CHCI Launches Hispanic Heritage Month Events And Theme, “Latinos Leading in a Global Society”

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) today announced September 13-16, 2009, as the dates for its 2009 Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in Washington, D.C.  CHCI hosts the nation’s premier events commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month, which draws over 2,500 Latino leaders from across the country to its Public Policy Conference, Reyes of Comedy Night, and Annual Awards Gala.  The 2009 theme is “Latinos Leading in a Global Society.”

“This year’s theme reflects the Latino community’s growing strength as a driving force in America,” said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President & CEO.  “We expect a huge turnout this year to hear from Members of Congress, Cabinet Secretaries and other national leaders on how we as a Latino community must guide this nation forward as we become twenty-five percent of the population by 2030.”

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 – October 15.   For CHCI, it also represents an opportunity to highlight its competitive and nationally acclaimed Latino youth leadership development programs, including two fellowship programs, a Congressional internship program, scholarship awards, and a college readiness program, Ready to Lead (R2L) for high school students.

CHCI will kick off its observances with its annual Public Policy Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 13– 15, 2009. The Conference assembles Latino leaders, experts and scholars to participate in timely discussions of major policy issues.  This year, Chair Nydia Velazquez will be joined by President Obama’s Cabinet, Congressional Hispanic Caucus members, top leaders in the green revolution, and Latino innovators.  Key issues on the agenda include: the 2010 Census, education, the economy and workforce, the green economy, energy, water, immigration reform, health care reform, health, labor, corporate responsibility, technology, commerce and international relations.  An important component of the Conference, the Ready to Lead (R2L) program, also educates and engages high school students in all these policy discussions.

Following the Conference is the 9th Annual Reyes of Comedy Night, which will take place at the Warner Theatre on September 15, 2009.  This popular event features both established Latino comedians as well as emerging Latino talent for a night of exceptional entertainment.

Closing the week of events is CHCI’s 32nd Annual Awards Gala, with the theme “Latinos Leading in the Arts,” to be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 16. This prestigious dinner and awards presentation will celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Latino leaders in the arts who are giving back to their communities.  The Gala draws more than 2,200 guests including federal and local elected officials, corporate and nonprofit leaders, and celebrities.  The 32nd Annual Awards Gala is hosted by CHCI’s Legacy Partner, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

2009 Hispanic Heritage Month Registration and Sponsorship Options are now available online at www.chci.org.

Mark your calendars:

September 13-15
CHCI Public Policy Conference
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC

September 15
Ready to Lead (R2L)
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC

September 15
Reyes of Comedy Night
Warner Theatre
Washington, DC

September 16

CHCI 32nd Annual Awards Gala
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC

About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c) (3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders.  The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders.  For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.”

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