News (Noticias) Tagged ‘Maria Elena Salinas’

The Univision Network’s primetime news magazine show, “Aqui y Ahora” (Here and Now), has been nominated for an Emmy(R) Award by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). The show has been nominated in the News and Documentary category, making Univision the only Spanish-language network to be recognized by the Academy this year.
Broadcast weekly on Tuesdays, 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (9 p.m. Central), and hosted by two of television’s most respected journalists, Teresa Rodriguez and Maria Elena Salinas, “Aqui y Ahora” features in-depth, behind-the-scenes coverage of some of the most compelling news and human interest stories. The news magazine show has been recognized in the category of “Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story in a News Magazine” for its reporting on the aftermath of Hurricane Felix. In September of 2007, this deadly category five storm hit the “Mosquito Coast,” a remote region in Central America between Nicaragua and Honduras. Going beyond their journalistic duties, Univision “Aqui y Ahora” correspondent Victor Hugo Saavedra and photographer Jorge Solino were the first to arrive to this devastated region and not only gave a voice to the victims of this disaster known as “the forgotten ones,” but also transported injured civilians to safety when neither government officials nor humanitarian aide had yet to arrive.
“We are extremely honored to once again receive this recognition from The Academy,” said Alina Falcon, executive vice president and operating manager, Univision Network. “‘Aqui y Ahora’s’ first on-the-scene coverage of this devastating natural disaster not only exemplifies our commitment to excellence in journalism, but also our commitment to coverage of issues and events that are most important to our viewers.”
The News & Documentary Emmy(R) Awards will be presented on Monday, September 22 at a ceremony at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, located in the Time Warner Center in New York City.
The 29th Annual News & Documentary Emmy(R) Awards honors programming distributed during the calendar year 2007.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a professional service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy(R) Award for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime Entertainment, Daytime Creative Arts & Entertainment, Public & Community Service, Technology & Engineering, and Business & Financial Reporting.
Univision Communications Inc. is the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Its operations include Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S., reaching 97% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 85% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavision, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 63 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 70 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 5 stations in Puerto Rico; and Univision Online, the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S. located at www.univision.com. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa’s pay television channels in the U.S. Univision Communications has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.
For more information, please visit www.univision.net. “

It turns out, as a Latina, Coy became another statistic. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic women.

That is a fact. As to why, that is a little more complicated to determine. Researchers seem to think that it is a combination of socioeconomic and cultural factors.

Being at a higher poverty level than non-Hispanic white women, more Latinas lack medical insurance, which puts them at a disadvantage in having adequate health care. Then, of course, there is the lack of awareness, due in part to the language barrier and conservative cultural stigma about how women should treat their bodies.”*

It might not be perfect, but the manner in which the presidential candidates are chosen in the United States works. We start out with several options, then narrow them down to two by process of elimination.

It’s probably one of the most democratic electoral systems in the world. Even so, it does have its downfalls.

When you have candidates from the same party running against each other, voters pick their favorites, but then when the primaries are over, they are forced to change their allegiance.”*

Many Americans reacted with shock and awe to a recent report stating that more than 1.2 million young people in the United States do not graduate from high school annually. But not me. Not only did it not surprise me, but I was glad to see it.

Not that I’m insensitive to the problem or take pleasure in the misfortune of others. Not at all. But I’ve been aware of the seriousness of the issue for many years, and I’m hoping this kind of alarming information will shake things up so something finally will get done about it.

Some of the findings are truly unsettling. Every 26 minutes, a youth in our country will drop out of high school.”*

*From: http://www.azstarnet.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Univision Communications Inc., the nation’s leading Spanish-language media company, today announced that it has launched “Ve y Vota en las Primarias” (Get Out and Vote in the Primaries), the third phase of a massive non-partisan campaign to educate and engage the country’s Hispanic population in the national electoral process.

In partnership with NALEO (National Association of Latino Elected Officials), Univision began airing thirty-second public service announcements (PSAs) on its broadcast network and local television stations. The PSAs feature some of the network’s most popular stars - Maria Elena Salinas, Univision Network News Anchor; Raul de Molina and Lili Estefan, hosts of “El Gordo y La Flaca” (The Scoop and the Skinny); Ana Maria Canseco, co-host of Hispanic America’s #1 morning show “Despierta America” (Wake Up America); Fernando Fiore, host of “Republica Deportiva” (Sports Republic); and the reigning “Nuestra Belleza Latina” (Our Latin Beauty) Alejandra Espinoza.

“Univision is deeply committed to leveraging its media assets to reach and mobilize U.S. Hispanics,” said Cesar Conde, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Univision Communications Inc. “We are proud of the tremendous results of the campaign thus far and will continue to educate, inform and empower Hispanics to increase their participation in the electoral process.”

Previous phases of the “Ya es Hora” (It’s Time) campaign include “Ya es Hora, Ciudadania” (It’s Time, Citizenship), which succeeded in generating 1 million citizenship applications from January through October of 2007 and “Ya es Hora, Registrate” (It’s Time, Register), encouraging people to register to vote in time for the Presidential primary elections.

“Ya es Hora” is a historic Latino civic participation campaign. It represents the largest and most comprehensive effort to incorporate Hispanics as full participants of the American political process. The national effort is led by Entravision Communications, ImpreMedia, Mi Familia Vota Educational Fund, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and Univision Communications Inc.

