Latinos in the News

Boise State recognized for increasing diversity in engineering program

BOISE — Boise State has seen a 36% increase in enrollment of Hispanic students and a 28% increase for female student enrollment since 2014.

For more story, link to KIVI Boise PHOTO COURTESY OF KIVI Boise On Your Side

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ECHO 2019 Scholarship Recipients

The Elmore County Hispanic Organization offered four $500 scholarship awards for the academic year 2019-2020. Thank you to all the well-qualified applicants for their scholarship submissions.

ECHO takes great pride in announcing the recipients of the 2019 ECHO Scholarship Award as follows:

Camille Ochoa Oscar Sanchez Jailyn Figueroa Misael Soto

Congratulations to all the recipients of this year's award!

Elmore County Hispanic Organization
Scholarship Committee

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David Estrada Named New Associate Director for Center for Advanced Energy Studies

Assistant Professor David Estrada has been named the new associate director for the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES). Estrada has been a faculty member in the Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering since 2013, and also was recently awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Award.

For more story, link to Boise State News PHOTO COURTESY OF Boise State News

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Minidoka schools recognize Employees of the Year

April 22, 2019

RUPERT — The Minidoka County School District Board of Trustees recently recognized the following Employees of the Year: Rosa Nunez as Classified Employee of the Year, Abbie Vogt as Certified Teacher of the Year and Kimberley Kidd as Administrator of the Year.

For more story, link to MinidokaValley.Com PHOTO COURTESY OF MINIDOKA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Newsmakers: The local high schooler accepted to Princeton with a full-ride

January 13, 2019

Eastern Idaho — In this edition of East Idaho Newsmakers, Nate Eaton talks with Ivan Ruiz. He’s a Skyline High School student who was recently admitted to Princeton University with a financial award that covers his full tuition and housing.

For more story, link to EastIdahoNews.com Picture by EastIdahoNews.com

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Fostering partnerships and paying the bills

December 23, 2018

Lewiston — In 2017, Lewiston voters approved a $59.8 million bond to construct a new high school.

Its passage followed failures of similar measures in 2010 and 2011. Key to the latest bond’s success was a partnership between the Lewiston School District and Lewis-Clark State College.

For more story, link to The Lewiston Tribune Picture by Commissioner Erica Allen

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Pesky Awards Will Honor Four K-12 Teachers During Winter Commencement

By: Anna Webb Published 11:29 am / December 7, 2018

BOISE — Each year, Boise State’s College of Education join Alan and Wendy Pesky, founders of the Lee Pesky Learning Center, in honoring outstanding and inspirational K-12 teachers in Idaho.

“Mr. Salamanca was the reason many parents who belong to the Hispanic community began to get involved in the education of their children. I consider Mr. Salamanca the bridge the community needed between Anglos and Hispanics.” The Peskys founded the Lee Pesky Learning Center in 1997 in honor of their son Lee, who passed away in 1995 at age 30 from a brain tumor. As a child, Lee had to learn skills to overcome processing and dysgraphia, a problem with organizing letters, numbers and words on a line or page. The nonprofit center, headquartered in Boise, serves mainly children and some adults with learning disabilities, as well as those from economically challenged homes. The center also provides educational services for Idaho teachers. “There is a lot of opportunity to make things better in the area of public education in Idaho,” said Pesky. “My wife and I feel strongly that at this stage in our life, this is where our greatest enjoyment is – benefitting children, and especially those who will benefit the most from education.”

For more story, link to Boise State University Update. Picture is from Boise State University Update

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After years in prison, former gang member helping others turn their lives around Peter Vasquez dedicated himself to turning his life around, and in 2006, started a nonprofit in Idaho called Second Chance Grace.

Author: Maggie O'Mara
Published: 3:12 PM MDT August 23, 2018
Updated: 1:31 PM MDT August 27, 2018

BOISE — Peter Vasquez has overcome a lot of adversity. He spent years in prison after a life of crime, gangs and violence. He's not proud of his past, but he served his time, and then he took advantage of a second chance at life. Now, years later, he's in the Treasure Valley devoting his life to other people who need that second chance, too.

For more story, link to ktvb.com Picture is from KTVB.com

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2018 ECHO Scholarship Recipients

On behalf of the Elmore County Hispanic Organization, we would like to announce and congratulate the recipients of the 2018 ECHO Scholarships. Natalie Moyett and Anyssa Garza are in every aspect model students and whom we have the greatest pride and honor. We have the greatest confidence in them and wish them continued success in their future college and career endeavors.

Pictures are from Elmore County Hispanic Organization

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Adolfo Andazola, Carey School alumnus, came to the United States at age 11 speaking little English. Now, he’s ISU’s ‘Undergraduate Student of the Year.'

CAREY — Ten years ago, Adolfo Andazola arrived in Carey as a sixth-grader with few English language skills.

But he quickly found his footing. In 2015, he graduated from Carey School in Blaine County as salutatorian and student body president. Now, he just wrapped up his junior year at Idaho State University and wants to become a physician.

For more story, link to MV MagicValley.com

Picture is from The MagicValley.com

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Juan Rodriguez

Juan Rodriguez was looking for an extremely specific kind of job: one where he could be a school athletic director, coach and teacher, all at once.

For more story, link to MV MagicValley.com

Picture is from The MAgicValley.com

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Sonia Galaviz

Congrats to Sonia Galaviz on becoming an @neafoundation Global Learning Fellow!

For more story, link to The NEA Foundation

Picture is from The NEA Foundation

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From Tijuana to Notre Dame, American Falls teen lives the American dream
by Devin Bodkin - 05/08/2017

Odalis Gonzalez

Odalis Gonzalez doesn’t remember driving away from her home in Tijuana, Mexico, to travel to the United States with her sister and a family acquaintance in 2003. She only knows that she entered the United States illegally — and that it left her poised for a life full of risks.

She was recently selected as American Falls High School’s 2017 valedictorian. And the university of her dreams, one of the most prestigious private schools in the nation, Notre Dame, has offered her a full-ride scholarship.

For more story link IDED News

Picture and lines are from IDED News.org

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Top Ten Scholars Award Ceremony

CHANTAL MARTINEZ

Chantal’s primary focus in her undergraduate career has been her research, having worked in Dr. Campbell’s Family Research Lab and Dr. Honts Eye-Detection Deception Lab. Additionally, as a McNair scholar, her independent research under the mentorship of Dr. Hardy and Dr. Honts, focuses on how unique personal characteristics influence social networking site preferences. Chantal has presented her research at multiple undergraduate and professional conferences across the United States and is publishing her work in the 2017 McNair Scholars Research Journal.

Beyond research, Chantal has been a teaching assistant for three different psychology courses, a student mentor at a local elementary school and a volunteer at a local nonprofit that provides job training for people facing employment barriers.

Chantal is the recipient of the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, the Boise State Department of Psychology Scholarship and the McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program Summer Fellowship.

Chantal has competed in multiple National Physique Committee (NPC) shows on both the local and national level, having placed first on two occasions.

Chantal is from Boise, Idaho

For more story link BSU Upcoming Events

Picture and lines are from Boise State University

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It’s official: Bronco Nation gets a Latino alumni chapter

Boise State’s Alumni Association just added a new group to its roster, a chapter for Latino alumni and friends.

“I am ecstatic about us being granted a chapter,” said Alicia Garza, associate professor and Spanish Section Head in the Boise State Department of World Languages.

She and a group of alumni and Boise State staffers started meeting in the spring to talk about organizing the chapter. Garza believes it’s the first of its kind at any Idaho college or university. The chapter already has 103 members.

For more story link with Idaho Statesman

Picture and lines are from Idaho Statesman

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2016 Hispanic Youth Leadership Summit Scholarship Recipients

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T.E.E.N.S. anti-tobacco group offers free summer retreat
By: Tammy Scardino, KIVI 6 On Your Side
Posted: 6:42 PM, May 29, 2016
Updated: 6:56 PM, May 29, 2016

For more information: KIVI_TV 6 On Your Side. Video courtesy of KIVI

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Jerome Debate Student in Top 1 Percent in Nation

Jerome High School student Eddy Encinas, left, practices a skit with classmate Cesar Suarez during debate class, on Friday in Jerome. Encinas is ranked in the top 1 percent of debate students in the nation.

JEROME • Jerome High School senior Eddy Encinas is ranked in the top 1 percent nationwide for speech and debate.

The ranking is compiled by the National Speech and Debate Association, based on a point system using tournament results.

It’s the first time in at least five years a Jerome student has received the premier distinction.

For more information: MagicValley.com Photo courtesy of Stephen Reiss, Times-News

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Congratulations!

On behalf of the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs we would like to congratulate the City of Wilder Newly Elected Mayor and it's City Council Members.

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Small Town Set To Swear In Idaho's First All-Latino City Council

Idaho is considered one of the most conservative states in the country. But come this January, the town of Wilder, Idaho, will swear in an all-Latino city council. It will also get its first Latina mayor. NPR's Nathan Rott traveled to Wilder to learn more about the town's changing politics.

For more information: NPR Boise State Public Radio

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Congratulations!

On behalf of the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs we would like to congratulate Christian Guerrero for his achievements. Christian was born in Durango, Mexico and moved to the United States with his family when he was five-years old. He studied his whole life in Idaho and received his B.S. in chemistry at Boise State University in December 2014. Following graduation he was awarded a research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health to investigate the role of ABC transporter proteins in the development of multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Christian will begin graduate studies in August 2015 at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for their Ph.D. program in pharmacology.

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Starting Over Again: The Refugee Experience in Boise, Idaho

In the summer of 2013, Boise State University offered an interdisciplinary documentary film class, culminating with the production of a documentary titled Latinos in Treasure Valley, Idaho. Claudia Peralta, former chair of the Department Bilingual Education at Boise State and Fulvio Orsitto, director of Italian and Italian American Studies at California State University Chico along with Italian producer and film maker Fabio Caramaschi, focused the second iteration of the class, in the summer of 2014, on the refugee experience, and the impact of refugee resettlement in the local community. The resulting film, Starting Over Again: The Refugee Experience in Boise, Idaho, can be viewed by clicking Here. In this essay, Peralta describes the pedagogy used in the class. — Eds.

For more information: The Blue Review

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Job Corps Graduate Heroes
Congratulations Honorable Judge Gutierrez!

Picture courtesy of ICHA
Click here to read the entire interview

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For more information: IDED News.org

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Two young Latina students in Idaho who meet President Barack Obama

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Hispanic job growth outpacing other groups

WASHINGTON - With the economy adding nearly 300,000 jobs in February, it's clear that the labor market is on a roll. And, perhaps surprisingly, there is no group for whom that is truer than Hispanics.

Employment among Hispanics has increased 5 percent over the past 12 months, according to the Labor Department, compared with 3.8 percent for blacks and 1.4 percent for whites. (The last figure partly reflects the rising number of retirements among the aging white population.)

Of all the country's major racial and ethnic groups, only Hispanics, as of late last year, had returned to their unemployment levels before the recession, according to the recent Economic Report of the President.

For more information: Idaho Statesman

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2015 Leaders in Action Awards
Congratulations Honorable Judge Gutierrez!

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Latino Leaders Honors Dr. Juan Andrade

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2014 TWIN AWARDS - 21st Annual Tribute to Women and Industry

Irene Gonzalez

Congratulations on being honorded, Priscilla Salant and Irene Gonzalez!

For more information go to 2014 TWIN AWARDS

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2014 William C. "Willie" Velasquez Volunteer of the Year Award

For more information go to USHLI

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Women of the Year 2013

For more information go to IdahoBusinessReview

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IDAHO's LEAD STAFF MEMBER COMPLETES NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

For more information go to LEAD 2013 Newsletter

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IDAHO's LEAD BOARD MEMBER HONORED AS IDAHO HOMETOWN HERO

For more information go to LEAD 2013 Newsletter

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Shayla Rivera hosted ICHA's 7th Annual Hispanic Youth Summit in Caldwell, ID

Shayla has been named "Funniest Latina Comedian" by the prestigious organization "Latin 2015". Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Rivera grew up with an avid interest in science, machinery and fixing things. Rivera’s family always encouraged her to go to college and have a professional career.

Rivera attended Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering. Then she joined McDonnell-Douglas Space Systems at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, working on NASA’s shuttle and space station programs for the next eight years. Rivera left NASA to pursue her abiding interest in psychology trying to figure out what makes people tick. She became a motivational speaker and worked extensively as a corporate trainer, holding seminars on stress management for executives at companies around the country. It was while she was speaking and conducting seminars that Rivera discovered her comedic skills...actually she said "everyone told me I should be a comedian." Rivera signed up for a weekend class on stand-up comedy, and her first five minutes were a rousing success and a personal turning point. “I knew I had found what I was looking for,” Rivera recalled.

For more information or to contact Shayla Rivera go to http://shaylarivera.com/

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Stories From the Frontlines:
UI hosts journalist Maria Hinojosa
Oct. 24, 2013

Media Contact: Carmen Suarez, Office of Human Rights, Access and Inclusion, (208) 885-4285, csuarez@uidaho.edu; Kenton Bird, School of Journalism and Mass Media, (208) 885-4947, kbird@uidaho.edu; Amanda Cairo, University Communications, (208) 885-6259, acairo@uidaho.edu

***Media Availability: Maria Hinojosa will be available to meet with reporters Thursday, Oct. 24 from 1:30-2 p.m. in the SUB Ballroom. Please RSVP with Amanda Cairo at (208) 885-6259 or acairo@uidaho.edu.

MOSCOW, Idaho – Award-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, acclaimed for her coverage of issues overlooked or under-reported by traditional media, will speak at the University of Idaho Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Building Ballroom, 709 Deakin Ave. in Moscow. This event is free and open to the public.

A four-time Emmy winner, Hinojosa will present “Stories from the Frontlines: Immigration, urban reality, women and Latinos.”

“As one of the most prominent Latina journalists in our country, Maria Hinojosa has covered major stories affecting this community for the past 20 years,” said Carmen Suarez, UI’s chief diversity officer. “She is eager to share her experiences reporting on immigration, detention centers and other issues for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting System with our students.”

The Division of Diversity and Human Rights, Office of Multicultural Affairs, School of Journalism and Mass Media, and Northwest Public Radio are sponsoring Hinojosa’s visit. While on campus, she will meet with faculty and student leaders, and speak with a broadcast journalism class.

“We are thrilled to have a journalist of her caliber to show our students ways to include diverse sources in their reporting,” said Kenton Bird, director of the School of Journalism and Mass Media.

He added Hinojosa brings another perspective through her independent production company, the Futuro Media Group, where she tells stories through multi-platform and community-based journalism.

As anchor and executive producer of the NPR show “Latino USA,” Hinojosa focuses on the fast-growing Hispanic-Latino community. Previously a senior correspondent for “NOW” on PBS and currently a rotating anchor for “Need to Know,” Hinojosa’s stories include New Orleans immigrant work camps after Hurricane Katrina, female teens as victims of sexual harassment on the job and Emmy Award-winning stories of the poor in Alabama.

Hinojosa’s awards include the 2012 John Chancellor Award for Excellence in Journalism, Robert F. Kennedy Award for Reporting on the Disadvantaged, Studs Terkel Community Media Award and Edward R. Murrow Award from the Overseas Press Club for her ground-breaking documentary “Child Brides: Stolen Lives.” In 2010, she was awarded an honorary degree from DePaul University in Chicago and the Sidney Hillman Prize honoring her social and economic justice reporting.

Earlier this year, Hinojosa taught at DePaul University as the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz chair of the Latin American and Latino Studies program. She is the author of two books including a motherhood memoir, “Raising Raul: Adventures Raising Myself and My Son.” Hinojosa was born in Mexico City, raised in Chicago and received her bachelor’s degree from Barnard College. She lives with her husband, artist German Perez, and their son and daughter in New York City.

About the University of Idaho

The University of Idaho inspires students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals, and competes in the Western Athletic Conference. Through the university’s $225 million Inspiring Futures capital campaign, private giving will enhance student learning, faculty research and innovation, and a spirit of enterprise. Learn more: www.uidaho.edu

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CHCI Alumna Alejandra Ceja Appointed Director of White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

CHCI congratulates the Obama administration and the Department of Education for Ceja’s well-deserved appointment

CHCI applauds U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today for the appointment of CHCI alumna Alejandra Ceja as the new executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

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Idaho's Hispanic population growing faster than any other demographic

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Idaho's Hispanic Population Growth Moves State Forward

To understand the country's changing demographic, look no further than the state of Idaho. The Hispanic population in the state has grown by 73 percent over the past decade, according to a recent report from the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs. If it wasn't for Hispanic population growth, many of the rural counties in Idaho would be losing population.

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Nov. 28, 2012

Media Contact: Tara Roberts, University Communications-North, (208) 885-7725, troberts@uidaho.edu; Karen Hunt, University Communications-North, (208) 885-7251, klhunt@uidaho.edu

**Note to media: Photo is available upon request

Engineering Student Receives President’s Award for Minority Doctoral Candidates

In an effort to promote diversity within graduate education and recruit the best and brightest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the University of Idaho’s President’s Doctoral Scholars Award helps minority students continue their studies and research.

President M. Duane Nellis has named mechanical engineering student Anthony Rey DeLeon the recipient of this year’s award. DeLeon will receive $50,000 annually for three years, which will cover his tuition and fees and provide him a stipend. The scholarship may be renewed for a fourth year.

DeLeon, who is from Filer and is of Hispanic heritage, graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Boise State University and completed his master’s degree at BSU with a 4.0 grade-point average. He is studying for his doctorate at U-Idaho’s Boise campus, continuing research he worked on while earning his master’s. Ralph Budwig, director of Boise Engineering for U-Idaho, served on DeLeon’s thesis committee and recruited him to UI Boise.

DeLeon's research involves developing new approaches for wind forecasting simulations on affordable supercomputers to help energy companies predict shortages or surpluses of wind power. He said he is thankful for the chance to continue this important work.

“I feel greatly honored to receive such a prestigious award,” he said.

The Office of the President engages science entities across the university on the program and potential recipients. Included as partners are: Idaho Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, EPSCoR; IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, INBRE; Center for Biomedical Research Excellence COBRE; the Office of Research and Economic Development and the University of Idaho’s College of Graduate Studies.

“This award was established to provide competitive financial support on par with the best universities in the country and foster opportunities for minority doctoral students in STEM programs at the University of ldaho,” Nellis said. “Our institution is committed to be a leader in science and engineering innovation, a commitment that relies on diversity and multiculturalism to drive that innovation.”

DeLeon is the second recipient of the President’s Doctoral Scholars Award, which is given annually as long as funding is available. Funding is currently provided by Idaho EPSCoR, INBRE, and the Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, or IBEST.

About the University of Idaho

The University of Idaho inspires students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals, and competes in the Western Athletic Conference. Through the university’s $225 million Inspiring Futures capital campaign, private giving will enhance student learning, faculty research and innovation, and a spirit of enterprise. Learn more: www.uidaho.edu.

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Aberdeen, ID

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter visited the Bingham County community of Aberdeen that hosted the Capital for a Day on Tuesday, November 27th. Latina Lideres from Bingham county attended the Capital for a Day.

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Women of Today & Tomorrow

Les comparto, con sincera admiración y cariño, del premio que acaba de ser otorgado a Antonina Robles por la organización de las Girl Socuts. El premio es dado a mujeres que destacan en el impacto que tienen en el estado. Le ha sido otorgado por el ejemplar desempeño que ha tenido en lo personal y en lo profesional. En especial por su labor, de liderazgo y promoción de la educación, entre los jóvenes de nuestra comunidad.

