Announcing the LATINA Style 50 companies is one of the highlights of the year for us. Our review of the most prominent companies in our country is a year-long process that involves extensive research. We are particularly sensitive to the accuracy of this report since so many Latinas have indicated that they use our list as a primary source of information on the companies they would like to work for. We take very seriously the trust that you have placed on us and you can rest assured that the companies profiled have a genuine interest in your success. This year, there was significant upheaval on the rankings. After looking at last year’s list, many of you may be wondering why so much movement and change? The short answer is the economy. Many of the companies experienced significant reductions on the number and percentages of Latinas in executive positions. We looked at the change in numbers and if this negatively affected the percentage of Latinas in key positions, this was reflected in their ranking. As the economy rebounds, I am sure the rankings will be adjusted accordingly. Marriott International, Inc. captured the top position as “Company of the Year.� In spite of an unstable economy and with unemployment at an all time high, Marriott has managed to grow and continue to nurture Latina achievement in their ranks. We congratulate them on their achievement and look forward to their award presentation this coming February 3rd, 2011 during the LATINA Style 50 Awards and Diversity Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. In our continuing series on opportunities for Latinas in the Federal Government we continue to face the sad reality that employment parity for Hispanics is nowhere to be seen. We have reviewed a number of federal agencies looking for signs of change. None, I’m afraid, is coming any time soon. The agencies that we have profiled at least are making an attempt. We will continue our series in upcoming issues. Also on our on-going series on “Greening America� we continue to evaluate some of the most creative initiatives in corporate America’s efforts to “go green.� Business opportunities and careers of the future are closely related to these efforts, we encourage you to learn about these companies, it will make a difference when you graduate or start looking for a job or a contract for your company. As we prepare for Hispanic Heritage Month across the country, we cannot but wonder if Immigration Reform will come anytime soon. Arizona’s efforts to control the undocumented immigration resulted in a clash of State vs. Federal rights. Immigration is an issue that can only be resolved by Congress and we hope they do it soon. The new effort here in D.C. is to make a constitutional change to declare the children of undocumented immigrants born in the U.S., non-citizens. You may think; no way! But believe me, if we choose not to speak, not to register and not to vote, this may happen sooner than you think. On a final note, Associate Justice Elena Kagan was confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court. We congratulate her and wish her great success. Robert E. Bard