Univision.com is empowering Hispanics with the online resources they need to make their votes count. As part of the “Ya es Hora, Registrate!” campaign, Univision.com (keyword: Elecciones) has a dedicated epicenter with vital information, interactive tools, and registration how-to’s. Local mini-sites are also posting registration dates and featuring articles that urge Hispanics to voice their opinions by voting.

Univision Communications Inc. is the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Its operations include Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 99% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 89% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavision, the country’s leading Spanish language cable network; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 64 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Spanish language radio group which owns and/or operates 70 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 5 stations in Puerto Rico; Univision Music Group, which includes Univision Records, Fonovisa Records, La Calle Records and Mexico-based Disa Records as well as Fonomusic and America Musical Publishing companies; and Univision Online, the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S. located at www.univision.com. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa’s pay television channels in the U.S., and a non-voting 14.9% interest in Entravision Communications Corporation, a public Spanish-language media company. Univision Communications has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.

For more information, please visit www.univision.net.

SOURCE: Univision Communications Inc.

Univision Communications Inc., New York
Rosemary Mercedes, 212-455-5335

They all want to make English the official language of the United States, but they will be participating in a forum that will be broadcast in Spanish. No, it’s not another reversal on a position by prominent political candidates, but rather the acknowledgment by Republican presidential hopefuls that Latinos, the fastest-growing constituency of voters, can be better reached en español.

After being postponed for almost two months due to “scheduling” conflicts, the much-anticipated Republican Forum is finally set to air Sunday, Dec. 9. Like the Democratic Forum back in September, it will be held at the University of Miami and broadcast on Univision, for whom I work, and it will make history.”*

Univision Communications Inc., the nation’s leading Spanish-language media company, and the University of Miami, one of the top research universities in the U.S., today announced an updated roster of candidates participating in the Republican Candidate Presidential Forum on Sunday, December 9, 2007. This historic event will take place at 7:00 pm ET/PT at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, Florida, and will be broadcast live on Univision’s television, radio and online platforms.

The updated list of Republican candidates who have confirmed their participation in the forum, in alphabetical order, are: Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Governor Mike Huckabee, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Senator John McCain, Congressman Ron Paul, Governor Mitt Romney and Senator Fred Thompson.

“We are thrilled to add another participant to the roster of Republican candidates who recognize the unprecedented opportunity this event offers to connect with the ever-growing Hispanic community,” said Joe Uva, CEO of Univision. “As part of our commitment to inform, educate and empower Hispanics, we are proud to offer our audiences the ability to hear first-hand from this powerful selection of GOP candidates.”

University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala said, “It is an honor to serve as the host location for the first-ever forums aimed specifically at the growing Hispanic electorate and we are thrilled by the positive response from all of the candidates.”

Moderated by Univision’s award-winning and highly respected network news anchors Jorge Ramos and Maria Elena Salinas, the 90-minute Republican Presidential Candidate Forum will be broadcast in primetime on the Univision Network, RadioCadena Univision and online at Univision.com.

Univision Communications Inc.
Univision Communications Inc. is the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Its operations include Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 99% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 89% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 62 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 70 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 5 stations in Puerto Rico; Univision Music Group, which includes Univision Records, Fonovisa Records, La Calle Records and Mexico-based Disa Records as well as Fonomusic and America Musical Publishing companies; and Univision Online, the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S. located at www.univision.com. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa’s pay television channels in the U.S., and a non-voting 14.9% interest in Entravision Communications Corporation, a public Spanish-language media company. Univision Communications has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.univision.net.

University of Miami
The University of Miami is one of the nation’s leading research universities with more than 15,600 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world. Founded in 1925, UM has grown from its main campus in the city of Coral Gables to include the Miller School of Medicine campus located near downtown Miami, the internationally renowned Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science campus on Virginia Key, and the South and Richmond campuses in southwest Miami-Dade County. The University’s vast and energetic research enterprise attracted more than $274 million in external funding in FY 2007. Its top-ranked medical school, which has internationally renowned programs in several specialties, is a key local health care resource, with its 800 faculty physicians handling 1 million patient visits annually. Led by President Donna E. Shalala, UM is accelerating its progress in all key areas, including fundraising: in 2006 the Momentum campaign reached its initial $1 billion goal 18 months ahead of schedule, and the campaign recently surpassed its subsequent $1.25 billion goal, hitting $1.31 billion. Over the past 5 years, UM’s selectivity in undergraduate admissions has increased dramatically, as have the undergraduate programs, with a multitude of opportunities for undergraduates to engage in research. In addition, the University is committed to strengthening its graduate programs by increasing the number of Ph.D. candidates across the disciplines and schools. UM played host to the first-ever Presidential Debate in the State of Florida in 2004 and is one of the finalists to host a Presidential Debate in 2008 to be decided by the Commission on Presidential Debates later this fall. For more information on the University of Miami, visit www.miami.edu. “*

“It seemed pretty simple at first. If the federal government doesn’t solve the problems brought on by a broken immigration system, then the cities themselves would take the law into their own hands by passing local ordinances that would make life so miserable for undocumented immigrants that they would just get out of town.

That is how dozens of municipalities across the country attempted to unravel the mess. Now some of those cities are rethinking their strategy.

Among those pulling the plug on their anti-immigrant laws is Riverside, N.J. It was the first municipality in the state to enact legislation that would fine anyone who hired or provided housing for an undocumented immigrant.”*

“Why Spanish? That was the question posed by many skeptics when Univision Network, the leading Spanish-language television network in the country, proposed to hold political debates among both Democrat and Republican presidential hopefuls. The mere idea of addressing political issues in the United States in a language other than English made some critics cringe, and the thought of it being in Spanish made others feel threatened.”

“Almost everything about it was a dud, rendering the entire exercise little more than a gimmick. It’s hard to figure what any Latino voter, or better said any voter, would have gotten out of it. It was back to 1984, format-wise, as if no one at America’s largest Spanish-speaking TV network had noticed any shift whatsoever in communications over the last two decades.

The huge live Miami audience, even more than usual in these sort of events, were reduced to mere props. Not even token questions were allowed from the floor. Worse, Univision allowed no other reporters, other than their own two star anchors Jorge Ramos and Maria Elena Salinas, any form of participation. So you could forget, Dios Mio, about any Spanish-language bloggers (or citizens) having any shot.”

“Univision Communications Inc., the nation’s leading Spanish-language media company, together with the University of Miami, made history this evening with the broadcast of the first ever U.S. presidential candidate Forum in Spanish. Univision’s Democratic Presidential Candidate Forum provided an innovative and landmark opportunity for the candidates to speak directly to the growing Hispanic electorate, whose votes will play a pivotal role in the next presidential election.

The 90-minute Forum, moderated by Univision’s award-winning network news anchors Jorge Ramos and Maria Elena Salinas, took place at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, Florida. Democratic candidates Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Chris Dodd, Senator John Edwards, Senator Mike Gravel, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Senator Barack Obama and Governor Bill Richardson addressed issues of particular interest to the Hispanic community, the fastest growing segment of the U.S. electorate, including education, immigration, Latin American foreign policy, healthcare and national security.

“Univision is proud of its role in this historic event that recognizes the vital and increasingly important role of Hispanic voters in our national politics,” said Joe Uva, CEO of Univision Communications Inc. “As the leading Spanish-language network, we are mindful of our responsibility to give our viewers the information they need to make important choices, and to bring their concerns to the powers that be.”

“The University of Miami was truly honored to host this important exchange of ideas that reflect such a vital component of our community,” said Donna E. Shalala, President of the University of Miami. “This event provided an opportunity for our diverse campus to engage at every level, from students to alumni.”

“We are honored to have participated in this unprecedented event,” said Univision Network news anchors and forum moderators Jorge Ramos and Maria Elena Salinas. “We see it as our duty to make sure that each and every member of the Hispanic community is informed and educated about the electoral process and the candidates in this crucial Presidential election. These forums bring us one step closer to this goal.”

Utilizing the company’s multi-platform capabilities, the Forum was also broadcast live on their AM radio network, RadioCadena Univision, and streamed on their popular website, Univision.com.

Both Univision.com and Univision Móvil featured extensive coverage of the Democratic Presidential Candidate Forum. For the first time, users submitted questions to candidates and posted opinions on Univision.com (Keyword: Elecciones). The candidate forum was streamed live on the website, and exclusive clips can now be accessed via Univision Móvil. Online and mobile coverage of the forum is yet another source for Hispanic participation in the upcoming elections. “

“Republican presidential hopefuls Mitt Romney and Rudolph Giuliani are in a fierce competition to win over the hearts and votes of the conservative base of their party. To do so, they have embarked upon a battle to determine which one is more anti-immigrant. They want to make sure members of their party get the message that they are willing to go the extra mile to crush those “illegals.”

It now seems to be pretty clear that immigration will be one of the issues ”” if not the key issue ”” that will be driving the campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. And the more hard-line approach a candidate takes, the better the chances of winning the nomination.”

“Thousands of young people are getting ready to go back to school this month. Unfortunately, thousands more are not. For whatever reason we can find in the long list of excuses that kids have for choosing to drop out of school, the fact is that each year 1.2 million high school students do not graduate. The rate is highest among Latino students.

The high dropout rate, it turns out, is considered the greatest educational problem for the Latino community in the United States. As a matter of fact, education itself is significantly more important to Latinos than other issues that make bigger headlines, like Iraq, terrorism, health care and even immigration.”

“Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie and Penelope Cruz are named the best-dressed women in Hollywood in the new issue of PEOPLE en Español, which hits newsstands on July 30. Jennifer Lopez lands the number one spot while former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres (who was married to Jennifer’s husband, Marc Anthony), takes top honors in a readers poll on www.peopleenespanol.com. Other best dressed women include Ugly Betty star America Ferrera, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz, and Nacho Libre leading-lady Ana de la Reguera.

And for fashionable men, the magazine picks Ricky Martin for his modern but elegant style, while actor Gael Garcia Bernal gets high marks for his bohemian fashions. Other best-dressed men include Brad Pit, David Beckman and Mexican actor Jaime Camil, (star of Univision’s version of Ugly Betty).

