News (Noticias) Tagged ‘Microsoft’

Microsoft Latin America announced today that NGO Connection, a new online resource dedicated to the thousands of non-profits in the Spanish-speaking world, is now available in Spanish. Through this portal, the company hopes to help Latin American organizations by delivering a tool that will allow them to more efficiently use technology to reach their objectives, promote networking and improve the coordination of their resources around the world.

“Through the creation of NGO Connection, Microsoft places at the disposal of the Latin American NGOs a resource that allows access to software, opportunities for relationships with other institutions that will help push common projects, expand the reach of their initiatives and broaden the impact of the community activities,” said Rodolfo Fucher, Community Affairs Manager for Microsoft Latin America.

The main objective of this new Web tool is to provide a place where NGOs can find technical resources, share knowledge, create communities and examples of real-life cases. Through simple, non-technical terminology, NGO Connection tries to provide NGOs with wider access to Microsoft’s resources and offers directed toward these institutions, as well as helping them utilize other online resources in an effective way.

Non-governmental entities, such as the Programa Amigo de los Niños, which is affiliated with Children International in the Dominican Republic, express their satisfaction with the implementation of this type of virtual tool, which will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and good organizational practices to be shared among the NGOs that support the neediest of people.

Rafael Mejía, Children International director in the Dominican Republic, pointed out the importance of this type of technical resource and congratulated the social work that Microsoft has been carrying out in the Dominican Republic. “An example of this is the installation of a computer center in the Mendoza community center, from which thousands of sponsored youth have the opportunity to close the poverty gap that could prevent them from developing integrally and be placed within the competitive Dominican job market.”

NGO Connection also allows NGOs to easily share best practices and success stories, and gives them the option of joining a forum where they can participate in discussions regarding the utilization of this technology and sharing solutions to some of their most difficult challenges. Another significant aspect is that NGO Connection also offers complete and easy access to free software downloads and other Microsoft tools – such as SteadyState, a tool designed to improve computer administration in the classrooms and TV centers – as well as course content, curricula and resources. The goal is to help NGOs establish a bridge between their needs and the way in which technology can meet these needs.

Additional information on NGO Connection is available at www.microsoft.com/NGO.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the world leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses develop their potential.

About the Programa Amigo de los Niños, Inc., affiliated with Children International

It is a sponsorship operating agency that has worked in the Dominican Republic since 1979. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S., Children International works in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Zambia, the United States and the Dominican Republic. The sponsorship program helps meet the needs of children, youth and their families through educational, health and community programs, and aims to have these children and youth become healthy, educated and independent adults.”

Microsoft Corp., internationally acclaimed actress Angelina Jolie, and more than 25 law firms and corporate law departments announced today the formation of Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), a new national children’s advocacy initiative with the mission of providing pro bono legal counsel to unaccompanied immigrant children in the United States so that they are treated fairly and compassionately in our immigration system.

Each year approximately 8,000 children who are separated from their families go through U.S. immigration proceedings. Today half of these children do so without legal representation. KIND aims to fill this gap by ensuring that all unaccompanied children get access to legal counsel in the immigration process.

“KIND is creating an innovative pro bono model, bringing together lawyers from companies and law firms in partnership with non-governmental organizations to meet the legal needs of an entire group of vulnerable children,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft’s General Counsel, who introduced the organization to a gathering in Washington, D.C. of more than 150 representatives from the legal community. “Through our support of KIND, we hope to inspire the participation of many more representatives of our legal community to offer these children the fundamental protection they need. Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide pro bono legal services to those unable to pay.”

“These children often have nothing; no money, no support and no family, yet they come to America seeking its promises of a better life,” states Angelina Jolie. “But many end up becoming lost, traumatized, and ultimately forgotten. KIND provides each of them with the ability to have their legal rights protected and their voices heard.”

U.S. law provides no appointed counsel for unaccompanied children in immigration court proceedings. Without benefit of pro bono counsel, these children face difficulties in understanding the legal proceedings and legal options that may be available to them. This also creates added challenges for government attorneys and immigration judges who must evaluate these cases. Immigrant children who receive pro bono legal assistance, however, are more likely to experience favorable consideration from the court for asylum in the U.S.

“I applaud all those involved in the KIND initiative to help unaccompanied and undocumented children receive the legal representation they need to understand and exercise their basic legal rights while navigating our nation’s complex and intimidating immigration system,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) said. Rep. Roybal-Allard is the author of the Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act (HR 7255), which would establish legally enforceable immigration detention standards to ensure that all detainees, including children, are treated fairly and humanely while in custody.

As part of its professional commitment to pro bono work, Microsoft responded to this problem in Washington State five years ago by helping to establish Volunteer Advocates for Immigrant Justice (VAIJ). The effort brings together lawyers in companies and law firms with other civic groups in the Seattle area to provide pro bono legal assistance. In 2006 VAIJ was recognized by the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service as integral in connecting with qualified pro bono attorneys to represent unaccompanied children in immigration court.

KIND’s immediate goal is to work closely with private law firms, corporate legal departments and their attorneys to recruit, train, and mentor attorneys to represent children in locations where KIND is located, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Seattle, and Houston. By 2010, the organization’s goal is to represent more than 2,100 children annually: every unaccompanied child in KIND’s locations who would not otherwise have an attorney.

By partnering with Ms. Jolie, KIND will build on her extensive history of accomplishments as a Goodwill Ambassador for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, and on her long-standing commitment to providing free legal aid to unaccompanied children as young as toddlers who lack any legal representation.

The new organization is seeking a variety of program volunteers, in addition to sources of funding and other support. Currently, KIND has received over $2 million in cash donations, and over 25 law firms and corporate law departments have committed to contributing more than 13,000 pro bono hours during KIND’s first year of operation. Law firms include Arnold & Porter LLP; Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersol LLP; Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP; Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft LLP; Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP; Covington & Burling LLP; Crowell & Moring LLP; Davis Wright Tremaine LLP; Holland & Knight LLP; Howrey; K&L Gates; Latham & Watkins; Lowenstein Sandler PC; Morrison & Foerster LLC; Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP; Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP; Perkins Coie LLP; Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP; Sidley Austin; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom; Steptoe & Johnson; Sullivan & Cromwell LLP; Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP; White & Case LLP. In addition to Microsoft, the corporate legal departments of Merck & Co. and News Corporation are supporting KIND. “

Today Zune, Microsoft Corp.’s end-to-end music and entertainment service, announced jointly with Fania Records the availability of a custom collection of Fania albums consisting of never-before-digitally-released productions. For the first time, the Fania collection will be digitally remastered and available exclusively on Zune Marketplace. The collection will include legendary artists such as the Fania All-Stars, Hector Lavoe, La Lupe, Celia Cruz, Ricardo Ray and Bobby Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Mongo Santamaria, Bobby Valentin, and many more.

(Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080929/AQM057)
(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

During the 1960s and 1970s Fania Records produced the best in salsa and Latin jazz and has been credited with starting the New York salsa movement. Fania and its roster of stars have introduced Latin music to the world, and Zune will now make this music available digitally for a new generation to discover.

“It’s exciting to partner with Zune to offer our collection digitally and for new content from such classic artists. Our hope is to have a new generation of music lovers discover these masters of music from such a significant musical era,” said Leda Ceccarelli, director of New Media, Fania Records.

The Zune Marketplace Latin content producer worked with the label’s digital distributor, the Orchard, to select the content released through the custom-built Zune boutique page. The addition of Fania to Zune Marketplace demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to integrating Latin music across the platform and enabling music lovers of all genres to discover these artists. Most recently, the Zune Marketplace team also produced a special event with Tijuana-based artists to highlight Mexican culture, featuring graphic and visual artists Acamonchi and VJ PR4, DJ sets from Loud Noises and Tremolo Audio, and live performance by Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich + Fussible.

“We wanted to bring a sense of retro music to Zune Marketplace, and to do that, there’s no other label to work with than Fania,” said Mariel Cruz, Zune Marketplace Latin content producer. “Fania’s renowned roster of musicians made it easy to select iconic artists, and we’re happy to bring this collection to our subscribers.”

The custom Fania Records store will be exclusive to the Zune Marketplace until Oct. 21 and will include music from the following albums:

* Ricardo Ray and Bobby Cruz, “El Bestial Sonido”
* Fania All Stars, “Live At Yankee Stadium, Vol. 1″
* Hector Lavoe, “Le Canta A Borinquen”
* Roberto Roena, “Greatest Hits”
* Cheo Feliciano, “Cheo,” “Felicidades”
* Ruben Blades, “Maestra Vida Vol. I”
* La Lupe, “La Reina (The Queen)”
* Mongo Santamaria, “Fuego”
* Various Artists, “Cuba Y Puerto Rico Son”
* Various Artists, “El Barrio: Gangsters, Latin Soul & The Birth of Salsa 1967-75″
* Mark Dimond, “Brujeria”
* The Lebron Brothers, “Criollo”
* Celia Cruz, “Bravo”
* Various Artists, “Bailando at the Palladium Vol. 1″
* Bobby Valentin, “Algo Nuevo”
* Celia Cruz and Tito Puente, “Algo Especial Para Recordar”
* Charlie Palmieri and his orchestra, “Adelante Gigante”

Zune is the only digital media player to offer an end-to-end experience for music lovers with its portal devices, available with 8 GB, 16 GB and 120 GB; software features such as Buy from FM, which allows users to download music directly from the built-in FM tuner; and the subscription-based service Zune Pass, which allows subscribers to download millions of songs for the monthly price of $14.99.

The exclusive Fania Records digital collection is available at www.zune.net/musica. “

WHAT:
In celebration of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) 29th Annual National Convention, Microsoft Corp. is announcing its partnership with the National Hispanic Business Information Clearinghouse (BIC) as the new technology founding partner for the BIC.  This announcement reinforces the company’s commitment to advance Hispanic entrepreneurs and businesses in the United States through the use of technology.

A 2002 U.S. Census Bureau study showed that close to 70 percent of all Hispanic-owned businesses make less than $50,000 a year in gross sales and close to 70 percent have fewer than four employees. According to the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, nearly one-third of all Hispanic-owned businesses fail to survive four years. Much of the success of a business depends on operations and management.

Microsoft has teamed with the BIC as the founding technology partner of this online initiative for Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs.

WHO:
-      José Piñero, Director of Multicultural Marketing, Microsoft
-      Sal Gómez, Founder and CEO of the BIC
-      Michael Barrera, President of the BIC and former President of the USHCC

WHEN:            Friday, September 26th, 2008
12:30pm

WHERE:           Sacramento Convention Center
International Luncheon
Sacramento, CA

CONTACTS:

Tania Llavaneras/ Edelman Multicultural      Vanessa Tartak / Edelman Multicultural
323-972-6620  / 323-203-4501                       323-202-1453
Tania.llavaneras@edelman.com                   

First, Seinfeld starts off with a churro in his hand,
then a Latino family is shown trying to figure out who they are and
then they both exit the mall with churros in their hands?

BuscaPe.com Group ( www.buscape.com ), which is owner of the largest Comparison Shopping Network in Latin America, and Microsoft MSN (Nasdaq: MFST) announce a partnership in Mexico that will benefit more than 12 million users who visit the Prodigy/MSN site. Starting now, they will be able to research and compare prices for products and services at more than 400 stores, as well as access a database of nearly two million products.

According to Romero Rodrigues, CEO and Founder of BuscaPe.com Inc. ( www.buscape.com ), the agreement should ensure 50% growth in Mexico. “We will offer a safe, fast way to make an intelligent purchase through the Internet, while the ability to compare prices will provide the user the assurance of making a good purchase,” he points out.

Data from comScore Media Metrix (March 2008), a global leader in Internet audience monitoring, rank BuscaPe the second largest portal among Latin American e-commerce sites, while the MSN site in Mexico has a more than 94% market penetration and 12 million unique users. “The partnership will bring both partners more exposure, and guarantee greater brand strength in the Mexican market, one of today’s main markets in the Americas,” said Jaime Kalb, commercial director for Prodigy MSN Mexico.

Access to the comparison system is available through the main Mexican MSN site: ( prodigy.msn.com/ ) or directly via: ( prodigymsn.buscape.com.mx/ ).

About BuscaPe
Creator of the Comparison Shopping service at www.buscape.com.br in June 1999, BuscaPe.com Group ( www.buscape.com ) is made up of media properties focused on the purchase decision process in Latin American e- commerce. With more than 30 million visits each month and available in 28 countries, BuscaPe is an absolute leader in purchase decisions in Latin America.

Its main properties are:

BuscaPe ( www.buscape.com.br ): A leader in price comparison with a presence in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Colombia, BuscaPe compares prices of more than 7,000,000 products sold by 60,000 companies. It is also responsible for shopping at more than 100 portals, including Microsoft MSN, Yahoo, Abril, Globo and Terra.

Bondfaro ( www.bondfaro.com.br ): A leader in product research and information, Bondfaro helps consumers decide which product is the right one to buy. With its main focus on products, the site offers videos and advice by its own specialists, as well as users themselves.

e-bit ( www.ebit.com.br ): e-bit won a name for itself in the development of e-commerce in Brazil as the most respected source of information on e-commerce with more than 6 million respondents of on line shopping experience compiled since 2000 in more than 1,800 affiliated online stores. Starting in 2008, its activities are undergoing expansion in the following Latin American countries: Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Mexico.

QueBarato! ( www.quebarato.com.br ): An absolute leader in free classifieds, the recently launched QueBarato is available in 28 countries, all Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking, allowing people to advertise their products, services, vehicles and real estate quickly, efficiently and free of charge.

BuscaPe Viagens ( www.buscapeviagens.com.br ): The only one to offer price comparisons of airline tickets in the Brazilian domestic market for more than 700 domestic and international carriers, as well as on-line and off-line travel agencies from all over the country. With a simple, intuitive interface, BuscaPe Viagens is accessible to Internet users of all types — all this so it can offer the best airfare options in the market.

Corta Contas ( www.cortacontas.com.br ): Website for research and comparison of financial products and services.

Wiki2Buy ( www.wiki2buy.com ): A collaborative buyer’s guide in wiki format containing information about products, services and stores.

Pagamento Digital ( www.pagamentodigital.com.br ): The safest online payment management platform on the Internet. A simple, fast, low-cost method, it is designed especially for online merchants and buyers to buy the best the Internet has to offer with the security they need.

FControl ( www.fcontrol.com.br ): Has been providing fraud risk management solutions for remote transactions since 2003. With services ranging from analysis of remote transactions and consulting and operational oversight of fraud management processes, to complete outsourcing of internal fraud risk management teams, FControl has distinguished itself for its precision in differentiating between legitimate and fraudulent transactions in companies throughout Brazil.

Compra Comigo ( www.compracomigo.com.br ): Orkut’s most popular buy and sell application. A practical, effective way for friends to do business. Available to Orkut, and soon to other social networks, it allows buying, selling and exchanges among friends. “

Microsoft has launched MSN Mobile Latino, which specifically targets the Latino community in the United States, at the San Diego annual conference of the National Council of La Razas (NCLR). “*

In celebration of National Council of La Raza’s (NCLR) 40th anniversary and its annual conference in San Diego, Microsoft Corp. today announced the launch of MSN Latino Mobile, as part of the company’s commitment to advance Hispanics in the United States through the use of technology.

MSN Latino Mobile is a new digital service that provides Hispanics with one-stop access to Spanish-language news, sports, entertainment, local movie listings, horoscopes, weather, money and finances, and Windows Live services such as Windows Live Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Spaces and Live Search. MSN Latino Mobile gives U.S. Hispanics a quick and easy way to find the content and services they need while on the go and features specialized technologies that customize the experience for each consumer’s device. Consumers can access this free Spanish language service at latino.mobile.msn.com .

MSN Latino Mobile launches as a response to recent studies showing that Hispanics adopt technology faster than their African-American and Caucasian counterparts do. Mobile technology and bilingual software solutions play a key role in keeping people up to date with information and connected with their culture and their roots.

“We are committed to provide U.S. Hispanics with the right tools and solutions in their language of preference, and through content that resonates with their culture and their interests,” said Jose Pinero, director of Multicultural Marketing at Microsoft. “MSN Latino Mobile joins the group of products and services that Microsoft offers to Hispanics in the U.S. to help them stay connected with their communities and the rest of the world.”

Besides MSN Latino Mobile, Microsoft has other products and initiatives that have been specifically designed for the U.S. Hispanic market. They include Microsoft Office Spanish Language Pack, Microsoft Office Accounting Spanish version, Microsoft Office Live Workspaces in Spanish, Wisin & Yandel Custom Edition Zune, the MSN Latino portal and “Vida Digital Latina,” a seminar series to bring technology knowledge to the U.S. Hispanic community.

The new MSN Latino Mobile portal will provide up-to-the-minute Spanish-language news, including news from the Associated Press and FOX Sports en Espanol coverage for Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and motorsports.

As part of Microsoft’s commitment to Hispanics, the company is supporting various NCLR initiatives, including the NCLR Annual Conference: Building a Stronger America, via a sponsorship of Monday’s luncheon, “Honoring Service, Courage and Leadership,” where Sgt. Maj. Irene Zamora O’Neal will receive the NCLR Heroes and Heritage Award. Microsoft is also sponsoring the NCLR Affiliate Lounge and Youth Town Hall and is the exclusive sponsor of the President’s Reception.

About MSN and Windows Live
Overall, MSN, Windows Live and Microsoft.com attract more than 550 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Most recently, MSN partnered with Control Room to stream Live Earth, the largest online entertainment event in history, with over 62 million streams worldwide.

Windows Live, a comprehensive set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Windows Live services and future beta updates can be found at ideas.live.com . Windows Live is available at www.live.com . MSN is located on the Web at www.msn.com .

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.”*

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) today announced the opening of the first AT&T Experience Store(SM) in Florida. The store, located in downtown Coral Gables at 215 Miracle Mile, provides a new way for visitors to experience and shop for communications and entertainment services. The store is the third bilingual AT&T Experience Store in the nation.

The nearly 5,400-square-foot store is larger than the typical AT&T retail store and features several new retail concepts. The store is part of the transition from a wireless-centric space to a high-energy retail format that showcases AT&T’s extensive portfolio of wireless, broadband, video and wireline products and services, such as AT&T U-verse(SM) services.

“The AT&T Experience Store in Coral Gables is what AT&T is all about,” said Rich Guidotti, vice president and general manager of AT&T’s South Florida wireless operations. “All of the communications and entertainment products that consumers want are in one place and under one roof.”

As the first bilingual AT&T Experience Store in Florida, the Coral Gables store will feature merchandising and interactive stations in both English and Spanish and a bilingual staff of 26 communications specialists to better serve Hispanic consumers.

“The Hispanic population represents the largest consumer segment in Miami-Dade County,” Guidotti said. “We are proud to employ a bilingual staff that is trained to help our customers choose from a wide range of communications and entertainment products and services. The new Coral Gables AT&T Experience Store provides a convenient, comfortable and culturally friendly shopping environment for our Hispanic customers.”

The AT&T Experience Store features a fully integrated media experience, including five integrated Experience Stations that encourage customer interaction with cutting-edge wireline, wireless and converged services. In addition, knowledgeable store personnel — 29 total — are on hand throughout the store and around each station to guide consumers through product trials and purchasing decisions.

Each AT&T Customer Experience Station features:

– AT&T Advanced TV Zone. Customers can view AT&T U-verse TV and AT&T | DISH Network(R) service demonstrations, enabling them to test-drive Web-based and wireless remote access features, High Definition (HD) programming and browse an extensive Video On Demand catalogue.

– AT&T Home Connections. Customers can browse the Internet, customize AT&T home-page portals and test AT&T Remote Monitor through a remote in-store camera.

– Entertainment and Style. Customers can review the latest and greatest 3G wireless devices that allow users to download music, stream video and surf the Web.

– Productivity Solutions. Geared toward road warriors and small business owners, customers can test wireless phones, BlackBerry(R) devices, smartphones, GPS and Bluetooth(R) accessories by using e-mail and Microsoft Corp. applications.

– Talk, Text and Browse. Customers can try out GoPhone(R), our popular prepaid service, and an assortment of wireless handsets.

“From the moment customers enter to the moment they leave, they will be able to experience AT&T’s full suite of services for the first time,” said Marshall Criser lll, president of AT&T Florida. “The new Coral Gables store is part of a key initiative in the company’s ongoing commitment to integrate its wireline and wireless operations and give consumers greater convenience and a streamlined approach to the way they purchase and interact with our products.”

Other unique features of the Coral Gables AT&T Experience Store include more than 20 screens that highlight AT&T products and services, encourage direct customer interaction and allow store personnel to “show and tell.” Digital messages that inform customers about the variety of lifestyle, product and feature benefits are displayed throughout the store on three 32-inch LCD screens. A series of touch-screen Information Stations also provide valuable information to assist employees and customers during the sales process.

The AT&T Coral Gables Experience Store is the seventh AT&T Experience Store to open in the nine-state Southeast region and the 20th nationwide. Store hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.

AT&T has approximately 330 retail locations throughout South Florida, including company-owned stores, agents and national retailers.”

Latin-Pak the premier national Hispanic Direct Marketing Company since 1996 announced the appointment of Robert Gomez as Vice President of Business Development. In his new role, Mr. Gomez will be responsible for expanding and developing Latin-Pak’s penetration in the ever changing and growing Hispanic and Ethnic market arena.

“Robert Gomez brings extensive industry experience of over 20 years to Latin-Pak,” said Vince Andaloro, President/Founder of Latin-Pak. “Robert is no stranger to Latin-Pak having worked with us successfully on a variety of products throughout the years as our client. He will be a tremendous asset to new and existing clients offering not only a passion for our products and markets, but rich creative direction as well.”

Prior to joining Latin-Pak, Mr. Gomez held executive sales and management positions with printing conglomerates RR Donnelly and Qubecor. Additionally, he provided integrated marketing counsel to leading international companies including Microsoft - Latin America; Baradi, USA; General Mills; Condи N’ast and Editorial Televisa. Mr. Gomez has excelled at enlightening clients to understand how marketing can progress sales beyond just the here and now.

In conjunction with this announcement, Latin-Pak proudly announced the opening of a new satellite office in Atlanta, Georgia. Due to the continued successful growth of Latin-Pak, it is necessary to expand from its existing offices in Los Angeles, CA and St. Louis, MO. The Atlanta office will be under the direction of Robert Gomez.”*

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., announced today that presumptive presidential nominees Senators John McCain (R–AZ) and Barack Obama (D–IL) will speak at the 2008 NCLR Annual Conference held at the San Diego Convention Center, July 12-15. Other speakers at the Conference include San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former NCLR President and CEO Raul Yzaguirre, CEO of Freddie Mac Richard F. Syron, New York Times best-selling author Alisa Valdés-Rodríguez and internationally renowned motivational speaker Samuel Betances.

“NCLR is excited to be in San Diego as we celebrate 40 years of strengthening America by promoting the advancement of Latino families. The presumptive presidential nominees and other government and business leaders speaking at NCLR’s Annual Conference will address a Latino community that is strengthening its political voice and engaging in campaigns, voter registration, and citizenship drives as never before,” said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO.

The NCLR Annual Conference is the single largest gathering of its kind in the Latino community. More than 20,000 community organization leaders, activists, and volunteers; elected and appointed officials; members of the corporate, philanthropic, and academic communities; senior citizens; college students; and youth are expected to participate this year. A popular Conference attraction is Latino Expo USA with more than 250 exhibits from leading Fortune 500 companies, Hispanic-owned businesses, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, and government agencies.

Some highlights of the 2008 NCLR Annual Conference include:

Saturday, July 12

* The NCLR Diabetes Dash—a 5k fun run—will kick off this year’s Health Fair, which will provide free health screenings, information, and counseling on key health and lifestyle issues affecting the Hispanic community.
* A naturalization session, sponsored by ConAgra Foods, will provide information on the citizenship application process and step-by-step guidance on how to complete the required forms to become a U.S. citizen.
* Artists from MTV, MTVtr3s, and Sí TV along with NCLR youth leadership participants will participate in a youth-led Town Hall sponsored by GEICO and Microsoft that explores the growing influence of youth in the media.

Sunday, July 13

* A HOME Clinic, held in partnership with the San Diego Housing Opportunities Collaborative, will offer pro bono legal advice, housing counseling, and loan negotiation to help families facing foreclosure identify resources and assistance.
* A Town Hall presented by the Office of Minority Health and led by a panel of health experts, will address the need to reform a health care system in which millions of Latinos remain uninsured.

Monday, July 14
· Government and community leaders will come together in a Town Hall presented in part by Freddie Mac aimed at finding a solution to the national foreclosure crisis.
· The Heroes & Heritage Award for Valor and Service to Country will be presented to Sergeant Major Irene Zamora O’Neal.

Other workshops and activities will examine issues such as education, workforce development, community and family wealth-building, voting,juvenile justice, children’s health, the impact of immigration enforcement policy,and nonprofit management.

“Our Conference reflects the broad interests and involvement of Latinos in this great nation. We are working for better policies and programs in everything from education and health care to homeownership and financial security. When Latino families can get opportunities to advance, it strengthens America,” said Murguía.”*

For Immediate Release

Contact: Euralis Lopez

347 632 4542

lopeze@a-lista.org

Over 30 Corporate Executives to attend the LISTA 2^nd Annual Humanitarian Mission and Hispanic Workforce Summit in Dominican Republic on May 28^th – June 1^st 2008

May 27, 2008, New York, NY— LISTA will conduct it’s second Humanitarian Mission and Hispanic Workforce Summit to the Dominican Republic on May 28^th in the city of Cabarete, Dominican Republic.  This year LISTA and The Dream Project inaugurate the third technology center and for the second consecutive year will conduct a series of Teacher Training workshops on lesson planning, English as a second language, and the use of technology to enhance the teaching experience for the students of the Dream Schools.  LISTA has secured the support of an impressive delegation including, Dominicans on Wall Street, Dominican American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, HITN Television, Society of Hispanic Engineers and the Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce.

