CHCI Announces 2011 Hispanic Heritage Month Events and Theme "Keeping the Promise: Unity, Strength, Leadership"

Latin America - español

News provided by

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

May 31, 2011, 10:15 ET

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CHCI today announced September 11-14 as the dates for its 2011 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in Washington, D.C. with the theme "Keeping the Promise: Unity, Strength, Leadership." CHCI hosts the nation's premier events commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM), which draw more than 3,000 Latino leaders from across the country to its Public Policy Conference, Reyes of Comedy, and Annual Awards Gala. Registration for CHCI HHM events is now available at www.chci.org.

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"CHCI has been keeping the promise of the American dream to Latino youth for more than 33 years now," said Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez, CHCI Chair. "This year's Hispanic Heritage Month theme and events reflect the strength and immense contributions of Latinos to the United States while focusing on the unity and leadership we must continue to develop to ensure the future success of this great nation. We expect a record turnout this year to hear members of Congress, cabinet secretaries, and other national leaders address the integral role Latinos will play in 21st century America across all sectors of the economy."

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 - October 15. For CHCI, it also represents an opportunity to feature its highly competitive and nationally acclaimed Latino youth leadership development programs, including two fellowship programs, a congressional internship program, scholarship awards, and a college readiness program, Ready to Lead (R2L) for high school students.

CHCI kicks off its 2011 Hispanic Heritage Month events with its annual Public Policy Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 11-13. The conference assembles Latino leaders, experts and scholars to participate in timely discussions of major policy issues affecting the Latino community. This year, CHCI Chair Charles A. Gonzalez will be joined by administration officials, Congressional Hispanic Caucus members, and national leaders in their fields. Key issues on the agenda include: corporate responsibility, education, green economy, health, housing and financial services, immigration reform, international relations, job creation and workforce training, labor, redistricting, and technology and media. To complement the conference, CHCI's Ready to Lead (R2L) program educates and engages high school students in policy discussions while preparing them for college. Job and internship seekers can visit CareerLider LIVE on September 12 to interact with recruiters about employment opportunities and strategic initiatives spearheaded by participating companies and organizations.

On September 13, CHCI will hold its 11th Annual Reyes of Comedy, taking place at the historic Warner Theatre. This popular event features both established Latino comedians as well as emerging Latino talent for a night of exceptional entertainment. Proceeds benefit CHCI's youth leadership development programs.

The closing and premier event of the conference is CHCI's 34th Annual Awards Gala to be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 14. This prestigious dinner recognizes CHCI's highest honors and celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of Latino leaders who are giving back to their communities. The Gala draws more than 3,000 guests including federal and local elected officials, corporate and nonprofit leaders, and celebrities.

2011 Hispanic Heritage Month Registration is now available.

Important Dates
September 11-13
CHCI Public Policy Conference
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C.

September 13
11th Annual Reyes of Comedy
Warner Theatre
Washington, D.C.

September 12
Ready to Lead (R2L)
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C.

September 14
CHCI 34th Annual Awards Gala
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C.

About CHCI

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c) (3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771, visit www.chci.org, or join us on Facebook, Twitter (chci), LinkedIn, and YouTube.

SOURCE Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute