National Council of La Raza (NCLR)

On March 9-10, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) held the NCLR National Latino Advocacy Days. Latino advocates representing more than 100 organizations from 28 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico came to Washington, DC to participate. During the event, NCLR launched the Pledge for Respect campaign, asking members of Congress to sign a pledge to respect the Latino community, commit to encouraging civil discourse in the political process, and publicly oppose irresponsible rhetoric that dehumanizes and scapegoats Latinos. Presenters during the program included: Janet Murguía, president and CEO, NCLR; Cecilia Muñoz, White House director of Intergovernmental Affairs, to name a few.

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC)

On March 28th-30th the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) hosted its 21st Annual Legislative Summit at the Washington Hotel in Washington D.C. The Legislative Summit is one of the leading forums representing the interests and the agenda of the Hispanic business community. Additional highlights of the Annual Legislative Summit included Small Business and Healthcare Plenaries and the Business Case for Sensible Immigration Reform Luncheon. Participants had the opportunity to hear from political leaders and visit with key legislators and policy makers. Additionally, for the first time the Summit included a business matchmaking session, emphasizing procurement opportunities with federal agencies.

Latino Leaders Network (LLN)

On Tuesday, March 22, the Latino Leaders Network (LLN), a platform for prominent Latinos to network with each other held its Latino Leaders Luncheon Seriesâ„¢ in Washington D.C., honoring actor, director and educator Tony Plana, one of the stars of the hit ABC television series Ugly Betty. Plana was born in Havana, Cuba and emigrated to the United States in 1960. He is the co-founder and executive artistic director of the East L.A. Classic Theatre, a group comprised primarily of Hispanic American theatre professionals. For the past 10 years, the East L.A. Classic Theatre has been dedicated to serving the Latino community through educational outreach programs to primary and secondary schools and through bi-lingual productions of traditional and contemporary classics.