“LISTA and its partners continue to help bridge the digital divide and help develop new technology businesses in the Cabarete Area. Through these events we bring empowerment and knowledge transfer and with the help of big business we will develop this region into a thriving business community in the upcoming years,” says Jose Marquez, LISTA CEO. “This is a mission of hope and love, it is up to us to all to change the perception of technology in our community, the time is NOW!”

LISTA will also hold the second Annual Hispanic Workforce Summit to help develop the Dominican workforce community in Cabarete. “As the Dominican population continues to grow in the United States, it is clear that a significant part of the future workforce will be from the Dominican Republic,” commented Jon Wunderlich, Director of Operations at Project Dream, “this summit will help bring economic stability and sustainability of Cabarete business entrepreneurs, it is imperative to further develop the skills of Dominican students in order for them to change their future through technology.

“LISTA through these workshops and summit will make an economic impact and give the students the tech and business skills needed to embrace the opportunities which will be on the horizon when they graduate” said Jose Luis Rodriguez, LISTA Chair.

LISTA’s mission to educate motivate and empower continues to bring hope and the promise of highly skilled workers, young professionals and small business owners for the future of the region.”

“This is still a small program which has been supported strictly by our members. We can all do more to help develop one of the poorest areas in this country and turn it into a thriving business community,” said LISTA NYTC President Robert Abreu. “We truly believe that with more community involvement this mission will yield even more results.”

Corporate leaders, Hispanic non-profit executives from across the country are expected to come together at the Hispanic Workforce Summit to discuss technology usage in the class room, best practices, and explore strategies to develop skilled technology workers, professionals and better access to technology for small businesses.  This summit continues to attract significant interest from local and national organizations across the country. There is a sense of anticipation of what viable solutions, recommendations or best practices will come out of this summit

LISTA’s Humanitarian Mission and Workforce Summit Speakers Include:

Ambassador Patricia Sortier, Canadian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic

Felix Ortiz, New York State Assemblyman

Robert Abreu, VP Goldman Sachs

Kevin Manning, Immediate Past President American Chamber of Commerce

Carlos Gonzalez, CEO, Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce

Jose Luis Rodriguez, LISTA Chair and President/CEO HITN

Dora Maria Abreu, SHPE Vice President

Jose Marquez, President and CEO, LISTA

Jon Wunderlich, Dominican Operation Director, Dream Project

Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA) have donated computers to the area schools of Cabarete and Batey in the Dominican Republic through the Dream Project, as part of LISTA’s international outreach program for many years along with supplying educational instruction to further develop technology professionals in the area, conducting workshops for students and teachers in English as Second Language, math and sciences.

LISTA IS SPONSORED BY: AETNA, AT&T, COMCAST, CAPITALWIRE DELTA AIRLINES, MACY’s, MICROSOFT , NCTA, NIELSEN MEDIA, PHRMA, STAPLES, STATEFARM and VERIZON.

About Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA) LISTA Mission is to educate, motivate and encourage the use of technology in the Latino community and empowering them to bridge the digital divide. Founded in 2004 LISTA promotes the utilization of the technology sectors for the empowerment of the Latino community. We are an organization that is committed to bringing various elements of Technology under one central hub to facilitate our partners, members and the community with the leverage and education they need to succeed in a highly advanced technologically driven society. www.a-lista.org

About The Dominican Republic Education And Mentoring (DREAM) Project is a US 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides equitable access to quality education for children born into poverty in rural areas and small communities of the Dominican Republic by combining volunteerism, international awareness, and community involvement into a sustainable support system” www.domincandream.org

One company reaping the rewards is avVenta Worldwide, which has 415 employees in San Jose, Costa Rica; Kiev, Ukraine; and London, as well as Charleston, S.C. Since avVenta launched in 2005, it has built a business out of doing behind-the-scenes production work on Web ads for the agencies that work with some of the world’s biggest marketers, including General Motors, Microsoft and Bank of America, at rates about 20% to 50% lower than what agencies pay for similar work in the U.S., ad executives say.

AvVenta, a play on the Italian phrase “to go forward,” usually doesn’t come up with the creative ideas behind the ads it produces — it doesn’t fine-tune the ad copy or pick which pictures, graphics or animations should be included in the campaigns. In fact, it usually doesn’t even have direct relationships with the marketers. Instead, ad agencies mostly based in the U.S. dictate the specifications for the design of Web sites, digital ads and other online promotions.”*

Match.com, an operating business of IAC , today announced two new distribution partnerships, the first with ninemsn, Australia’s leading online media company and the second with Terra, Latin America’s largest internet portal. Both partnerships will significantly expand Match.com’s international presence and solidify its position as the global leader in online dating

In Australia, Match.com was chosen by ninemsn, a joint venture between Microsoft Corp and PBL media, to become the exclusive integrated dating provider on ninemsn. Under the agreement, Match.com will reach an audience of more than eight million people a month in Australia and expects to significantly increase its market share in the country.

The new service, “ninemsn dating provided by Match.com” is fully integrated within the ninemsn network, including Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Messenger Today and Windows Live Spaces.

“We are thrilled to partner with ninemsn. The decision to select Match.com as their exclusive online dating partner further validates the strength of our product and fortifies our global partnership with MSN,” said Thomas Enraght-Moony, CEO of Match.com.

In Latin America, Match.com is partnering with Terra, the region’s largest internet portal. With this partnership, Match.com will be the exclusive online dating provider for Terra’s sites in 18 countries across Latin America, including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Columbia, Venezuela and Peru. This new agreement extends the Company’s existing relationship with Terra, under which Match.com is the exclusive online dating provider for Terra in the United States. In total, Match.com will now have access to Terra’s 56 million unique site visits a month across all of the Americas.

“The opportunity to be affiliated with a company like Terra is incredibly exciting and we’re so pleased to be partnering with them. The partnership is truly a testament to the strengths of our product, our international team and the ability to apply our expertise to optimize the service at a very local level,” continued Enraght-Moony.

Match.com’s international business continues to be a key driver of the Company’s success. In Q1 2008, Match.com saw an eight percent growth in international subscribers and a twelve percent growth in revenue per subscriber. Match.com currently operates more than 37 local country sites in 15 languages, and the company’s reach spans six continents.”

