Past Event Coverage

The 5th Annual National LATINA Symposium, 2008

The National LATINA Symposium highlights and celebrates Latina empowerment of all sectors in the United States. This year, the 5th Annual National LATINA Symposium welcomed incredible determined Latinas to share their success story on Friday, September 5th at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.

As attendees came together to honor such accomplishments, with pride they read the words of event chair, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). “I commend the symposium for its focus on providing Hispanic women with much-needed guidance on how to maximize their leadership potential, regardless of their chosen career path,” she said. “This year’s attendees will have the opportunity to meet and learn from Latina leaders from across our great nation, including executive branch officials, corporate leaders, as well as the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the United States Marine Corps.”

Recognizing the commitment for the betterment of Latinas as well as the launch of the LATINA Style health Web site were presented during the leadership breakfast. The Web site, http://www.latinastyle. com/health/ introduced by Martita Mestey, president & CEO of iWeev, is one of the many accomplishments celebrated at this significant event. The portal was received with great pride and enthusiasm.

Enjoying what you do is an important aspect on anyone’s career, which according to Hassler is a key to success. “Live a life in a purposeful way, and make great strides and love being a leader,” she said. “Have a good support system and have a constant drive for achievement.”

This year, to further expand the gateway to empowerment in the military, the panel “Discipline, Commitment, Courage: Applying Military Skills to Everyday Life,” addressed issues that pertain to Latinas serving in the U.S. military. Moderated by Captain Kathlene Contres, Commandant of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, U.S. Navy, introduced some of the most successful Latinas in the military. Panelists included Lieutenant Kim Cota-Robles, diversity directorate, U.S. Navy; Colonel Lisa Firmin, Commander, Reserve officer Training Corps Detachment 842, U.S. Air Force; Lieutenant Commander Patricia T. Mitrowski, Response Department Head for SECTOR Baltimore, U.S. Coast Guard and Major Lina M. Downing, U.S. Marine Corps. During this unique session, Latinas of all branches unified and empowered each other by offering insights and advice on leadership, self-development and reaching their potential.

Defining success, assessment of your strength and weakness, balancing home, family and career were some of the key points mentioned during the third panel of the day, “Achieving Your Potential.” Moderator Carmen Bauza, VP/DMM Confections/ Front End Impulse for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. introduced panelists Jennifer Sevilla-Korn, U.S. Department of Justice; Cristina Lopez, president of the National Hispana Leadership Institute; and Anne Alonzo, vice president, Corporate & Legal Affairs, Kraft Foods.
According to Lopez, having a strong sense of purpose and a clear vision of what you want is important to become successful in life. Her advice is to assess strengths, weaknesses, set goals, commit, seek mentors and to not procrastinate. “Take that first step, it’s never too late,” she said.

Alonzo advised Latinas to “focus, follow-up, be disciplined and to do what you love with positive energy.”

Following the enlightening workshops, attendees gathered to network and exchange information during the “Business Opportunity Expo.” The Symposium followed by the Distinguished Service Awards Luncheon, which LATINA Style co-hosted with the Department of Defense.