The issue also features celebrities whose bad sense of fashion made headlines in the past year including Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and David Arquette. (page 59)

Hot trends for Fall: From fedoras hats to bulky watches and riding gloves, menswear is making a popular push this fall. PEOPLE en Español picks great items to play up a fall wardrobe. Plus: Metallics and bright colors are two hot trends for the season. Look for gold and sliver to pop up in bangles, shoes, clutches and nail polish. And bright colors make their way to dresses, jackets and accessories. (page 81)

Eight Fashions Must Haves. The eight fashion must-haves for fall include: mini dresses, colored jeans, boots (calf length and booties), clutches, big belts, heels oversized sunglasses and bangles””all items you can’t do without. (page 93)

Beauty Tips. The September issue of PEOPLE en Español also includes the hottest insider tips and trends from today’s top celebrity hair, makeup and fashion stylists. Learn how to get Penelope Cruz’ luscious red lips, Eva Longoria’s silky skin or Salma Hayek’s perfect bangs. (page 111)

The Best Dressed 2007:
#1- Jennifer Lopez, Actress and singer
#2- Angelina Jollie, Actress
#3- Dayanara Torres, Former Miss Universe
#4- Marlene Favela, Mexican soap opera star
#5-Cameron Diaz, Actress
#6- Ana de la Reguera, Mexican actress
#7- Penelope Cruz, Spanish actress
#8- Lucero, Mexican actress
#9- America Ferrera, Actress
#10- Maria Elena Salinas, Univsion newscaster

The Worst Dressed:
Topping People en Español’s Worst Dressed List are: Paris Hilton, David Arquette and Britney Spears.

For all of the hottest looks in fall fashion and beauty, check out this month’s PEOPLE en Español.

Other Stories in this Issue:

Hispanics Rebuild New Orleans:
Soon after hurricane Katrina destroyed the city, thousands of Hispanic families arrived in New Orleans in search of a better life. Today, these families have become the workforce behind the rebuilding of the metropolis, and are reshaping its racial demographic with hundreds of new Hispanic babies born daily. On the second anniversary of hurricane Katrina, PEOPLE en Español takes a look at five Hispanic families who open up about why they decided to make New Orleans home. (page 150)

All this and much more in the September issue of PEOPLE en Español. And for daily news and scoops, please visit peopleenespanol.com for more news.

PEOPLE en Español was launched in 1996 as a special issue, and today has become the best-selling Hispanic magazine in the United States. Published 11 times a year, PEOPLE en Español’s guaranteed circulation is 500,000 and reaches six million readers every month with its editorial mix of Hispanic and popular entertainment, fashion and beauty, and compelling human-interest stories. PEOPLE en Español delivers original editorial content that captures the values, contributions and impact of Hispanics in the U.S. For daily news, exclusive behind-the-scenes video and celebrity scoops, visit peopleenespanol.com””now available in English. “

“Now what? That is the question that many immigrants in the United States are asking.

The failure to get a comprehensive immigration reform through Congress was seen by millions in the Latino community as a direct attack. The negativity surrounding the debate reverberated throughout the community, affecting not only undocumented immigrants but legal residents as well.

But the issue goes beyond immigration reform. There is a generalized feeling among Latinos that without political participation, their voice is simply lost amid the anti-immigrant rhetoric. If they want respect, if they want elected officials to take notice of issues that concern them, they need to have the power to put them in office or vote them out.”

“Amigos For Kids(TM), a South Florida non-profit organization committed to helping abused, abandoned and less fortunate children, together with ING, one of the world’s largest financial services companies, offering banking, insurance and asset management in over 50 countries, will host this year’s Miami Celebrity Domino Night presented by Adrienne Arsht & TotalBank on Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

This marks ING’s third year as the events’ title sponsor featuring the signature domino playing, dinner-by-the-bite by Miami’s top restaurants & caterers, open bar courtesy of Dewar’s 12, an exclusive silent auction, and live entertainment by Miami’s Band and Latin Grammy winner Jorge Moreno. As in previous years, more than 2000 of Miami’s elite movers and shakers will play dominos with local celebrities including representatives from South Florida’s major media outlets, politicians, city VIPs and community leaders.

“ING’s involvement in Amigos For Kids, and this great event, is a testament to the positive impact of their programs designed to strengthen families and communities in South Florida,” said Toby Hoden, ING’s chief marketing officer. “At ING, we focus on building strong, vibrant communities in the locations where we do business, and we are honored to play a role in bringing this evening together. We congratulate our friends on the Board of Directors and the countless volunteers who made this event possible.”

The ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night ’07 will entice guests with dinner-by-the-bite courtesy of Miami’s most prominent chefs, caterers and restaurants including, Chispa, El Sembrador, Café 1909, Giardino Gourmet Salads, The Pasta Factory, Le Basque Catering, Q’doba Mexican Grill, Starbucks, Edda’s Cake Designs and Versailles.

Celebrities and South Florida leaders in attendance include Maria Elena Salinas, Charityn, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Jackie Nespral, Alina Mayo-Azze, City of Miami Commissioner Joe Sanchez, City of Miami Beach Commissioner Simon Cruz, Mauricio Zeilic, Enrique Teutelo, Jackie Guerrido, Miguel Varoni, Catherine Siachoque and Michelle Kosinski.