Microsoft Vida Digital Latina Campaign

LISTA and Microsoft embarks on a three city tour with LISTA to

bring free technology education to the U.S. Hispanic community

New York, NY — May 13, 2008 — Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association and Microsoft Windows Vista announced today the official launch of the Vida Digital Latina (VDL) campaign to promote computer literacy among Hispanics. Microsoft Corp. joined forces with Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association, an organization founded to close the digital divide among Latino communities and prepare the next generation of technology professional. Together they will offer free computer literacy education to Hispanics in Miami, New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The LISTA Tech Trends Breakfast Series is free to members and non members alike, Spanish language classes will be offered in each market and highlight the safety features of Windows Vista and the overall program benefits.

“As our community continues to grow we are seeing more progress, however the adoption of technology in the home and businesses are still lacking. We must continue to leverage education and technology to succeed in a highly advanced technologically driven society. Microsoft continues to lead the way with innovative technologies and their commitment to diversity in the workplace and bridging the digital divide is to be commended. LISTA is excited to collaborate with Microsoft and address the digital divide,” said Jose Marquez, LISTA National President/CEO.

As part of the breakfast series LISTA member and technology expert, Jose Ulloa (Latino Cyber Guy) will join local Vista Ambassadors to share their expertise and personal stories on integrating technology and Vista into their daily lives.

“Latinos are more likely to adapt to new technology such as computers, mobile phones, cameras, MP3 players and game consoles than the general market consumer,” says Jose Ulloa on behalf of Microsoft’s Vida Digital Latina program.

According to a Forrester study conducted in November 2007, 57% of Hispanics expressed positive attitudes towards technology. The LISTA Technology Trends Breakfast “Vida Digital Latina” platform was created to further engage and increase technology education among U.S. Latinos. Windows Vista classes and presentations are free and open to the public and will be held on the following dates:

· Miami FL: (May 14^th, Jobing.com Offices, 8:30am) Click Here

· San Francisco, CA: (May 20^th, Hilton San Francisco, 8:30am) Click Here

· Los Angeles, CA: (June 11^th, VACE, 8:30am)

“Microsoft is excited to partnering with LISTA to further promote computer literacy and educational outreach among the Hispanics community. Together, we hope to empower Hispanics to use technology in ways that allow them to advance in the workplace, promote communication with loved ones back home and retain valuable family memories,” said Jose Pinero, Microsoft Director of Multicultural Marketing. “By entering these markets and providing interactive events that allows the Hispanic community to engage and learn one-on-one, we hope to increase awareness of technology tools that widely go unused or unnoticed.”

Windows Vista provides innovative tools to help create a safer computing environment for the family and allow parents to better manage and monitor their children’s PC and Internet activities. Parents can manage and monitor PC and Internet access with a few simple clicks in the new Windows Vista Parental Controls center and decide what kinds of TV, music and games are appropriate for their children.

ABOUT LISTA

LISTA Mission is to educate, motivate and encourage the use of technology in the Latino community and empowering them to bridge the digital divide. Founded in 2004 LISTA promotes the utilization of the technology sectors for the empowerment of the Latino community. We are an organization that is committed to bringing various elements of Technology under one central hub to facilitate our partners, members and the community with the leverage and education they need to succeed in a highly advanced technologically driven society. www.a-lista.org

For More Information Contact:

Euralis Lopez, LISTA 347 632 4542 lopeze@a-lista.org

Microsoft Corp. today announced the official launch of the Vida Digital Latina campaign to promote computer literacy among Hispanics. Microsoft joined forces with ASPIRA, a national nonprofit organization devoted to the education and leadership development of Latino youth, and Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA), an organization founded to close the digital divide among Latino communities. Together they will offer free computer literacy education to Hispanics in Los Angeles, Miami, New York City and San Francisco. A series of free Spanish-language classes will be offered in each market and will highlight the safety features of Windows Vista and the overall program benefits.

(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

As part of the educational seminars, technology expert and Latino cyberguy Jose Ulloa will join local Windows Vista Ambassadors to share their expertise and personal stories on integrating technology and Windows Vista into their daily lives.

“Latinos are more likely to adapt to new technology such as computers, mobile phones, cameras, MP3 players and game consoles than the general market consumer,” Ulloa said, on behalf of Microsoft’s Vida Digital Latina program.

The Vida Digital Latina platform was created to further engage and increase technology education among U.S. Latinos. Windows Vista classes and presentations are free and open to the public and will be held on the following dates:

*New York: April 25, Compass Community Center, Bronx, 10:30 a.m.
*Miami: May 14, Jobing.com offices, 8:30 a.m.
*San Francisco: May 20, Hilton San Francisco, 8:30 a.m.
*Los Angeles: June 11, Jobing.com offices, 8:30 a.m.

“Microsoft is excited to partner with organizations such as ASPIRA and LISTA to further promote computer literacy and educational outreach among the Hispanic community. Together, we hope to empower Hispanics to use technology in ways that allow them to advance in the workplace, promote communication with loved ones back home and retain valuable family memories,” said Jose Pinero, director of multicultural marketing at Microsoft. “By entering these markets and providing interactive events that allow the Hispanic community to engage and learn one-on-one, we hope to increase awareness of technology tools that widely go unused or unnoticed.”

Windows Vista provides innovative tools to help create a safer computing experience for the family and allow parents to better manage and monitor their children’s PC and Internet activities. Parents can manage and monitor PC and Internet access with a few simple clicks in the new Windows Vista Parental Controls center and decide what kinds of TV, music and games are appropriate for their children. New features in Windows Vista include the following:

*Parental Controls with monitoring and activity reports. Windows Vista allows parents not only to set the rules, but also to supervise how the rules are followed by the different users of a Windows Vista-equipped PC. The new monitoring system provides parents with reports that show computer activity and time online per user, and also has the ability to limit Internet access to certain times for specific users.

*Multilingual User Interface. Windows Vista Ultimate edition with Multilingual User Interface allows users to keep one or several languages installed on the same computer. Now, depending on the user, the Windows menus can appear in English or Spanish.

*Windows Media Center music. With the Windows Media Center in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate, consumers are the disc jockeys of their own music and can control the mood. Users will be able to find their music by looking at the compact disc covers on screen. They can select music by genre, artist, year, song or album, and can then transfer it to their MP3 player or sound system, or burn a CD with their favorite mix.

*Windows Aero graphical interface. The new Windows Aero user interface offers special features, such as the “glass” effect that makes a clear and transparent difference by allowing users to locate information at a glance. In addition, with live thumbnails, users can take a look at the content of a given window from the taskbar, without fully opening that particular window. “*

Phoenix will be buzzing this year as Hispanic Business Media will once again proudly host the 6th Annual Woman of the Year Awards. The luxurious JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa will be aglow with attendees, including CEO’s, business owners, government officials and other elite contributors. The event is to be held on Thursday, May 22, 2008 to honor the distinguished achievements of 20 successful and inspirational U.S. Hispanic women. The accomplishments of these women include substantial strides in business, government and academia.

