Pan American Bank (Los Angeles) Founder Blazed the Trail for Latino Women in Washington – Romana Acosta Banuelos

Pan American Bank (Los Angeles) today recognized the achievements of its founder and Chairwoman, Romana Acosta Banuelos, for setting the example and opening the door to Latino women to serve at the highest levels of government.

Pan American Bank founder and Chairwoman, Romana Acosta Banuelos is an American rags to riches story that took Mrs. Banuelos from a poor Arizona mining town to the role of U.S. Treasurer, demonstrating to the Country, the world and most importantly, other Latino women, that Latino women are just as able to serve at the highest level of government as any other person. But more importantly, Mrs. Banuelos story demonstrates that success at the highest level is not dependent on socioeconomic status but is based on dedication and a commitment to personal excellence.

After being born in Arizona in 1925, Mrs. Banuelos and her family left for Mexico during the Great Depression and later returned to found in 1949 one of California’s most successful independent food companies, Ramona’s Mexican Food Products, Inc. After the successful launch of Ramona’s Mexican Food Products, Mrs. Banuelos founded Pan American Bank in 1964 as a way to assist underserved Latino small business owners and consumers. Mrs. Banuelos was later appointed as the 34th Treasurer of the United States and served from 1971 to 1974. Her appointment made her the first Latino U.S. Treasurer and the highest ranking Latino in the federal government.

“It is an honor for me and every employee of Pan American Bank to serve such a dedicated and accomplished person. Mrs. Banuelos’ record as a public servant as well as her commitment to the Latino community is unsurpassed,” said Pan American Bank President and CEO Jesse Torres. “Mrs. Banuelos blazed the trail for other Latinos and set the stage for future generations of Latino women leaders at all levels of government, including the judicial branch.”

On September 19, 2009, Pan American Bank will publicly honor Mrs. Banuelos at a ceremony that will highlight Mrs. Banuelos’ accomplishments and Pan American Bank’s 45 years of service to the Latino community of East Los Angeles. The event will feature music, folkloric dancers, children’s activities, food and presentations by local dignitaries.

WHAT: Celebration Honoring Romana Acosta Banuelos and Pan American Bank
WHERE: Pan American Bank, 3626 East First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063
WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2009 – 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
QUESTIONS: Antonio Ramirez (323) 264-3310

Originally established in 1964 as Pan American National Bank, Pan American Bank, a minority-owned bank headquartered in East Los Angeles, serves the needs of the low- and moderate-income Latino community in Los Angeles and Santa Ana. Founded by former U.S. Treasurer Romana Acosta Banuelos, the Bank has stayed true to its mission of serving the working class Latino community. Pan American Bank can be found on Twitter @PanAmericanBank.

Contact:

Pan American Bank
Jesse Torres, 323-264-3310
JTorres@PanAmericanBank.US“

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