“Amigos For Kids is grateful to ING for their commitment, and to all our sponsors, as they help make this event the most anticipated summer party of the year”, stated Jorge Plasencia, its Chairman and co-founder. Sponsors for ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night’07, include presenting sponsor Adrienne Arsht & Total Bank, Nike Inc, Neo, Dewar’s12 ,Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carnival Foundation, DYL, Group, Florida Crystals, FPL, Killian Oaks Academy, Terra Group, Transatlantic Bank, Academica, Countrywide Home Loans, Dr. Maribel Santa Cruz, Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust, New Century Infusion Solutions and JCON Group.

The annual signature event, is the major annual fundraiser for the organization, and its proceeds fund the diverse services provided to children and families throughout the year, including an after school program, back to school and holiday toy drive, and abuse awareness and prevention efforts, such as the There’s no Excuse For Child Abuse (TM) campaign.

Amigos’ Executive Director, Rosa Maria Plasencia, stated that “the success of this event is largely based on the great collaboration and support from our corporate sponsors, media, restaurants, volunteers, celebrities, community leaders and every single person in attendance that evening, all joining together in support of our commitment to help the children of our community, and ultimately help end the cycle of abuse.”

Individual tickets are $150. Guests can reserve a domino table of four at $1000. Tax-deductible sponsorships, restaurant opportunities and tickets are still available. To become a sponsor, a participating restaurant, or to purchase tickets for the event call Amigos For Kids(TM) at 305.279.1155 or visit www.amigosforkids.org.

Amigos For Kids(TM) is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit corporation founded in 1991 to respond to the diverse needs of South Florida’s abused, abandoned and less-fortunate children and their families, through education, abuse prevention and community involvement. To fulfill its mission, Amigos For Kids, relies on the support of compassionate volunteers and donors throughout the community. The organization creates awareness of its cause through public service campaigns, high profile fundraising events such as the ING Miami Celebrity Domino Night’07. To become and Amigo by donating your time or other resources to children in need, please call 305.279.1155 or visit http://www.amigosforkids.org.

About ING
ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to over 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 120,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand. In the U.S., the ING family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients which include life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com. “

“Maria Elena Salinas, Univision network anchor who has been called “the voice of Hispanic America,” will be honored at California State University, Fresno’s 31st Annual Latino Commencement Celebration on Saturday, May 19.

The event in The Save Mart Center on campus will begin at 5:45 p.m. with entertainment. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. The celebration closes a day of events that begins with the 96th Commencement that morning. “

“Diversity, Corporate best practices and the Power of Hispanic Inclusion will be at the forefront of this year’s Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) 15th Annual Symposium taking place in Miami, Florida. Top industry leaders, elected officials, civic and national community leaders and advocates from across the United States will lead the discussion of “The Power of Hispanic Inclusion” during the two-day event, starting on April 30 at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami.

“The value of the Hispanic Consumer Market (HCM) to our nation’s economy is recognized by only a handful of America’s top companies,” said Carlos F. Orta, President and Chief Executive Officer of HACR. “By providing visionary corporations and their executives a platform for sharing best practices, we are confident other companies will recognize and adopt their profitable corporate responsibility initiatives.”

“While we have a ways to go, we are making progress, and that is evident by having the support and participation of Fortune 150 companies such as The Home Depot, Anheuser-Busch, Ford Motor Company, McDonald’s, Verizon, and many others. It is a clear indication that Corporate America understands the business case for Hispanic inclusion and that the need to continue our efforts towards more diversity is crucial to our success as a community.”

As a native of Miami, Mr. Orta is looking forward to Miami hosting the HACR symposium in South Florida: “I am delighted to be able to have my home city host the HACR 15th Annual Symposium and to be able to share with my community the realities that Hispanics face across this great nation. Miami is one step ahead when it comes to Hispanic inclusion, but sadly that is not the case in rest of the United States.”

Confirmed speakers and panelist at HACR’s 15th Annual Symposium include:

— Juana Bordas, Author, Salsa, Soul, and Spirit
— Steve Bucherati, Group Director, Diversity and Fairness, The Coca-
Cola Company
— Jose Cancela, Principal, Hispanic USA, Inc.
— Guarione Diaz, President, Cuban American National Council, Inc.
— Mayor Manny Diaz, City of Miami
— Carmen M. DiRienzo, President, V-me Media, Inc
— Charles P. Garcia, President, Sterling Hispanic Capital Markets
Group
— Patrick R. Gaston, President, Verizon Foundation
— Barbara J. Krumsiek, President, CEO & Chair, Calvert Group
— Pete Martinez, VP, Global Business Services & Senior Location
Executive IBM South Florida, IBM Corporation
— Ana Mollinedo Mims, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Cable &
Wireless
— Debra J. Nelson, VP, Corporate Diversity, Communications & Community
Affairs, MGM MIRAGE
— Marie Quintana, VP, Ethnic Sales, PepsiCo, Inc.
— Paul Raines, President — Southern Division, The Home Depot
— Jesus Rangel, Vice President, Community Relations, Anheuser-Busch,
Inc.
— Maria Elena Salinas, News Anchor, Noticiero Univision, Univision
Communications Inc.
— Andres T. Tapia, Chief Diversity Office, Hewitt Associates LLC
— James G. Vella, President, Ford Motor Company Fund
— Veronica Villafane, Ex-Officio President, National Association of
Hispanic Journalists

About HACR

Founded in 1986, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) is one of the most influential advocacy organizations in the nation representing 14 national Hispanic organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Our mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in corporate America at a level commensurate with our economic contributions. To that end, HACR focuses on four areas of corporate responsibility and community reciprocity: employment, procurement, philanthropy, and governance.