This event begins with a Daytime Symposium & Networking Luncheon. Two separate, informative sessions are offered this year and provide direct access to the top 20 nominees. A morning panel addresses, “Key Influences in the Formative Years,” followed shortly by the afternoon session featuring a roundtable session entitled, “Building a Career.” In addition, Brigida Benitez, Partner at WilmerHale & Hispanic Business magazine’s 2005 Woman of the Year, will deliver the keynote speech on, “The Journey: College Admissions to Workplace Achievement.” The Symposium at the WOY Awards has consistently offered an outstanding opportunity to learn, network and find inspiration among peers and mentors.

The nominees scheduled to attend and speak at this exclusive daytime event are: Jennifer Hernandez (Partner, National Environmental Team Co-Chair — Holland & Knight), Marta Brito Perez (Chief Human Capital Officer — AstraZeneca), Dr. Diana M. Bonta (Vice President of Public Affairs — Kaiser Permanente), Lora Villarreal (Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer — Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.) and Martha Bejar (Corporate Vice President for the Communications Sector — Microsoft).

The informative and exciting Daytime Symposium is followed by the elegant Gala and Award Ceremony where the Woman of the Year will be honored. This prestigious event is proudly presented by Liberty Mutual. Other elite sponsors include The Microsoft Corporation, American Airlines (official airline of the WOY) and Land Rover.

About Hispanic Business Media:
Now celebrating over a quarter century as an award-winning publishing and information services company, Hispanic Business Media is the nation’s leading source of information for and about Hispanic professionals and entrepreneurs. Hispanic Business magazine is the company’s flagship publication. Other entities include www.HispanicBusiness.com , www.HireDiversity.com , HispanTelligence(R), and Hispanic Business Events, including the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Gala (EOY) and the Woman of the Year Awards (WOY).
“*

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

Microsoft Corp.’s Zune team today announced an industry-leading collaboration with MSN Latino and partnership with Remezcla.com to be the exclusive music sponsor for each site. The partnership will bring together the most trusted, renowned and visited sites among the Hispanic community, creating a powerful tool for artists to authentically connect with online consumers. The new co-branded online platform will launch on April 15, maximizing the reach among Hispanic and Spanish-language online sites.

The new alliance lets consumers discover new music and artists in an environment that’s familiar, while giving them a convenient and consistent purchase experience through Zune Marketplace. Through the announced digital platform, Zune and these cross-promoters will gain a significant reach and breadth among the Hispanic online community.

“For artists it means getting maximum exposure through prominent sites and through a digital storefront,” said Denisse Guerrero, lead singer of the Mexican electropop band, Belanova. “We’re thrilled that we’re able to work with Zune to expose our music to fans through various online avenues.”

Belanova will have prominent placement on the Zune Marketplace homepage and be artist of the month on MSN Latino in May.

“Zune continues its commitment to Latin artists and to the Hispanic community,” said Javier Farfan, the senior manager of Lifestyle Marketing for Zune. “Through these business arrangements, Zune will continue to offer Latino music lovers the artists’ information and industry content they care about through Zune, Zune Marketplace and the Zune Social.”

The arrangement with MSN Latino gives Zune the exclusive naming rights to MSN Latino’s music channel, which will be rebranded as Zune Musica through 2009. The collaboration between Zune and MSN Latino will include all pages within the MSN Latino Zune Musica music channel including editorial, graphics, photos, in-page video, special-event coverage and sponsorships related to music, such as the Latin Grammys and Latin Billboard Music awards. Additional support provided by the Zune-MSN Latino collaboration will include a Zune-branded artist of the month and deep links into Zune Marketplace when users want to buy music of featured artists.

“We’re excited to join Zune in its digital expansion,” said Mike DeGennaro, national sales manager for MSN Latino. “Our site has an eclectic mixture of content, and this collaboration with Zune, musically, will only enhance our content.”"

Latin America can serve as a training ground for solving massive health crises in Africa, but to spur development in the region, countries must invest more in education, Bill Gates said Friday at the annual meeting of the hemisphere’s largest development bank.

The Microsoft Corp. chairman told Inter-American Development Bank President Luis Alberto Moreno that he believes as many as 12 major diseases such as malaria that plague poor Latin American communities could be reduced or eliminated in the coming years through a combination of public-private partnerships.”*

*From: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

The 49th Annual Meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which will be held in Greater Miami April 4-8, will bring together high-level government officials, star CEOs and international celebrities, among them U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.

“I am pleased to participate in an event that is bringing world-class business and government leaders together. With such close commercial and social ties to Latin America, Miami is the ideal venue for this meeting,” Gutierrez said. The Annual Meeting of the IDB is the premier forum on Latin American finance, trade, and economic development.

Secretary Gutierrez will deliver a keynote address as part of a panel on competitiveness in the Americas, which will highlight the IDB’s role in building member nations’ capacity for maintaining and expanding economic activity in an environment of rapidly changing trade conditions.

Others participating in the competitiveness panel include Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete Lopez, president of Telefonica Latin America; Juan Cento, president of FedEx Express Latin America and Caribbean Division; Danilo Astori, Minister of Economy of Uruguay; Rui da Costa, Managing Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of Hewlett Packard; Manu Bhaskaran, a member of the Knowledge Panel at MasterCard; and Andres Velasco, Minister of Economy and Finance of Chile.

According to Jorge L. Arrizurieta, Chairman of the IDB Miami 2008 Host Committee and former Alternate U.S. Executive Director of the IDB, the panel on competitiveness is one of many groundbreaking events scheduled for the Annual Meeting. Others include a seminar on private philanthropy, an event on youth as agents of change, a panel on infrastructure, and a seminar on confronting natural disasters.

“This historic event will again allow Miami to unite the private and public sectors of Latin America and the Caribbean, further highlighting our role as a business center for the region,” Arrizurieta said.

A forum on the role of private philanthropy in development will feature a keynote address from Microsoft founder Bill Gates and remarks by IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno. Preceding these appearances, Alberto Ibarguen, President and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, will moderate a panel of high-level executives including Emilio Azcarraga, Chairman of Televisa; Christina Gold, President and CEO of Western Union; and Bill Rhodes, Vice Chair Citi. Cesar Alierta, Chairman of Telefonica International, will make a presentation.

“The IDB wants to become the region’s preferred partner in private sector development, bringing additional benefits such as mobilization of private bank funds, improved corporate governance and compliance with environmental standards,” said IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno. “We want to be closer to our customers and build strategic alliances with governments, privates sector companies and NGOs to bring the benefits of growth to the 70 percent of the population who earn less than $3000 a year.”

