis and Education) of Climate Abandoned, an anthology edited by Jill Cody. She is the Founding President of the Atlantic Climate Justice Alliance.

Wendy Garcia, Chief Diversity Officer of the NYC Office of the Comptroller

As Chief Diversity Officer, Wendy Garcia is responsible for increasing contracting opportunities for Women- and Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and managing the Comptroller Office’s internal supplier diversity initiative, as well as other diversity related projects across all bureaus of the agency. Ms. Garcia also leads the Comptroller’s Advisory Council on Economic Growth through Diversity and Inclusion – a group comprised of national, local, corporate, and government experts seeking to increase supplier diversity in the public and private sectors.

Previously, Ms. Garcia served as the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer at the Office of New York City Comptroller, Director of Community Outreach and Partnerships at the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Deputy Director of the Manhattan Borough President’s Northern Manhattan Office, and Immigrant Research Analyst for the Rockefeller Foundation through Baruch College.

Ms. Garcia earned a Master’s degree in Urban Policy and Management from New School University with a concentration in Economic Development, and a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Delaware.

Fleriser Bello, CEO, Bellas Fashionistas (Courtesy FB)

Fleriser Bello is an Events & Marketing Strategists, Innovator, Creative Director, Executive Producer, Host of Bellas Fashionistas TV and Founder and CEO of Fleriser Bello, Inc., and Bellas Fashionistas, Inc.  Ms. Bello has worked in the entertainment, fashion and events industry for more than a decade at different capacities. She has executed high-end events and conducted marketing campaigns from grassroots to digital elevating brands through innovative and interactive programs.  She is an innovator and creator of Bellas Fashionistas a platform to educate, encourage and motivate Latina youth and women to reach their full potential.

Beth Marmolejos, Vice-President, Latinas in Business Inc., Organizer and Co-host

Beth Marmolejos’ passion for helping others is unrelenting and inspires her to be a champion for change working to help minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities.

To achieve her mission, Beth serves on numerous boards that support and serve these communities. Some of her positions include  Madame Chair of the Passaic County Workforce Investment Board, Chair of the Passaic County Advocacy and Abilities Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Chair of the American Association of University Women – Greater Wayne Area, and President of the New Jersey Prospanica Chapter, formerly known as The National Society of Hispanics MBAs.

In the last year Beth has been named “138 most Influential Latinos in New Jersey” by the INDEX Latino 2019, was recognized by the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders during National Women’s History Month with the Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence award, Co-Authored Today’s Inspired Latina Volume VI, been a guest speaker at the SHE Emprendedoras Conference in Belgium. Then in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Beth co-founded the FLAG (Front Line Appreciation Group) of Greater Wayne and advocated for the opening of the 1st Inclusion Playground in Wayne, NJ. She has recently been elected Vice-President and Executive Board Member of Latinas in Business Inc.

Maria del Pilar Avila, founder, InterDUCTUS, Renovad, and Executive Board Member, Latinas in Business Inc.

Pilar Avila is the founder and host of interDUCTUS, an organizational change management consulting practice, & Renovad, which provides experiential retreats to countries around the world. She is a passionate human striving for higher self-awareness, health, happiness, living free, eradicating judgment and lifting every living being with compassion.

As a business and civic change leader, Pilar is strategic, innovative and results-oriented. She launched  interDUCTUS & Renovad after over 26 years providing leadership at institutions across private equity, hospitality, and nonprofit sectors. She has recently joined the Executive Board at Latinas in Business Inc. 

Susana G Baumann, President and CEO, Latinas in Business Inc., Organizer and Co-host

An award-winning multicultural communications expert and strategist, public speaker, journalist, published author and small business advocate, Susana G Baumann, MAA, MLS, is the President, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Latinas in Business Inc., an initiative that advocates for the economic empowerment of Latinas and other minority women entrepreneurs.

For this initiative, Baumann received the 2015 LISTA Summit “Latinas in Technology Excellence” Award; the “TECLA Award” for Best Business and Finance Blog at Miami Hispanicize 2015, and was invited to become a Media Member of the New American Alliance “American Latina Leadership Caucus.” In 2017, Susana was named a “Latina of Influence” by Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine and in 2018, received the Red Shoe Movement “Leaders Who Walk the Talk” Award in NYC.

Named “Journalist of the Year” by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for her service and advocacy to Latino small businesses, she has been a speaker several times for national and local organizations. She was also keynote speaker at Jacksonville University Media and Communications Series; and Speaker at the 2017 Prospanica National Conference in Philadelphia, PA; the LEAD Conference for Latina Students at Harvard University, and the P.O.W.E.R. Women’s Summit in Newark, NJ. Baumann was invited to conduct her workshop, “Speak Up! Tell your Story to Influence Others” at the Working Mother Media Multicultural Women Summit, and Latinos in Social Media Week at Google in New York City.