For more information, go to: http://www.hacr.org“

“-The Hispanic Media Awards in conjunction with Hispanic PR Wire announced today their top Spanish and Bi-lingual journalists list. The honorees are nominated and then selected by an independent panel of judges. They are recognized for their influence, community involvement, and the quality of their work. In all, the program recognizes 50 journalists and media executives from across the country in Radio, Print, Television, and other media. The awards will be presented at the Hispanic Media Awards dinner on May 24th, 2007 at the Marriott Rivercenter Grand Ballroom in San Antonio, TX. Tickets are available for purchase at http://www.hispanicmediaawards.com

Congratulations to the following honorees listed in alphabetical order by last name:

Nancy Agosto - Azteca America
Alejandro Aguirre - Diario Las Americas
Javier Alatorre - Azteca America
Adriana Arevalo - Univision- Las Vegas
Robert Armband - La Raza Newspaper
Maria Celeste Arraras - Telemundo
Martin Berlanga - Univision News
Claudia Botero - Univision 34
Andres Cantor - Telemundo
Alfredo Carvajal - Al Dia Texas
Rodolfo Cardenas - KCEC 50 – Denver
Maria Antonieta Collins - Telemundo
Lynne Cook - RUMBO
David Cortinas - La Voz Hispanic Newspaper
Dalia Diaz - Rumbo News
Tino Duran - La Prensa de San Antonio
Malin Falu - HITN
Gustavo Godoy - Vista Magazine
Lesley Gomez - Somos Padres
Isabel Gómez-Bassols - Univision Radio
Armando Guzmán - Azteca America
JesÚs Hernandez - Diario Las Americas
José Isasi - The Hispanic Group
Dra. Aliza - Lifshitz Univision Radio Correspondent
Monica Lozano - La Opinión
Jose Ignacio - Lozano impreMedia
Tania Luviano - MiTV 43 - San Diego
Jorge Mederos - La Raza Newspaper
Lety Miranda-Garcia - Prensa Hispana
Zeke Montes - Tele Guí de Chicago
Hilbert Morales - El Observador
Dense Oller - Univision 41 New York
Rafael Olmeda - South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Andres Oppenheimer - El Nuevo Herald
Amparo Ortiz - KWEX Univision San Antonio
Luis Manuel Ortiz - La Voz Phoenix
Alex Parra - Fox Sports en Español
Eduardo Porter - New York Times
Carlos Puig - RUMBO
John Quiñones - ABC News 20/20
Jesse Ramirez - Syndication
Jorge Ramos - Univision
Ana Cristina Reymundo - American Airlines Nexos
Rosanna Rosado - El Diario-La Prensa
Maria Elena Salinas - Univision
José Martí­n Sámano - Azteca America
Pedro Sevcec - Telemundo
Eddie Sotelo - Univision Radio
Carlos Verdecia - Tiempos del Mundo
Alberto Vourvoulias - El Diario-La Prensa

On The Edge Promotions., a San Antonio based company that recognizes the growing influence of Spanish-language TV, radio, newspapers, the Internet, and the extraordinary efforts of professionals who contribute their journalistic excellence to keep the U.S. Hispanic community informed, is producing the Hispanic Media Awards in partnership with Hispanic PR Wire. Calls for nominations for the awards program were issued in January and February. The Annual Hispanic Media Awards Ring of Honor inductee will also be recognized for his or her lifetime achievement. The Ring of Honor inductee will be announced in the coming weeks.

Additional sponsors are being secured for the event in conjunction with existing sponsors AT&T, Hispanic PR Wire, Continental Airlines, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Our Lady of the Lake University, American Marketing Association-San Antonio Chapter, Marriott Rivercenter, Jack Daniels, Herradura Tequila, and Republic Beverage. A portion of the proceeds from the dinner and related publication will go towards scholarship funds. The web site address for the Hispanic Media Awards is www.hispanicmediaawards.com “

“His love of horses is evident. The lobby and hallways of Gov. Bill Richardson’s office in Santa Fe are adorned with beautiful paintings of horses. “To relax, I ride my horse,” he told me during a short car ride from his campaign headquarters to the state Capitol. “I go off to the mountains, where I can think alone. I get good ideas that way,” he added. But he will not have much time for relaxation now that he is off and running for president of the United States.

The competition is tough. Sens. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden and former Sen. John Edwards are among the other Democrats seeking the presidential nomination. “Theyre all my friends,” said Richardson.”

“Jennifer Lopez graces the cover of PEOPLE en Español’s “100 Most Influential Hispanics” issue which honors those who have made an impact in the Hispanic community. Lopez opens up about being named an influential Hispanic, the influence of her ethnic roots and her desire to have a family. “Being an example to others is a big part of my work,” Jennifer tells PEOPLE en Español. “It excites me to think that I could be capable of changing opinions, or of making people laugh or cry. It’s a beautiful facet of the work that we do.”

Lopez also talks about wanting to start her own family. “I come from a strong family, so of course I want to have one. But I also have my own family: my immediate family, my husband, and his children. I am a part of all this. In this sense, I am very fortunate.”

In addition to Lopez, other entertainers honored include Shakira, Carlos Santana, Julio Iglesias, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and Salma Hayek for her work as producer of the hit ABC series, Ugly Betty. Ricky Martin is honored for his humanitarian work as Good Will Ambassador of the United Nations and for the work of his foundation.

Mexican film directors Alejandro González Iñárritu, the director of Babel, Guillermo del Toro, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Alfonso Cuarón, Y TÚ Mamá También and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, are honored for their innovative film work. “You have to work in film for the correct reasons,” says Cuarón. “For the love of working in film, not for fame. The fundamental thing is honesty and finding your own voice.”

Fashion designers Carolina Herrera and Narciso Rodrí­guez also land on the list of the 100 Most Influential. Rodrí­guez says that Carolyn Bessette, the late wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., is an inspiration in his work. “She has been the most important person in my life, both professionally and personally, I miss her a lot.” Spanish shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, who achieved cult status on the television series Sex and the City, speaks about his influence on new designers. “I believe that what I have brought is the return to a complete femininity, which to me, represents placing a woman on a pedestal with high heels.”

Antonio Villaraigosa, mayor of Los Angeles, and Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico, have been honored for their notable political careers. From the world of business, Ralph de la Vega, COO of Cingular Wireless and George Reyes, CFO of Google, also made the list.

For behind-the-scenes video and exclusive photos from PEOPLE en Español’s “100 Most Influential Hispanics,” check out peopleenespanol.com. Vote for who should be the #1 Most Influential Hispanic by logging onto the magazine’s website and voting for your favorite. To read the full story, see page 57 of the magazine.

The complete list of PEOPLE en Español’s “100 Most Influential Hispanics”:

Entertainers
– Jennifer Lopez, singer, actress, entrepreneur
– Antonio Banderas, actor
– Armando Manzanero, singer, composer
– Carlos Santana, guitarist, composer
– Daddy Yankee, reggaetón artist
– Eva Longoria, actress
– George López, comedian, actor
– Gloria Estefan, singer, composer and author
– Johnny Pacheco, musician and producer
– Jorge Hernández, lead singer of Los Tigres del Norte
– Juan Gabriel, singer, composer
– Juan Luis Guerra, singer-writer
– Juanes, singer
– Julio Iglesias, singer
– Lucero, actress, singer
– Luis Miguel, singer
– Ricky Martin, singer, philanthropist
– Roberto Gómez Bolaños, comedian and actor
– Salma Hayek, actress and producer
– Shakira, singer, composer
– Silvia Pinal, actress, producer
– Sonia Manzano, actress, screenwriter, “Sesame Street”
– Verónica Castro, actress, singer, television host
– Willie Colón, musician, composer, producer

Culture/ The Arts
– Alejandro González Iñárritu, director “Babel,” producer, screenwriter
– Alfonso Cuarón, director “Y Tu Mamá Tambien,” producer, screenwriter
– Andrés Serrano, visual artist
– Carla Estrada, television producer
– Carolina Herrera, fashion designer
– Chita Rivera, actress, singer, and dancer
– Cristina Saralegui, journalist, television host, entrepreneur
– Eduardo “Piolí­n” Sotelo, Radio D.J.
– Fernando Gaitán, writer, “I am Ugly Betty,” original spanish language version
– Ferran Adrií , chef
– Gabriel Garcí Márquez, writer
– Guillermo del Toro, director “Pan’s Labyrinth,” producer, screenwriter
– Gustavo Santaolalla, producer, musician and composer “Brokeback Mountain”
– Isabel Allende, writer
– Jaime Hernández, cartoonist
– Julio Bocca, dancer
– Manolo Blahnik, shoe designer
– Mario Garcí, newspaper designer
– Mario Testino, photographer
– Narciso Rodrí­guez, fashion designer
– Nilo Cruz, playwright
– Oscar de la Renta, fashion designer
– Pedro Almodóvar, director “Volver,” screenwriter, composer
– Pedro Damián, producer
– Plácido Domingo, tenor
– Rita Moreno, actress and singer, “West Side Story”
– Robert Rodrِí­guez, directorِ
– Rubén Blades, musician, actor government functionary
– Santiago Calatrava, architect, engineer
– Walter Mercado, astrologist

Politics/Public Affairs
– Alberto Gonzáles, Secretary of Justice
– Anthony Romero, Executive Director of ACLU
– Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor of Los Angeles
– Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico
– Dolores Huerta, Civil Rights activist
– Emilio T. González, Director of Immigration and Naturalization Services of the United States
– Fidel Castro, President of Cuba
– Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela
– Janet Murguia, President of National Council of La Raza
– José Gomez, archbishop of San Antonio, Texas
– Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile

Business
– Carlos Slim HelÚ, businessman
– Eduardo Castro-Wright, President and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores U.S.
– Emilio Azcárraga Jean, CEO of Grupo Televisa
– Emilio Estefan, producer, composer and entrepreneur
– George Reyes, Vice-president and CFO of Google
– José Fernández, President of Bodega Owners Association
– Marí AzÚa, CIO, IBM
– Mirta de Perales, cosmetologist, business executive
– Ralph í€lvarez, President and COO of McDonald’s
– Ralph de la Vega, COO, Cingular Wireless
– Robert Unanue, President of Goya Foods Inc.
– Tere Zubizarreta, President and CEO, Zubi Advertising