General Anthony Zinni, Vice President of DynCorp and former CENTCOM Commander, will speak on response and preparedness for natural disasters, a priority of the IDB and an important safeguard of human welfare in the region. Joining General Zinni on the panel will be Roberto Velluntini, Sector Manager, Infrastructure & Environment Dept. IDB; Omar Dario Cardona, a consultant for the IDB on natural disaster issues; Lorenza Martinez Trigueros, General Manager of insurance at the Mexican treasury (Secretaria de Hacienda y Credito Publico); Anne Hassberger, Deputy Head for International Financial Institutions, Federal Dept. of Foreign Affairs, Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (Moderator).

“Latin America and the Caribbean are a very important partner,” Zinni said. “I am excited to accept the Host Committee’s invitation to share my views on how to prepare and mitigate natural disasters. This is of vital importance to the development and growth of the region and ultimately it impacts people the most.”

As part of the forum Celebrities and Youth as Agents of Change, the IDB and MTV Latin America will present the U.S. premier of their television program on youth as agents of change. The program celebrates youth whose leadership has made a difference in their community. As part of a roundtable discussion led by Generation Engage, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing political awareness among young people, Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson will participate in an iChat dialogue with youth leaders. The President of MTV Latin America, Pierluigi Gazzolo, will speak about the impact of the program.

A panel on opportunities and challenges for private investment in infrastructure in the Americas will bring together a number of distinguished private and public sector leaders, including Robert Mosbacher, President of the Overseas Investment Corporation; Manny Diaz, Mayor of the City of Miami; Felipe Montoro Jens, Head of Project and Structure Finance of Odebrecht; Alberto Aleman Zubieta, CEO, Panama Canal Authority; Carlos Contreras, Executive Managing Director, Caja Madrid; Javier Falces, General Manager, Global Via Infraestructuras; and John Gage, Chief Researcher and Director of the Science Office, Sun Microsystems; Sergio Cabral, Governor, State of Rio de Janeiro; Daniel Scioli, Governor, Buenos Aires; Norman Anderson, CEO, CG/LA Infrastructure; Lic. Federico Patino, Director of the Mexican National Infrastructure Fund. “*

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

WHAT:
Piedra, Papel y Tijera (Rock, Paper & Scissors), a DIRECTV initiative in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Microsoft aimed at transforming the physical infrastructure of schools and educational centers while promoting the development of low-income communities throughout Latin America. The inaugural activity under this initiative will take place in the U.S. bringing together local key partners, Winmar Construction and Hands On Miami, as they physically transform the Latinos United in Action Center in the City of Miami. Details on the initiative will be provided during the inaugural youth volunteer event launching at the IDB’s Annual Meeting in Miami.

Executives from DIRECTV, IDB, Microsoft, Winmar Construction and Hands On Miami and other partners will unveil the newly renovated community center. The makeover and inaugural ceremony will be filmed as part of a television special to be broadcast exclusively on DIRECTV in the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean in the Summer/Fall 2008.

WHEN:

Thursday, April 3, 2008 @ 3:00pm - Makeover Unveiling Ceremony

WHERE:
3321 NW 17 Ave., Miami, Florida, Latinos United in Action Center

WHO:

Piedra, Papel y Tijera partners: Luis Alberto Moreno, IDB President; Manny Díaz, Mayor of the City of Miami; Jacopo Bracco, Senior Vice President, DIRECTV Latin America; Ralph Young, Vice President of Worldwide Public Sector of Microsoft; Edwin Villegas, President of Winmar Construction; Gilbert Fiorentino, CEO of CompUSA/TigerDirect; Patrick Morris, President of Hands On Miami, as well as other local government representatives, community leaders and officials from other partner organizations (Hispanics in Philanthropy, Service for Peace, Generation Engage, Genius and Global & National Youth Service Day). “*

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

LATINA Style Magazine, the premier magazine addressing the needs of established Latina & Women entrepreneurs in the U.S., will kick off the 2008 LATINA Style Business Series(LSBS) 10 Year Anniversary Tour in Anaheim on Friday April 11, 2008, from 8:00am - 4:00pm at the Doubletree Guest Suites, Anaheim Resort/Convention Center located in 2085 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA.

For the 2008 Kick-off LATINA Style has assembled high profile Latina Leaders in their industry to Co-Chair the Anaheim Business Series. Event Co-Chairs include Maria de Lourdes “Lulu” Sobrino, Founder & CEO of Lulu’s Desserts; a company ranked among the largest and fastest growing Hispanic-owned businesses in the U. S. and the first company to distribute ready-to-eat gelatin desserts. Lulu is also the author of “Thriving Latina Entrepreneurs in America” and was recently a featured speaker at the Microsoft Small Business Summit.

Theresa Ynzunza, National President of National Latina Business Women’s Association whose mission is to promote, develop and support the rapid growth of Latina business owners and professionals as well as create more representation, visibility, and business development, networking and mentoring opportunities for Latinas in the world of business and at the executive levels throughout the country.

Our third co-chair is Martha Montoya, President of Los Kitos Entertainment, LLC. Currently, this unique media enterprise has three main divisions: syndication, licensing and utilizing the characters to bring edu-entertainment to the U.S. Hispanic community. Los Kitos cartoon strip can be read daily in newspapers worldwide, enjoyed on the Internet, and heard in America and abroad through a daily and weekly radio broadcast in Univision Radio and Organization of Americas States.

The event includes exhibits and expert presenters who will speak on the topics of, “Securing Capital to Build Capacity,” “Protecting You and Your Investments,” “Positioning Your Company for Success in the Supply Chain,” “Successful Marketing Strategies to Sell You and Your Business,” and “Latina Entrepreneur Spotlight: Lessons Learned.” These women will share the obstacles they’ve overcome, their secret to work life balance and how they stay motivated in their business. The audience will have the opportunity to interact with all of our panelists during the luncheon.

The LATINA Style Business Series is the most successful ongoing business development program for Latina business owners in the nation. Over 17,000 Latina entrepreneurs and professionals have benefited from participating in this exciting and informative one-day business program since it first launched in 1998. The focus of the 2008 Series will be to provide a platform for women business owners who are looking to position their enterprises to succeed at the next level.

The 2008 LSBS title sponsor is Macy’s Inc. National sponsors include Principal Financial, Sam’s Club, State Farm Insurance, UnitedHealthcare, Wal-Mart.

Registration fee includes dynamic panels, high power networking opportunities in the exhibit area, breakfast, lunch, commemorative gift bag and a two-year subscription to LATINA Style Magazine, fo