Media
– Christina Norman, President of MTV
– Gustavo Cisneros, President, Cisneros Group
– Jorge Ramos, journalist, co-anchor of “Noticiero Univision”
– Marí Antonieta Collins, author, host on Telemundo
– Marí Celeste Arrarás, editor and anchor on Telemundo
– Maria Elena Salinas, journalist, co-anchor of “Noticiero Univision”
– Mario Kreutzberger (Don Francisco), television host, presenter
– Markos Moulitsas ZÚniga, political commentary, blogger
– Mónica Lozano, editor and executive director of “La Opinion” newspaper
– Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment
– RaÚl Alarcón Jr., President, Spanish Broadcasting System

Sports
– Arturo Arte Moreno, Owner of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
– Juan Pablo Montoya, race car driver
– Omar Minaya, General Manager of The New York Mets
– Oscar de la Hoya, boxer

Science & Technology/Health
– Aida Giachello, sociologist
– Antonia Novello, Health Commissioner of New York
– Ellen Ochoa, astronaut
– Héctor Ruiz, President of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc
– Jane Delgado, President of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health
– JesÚs Aguais, activist, director of “Aid for Aids”

Education
– Bertha Flores, teacher
– Eduardo Padrón, President, Miami Dade University

PEOPLE en Español was launched in 1996 as a special issue, and today has become the best-selling Hispanic magazine in the United States. Published 11 times a year, PEOPLE en Español’s guaranteed circulation is 500,000, and reaches more than five million readers every month with its editorial mix of Hispanic and mainstream entertainment, fashion and beauty, and compelling human-interest stories. PEOPLE en Español delivers original editorial content that captures the values, contributions and impact of Hispanics in the U.S. For daily news and scoops, visit peopleenespanol.com. “

November post

“All her life, Sascha Herrera wanted to be a dancer. She traveled to the United States from her native Colombia in hopes of reaching her goal and also mending a broken heart. When she arrived in Atlanta, she got more than she bargained for. Not only did she get to dance in a special holiday performance, but she found love in the process, married Georgia state Sen. Curt Thompson and lived happily ever after.

That is, until she got a deportation notice from the Department of Homeland Security.

Her immigration story is not uncommon. She arrived on a tourist visa for six months and contacted a notary public to help her get an extension. The notary was supposed to be an immigration expert. She never doubted his authority, since in Latin America notaries have almost the same powers as attorneys.”

“Having legally changed his name from Jesus to Jesse upon becoming a citizen, Navarro informed electoral authorities of the change to avoid confusion. His name was listed on Election Day, but as an inactive voter. He was offered a provisional ballot. Impossible, he thought. Voting was not only his right as a citizen, but a moral obligation. When he insisted on his role as an active voter, he was asked about his legal status in the country and his party affiliation. “I am a U.S. citizen,” he said, “and a Democrat.”"

What struck me the most today was in the 8th paragraph of the Washington Post’s article about Immigration arrest rates down 8%. It said Homeland Security Secretary Michael "Chertoff backed away yesterday from the Bush administration’s pledge to control the nation’s borders by 2008, saying it would be “very, very difficult” without a guest-worker program, which the House has resisted." I didn’t see mention of this anywhere else - but I feel that it is important.

So on one side you have this report of an 8% drop in immigration arrests by the border patrol plus Chertoff’s backing off and a report that for the fiscal year 2006, 432 deaths have been reported in the entire border region that I found via Latina Lista’s post New Report Shows Increase in Migrant Border Deaths in the El Paso Sector

In other news: Lawsuits have been filed against the Hazleton, Penn immigration law on behalf of the ACLU and a variety of Hispanic groups

I really wish I could see the film Romantico opening in New York City tomorrow and it would have happened if I had been able to go to the Latin Grammys (still pouting). I have at least four press releases about the Latin Grammys sitting in my inbox waiting to be posted (probably tomorrow)

There was also an interesting article about how Latinos are affecting rural schools in Minnesota in the education category and Maria Elena Salinas wrote Latino voters’ ballots to resonate far beyond polling places next week.

And you should check out On the Fence on Election Day;Naming “Worst’ Immigration Ads from the Wall Street Journal.

Tomás —» Check out all of Tuesday’s news

“Actor/director Rob Reiner and Emmy-winning news anchor Maria Elena Salinas are the hosts of a new video, “The Pre-K Promise,” that promotes the benefits of preschool and provides help for parents seeking a pre-k program for their child.

High-quality preschool (or pre-k) programs for 3 and 4 year olds are one of the surest routes to success in school and beyond, according to many studies. Pre-k programs can give children a competitive edge throughout the K-12 school years. But finding a quality preschool at an affordable price can be challenging for families.

“The Pre-K Promise” features well-known experts on early care and education who provide guidance to help parents and others understand:

-How preschool programs can benefit young children;
-What a quality preschool program looks like;
-What questions to ask when evaluating a preschool;
-How to help make quality, affordable pre-k programs more widely available. “