Les agradeceré compartan y den promoción de la participación e invitación, anexas en el email de abajo, entre los grupos de contactos que consideren pertinentes. Ojala y podamos compartir con Antonina este especial momento. Les invito a que la acompañemos en la ceremonia de premiación, como comunidad hispana que tiene la bendición de tener personas como ella!

El dinero recaudado, en dicho evento, es destinado a los programas estatales de las Girl Scouts de Silver Sage. Esta organización hace un esfuerzo consiente de servir y reconocer, sin diferencia alguna, a las niñas y mujeres de este estado.

Saludos!

Patricia Canto
Sal y Luz Radio / 1490 AM
www.salyluzradio.com
(208) 629.4839
(208) 340.2720 cel
Patty_canto@hotmail.com

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American Falls Lawmaker, 21, Still Lives With Parents

Posted by George Prentice on Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 9:28 AM

If a southeastern Idaho lawmaker needs some help on a crucial vote, she can always turn to her parents. In fact, American Falls City Council Member Maria Rangel still lives with her folks.

The Idaho State Journal reports that Rangel, who turned 21 years old on July 29, was recently sworn in as American Falls' newest council member. She told the Journal that she was always interested in government in high school, and one of her mentors, former teacher Marc Beitia, urged her to seek the council seat. With good reason: A former council member himself, Beitia recently became mayor of American Falls, vacating the seat on the council that was taken by Rangel.

Rangel is a full-time student at Idaho State University, studying business administration.

"I don't think my age is a big deal," Rangel told the Journal. "I should be fine." For more information go to: Boise Weekly

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Hispanic Scholarships Awarded to some of our "Best and Brightest"

Last week, I was pleased to join and award scholarships to some of our very deserving Hispanic students. The Hispanic Business Association (HBA) is an all-volunteer, non-profit and non-partisan organization dedicated to contributing to our communities by providing opportunities for Hispanic youth through education and mentoring programs.

I spoke to this great group of students and many of their parents in the Capitol Rotunda about the importance of higher education. I also talked about the challenges many of our youth face in these difficult economic times finding or earning enough money to pay for things like books and college tuition. That's why I believe private scholarships, like the kind the Hispanic Business Association provides, are so important. I thank the association for its dedication to making Idaho a better place.

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Dolores Huerta

FRESNO, CA-El presidente Barack Obama impuso hoy la "Medalla de la Libertad", el máximo honor civil que se concede en EE.UU., a la activista mexicoestadounidense Dolores Huerta y otras 12 personalidades a las que calificó como "héroes individuales".

"Cada uno de los que está sobre este escenario ha marcado mi vida de forma profunda", dijo Obama durante una concurrida ceremonia en la sala Este de la Casa Blanca, en la cual citó algunas de las hazañas de los galardonados.

Así, el mandatario destacó la militancia de Huerta para organizar a los trabajadores del campo y cómo ella le dejó pasar el haberse "robado" la consigna de "¡Sí se puede!" para su campaña electoral de 2008.

Huerta fundó en 1962, junto al fallecido César Chávez, la Asociación Nacional de Trabajadores del Campo, que pasó a convertirse en el influyente sindicato de campesinos "UFWA".

For more story and information http://fresno.holaciudad.com/notas/226346-dolores-huerta-recibe-la-medalla-la-libertad

Latino Students Attend Leadership Series

Jerome, Idaho (KMVT-TV) National training is being launched for the first time in Idaho called the Student Leadership Series.

Its goal is to help create a generation, in which every student begins to understand how to transition into higher education.

Friday's series was specifically geared toward the Latino population.

And, it's safe to say many of the students went home with a new perspective on how they can achieve their goals and what their capable of.

Students at Jerome High School cheered loudly, as a nationally recognized Latino speaker talked with the roughly 800 kids about their future.

"We're here to encourage and really try to motivate students to stay in school and to improve their academic performance, to focus on graduation and to be thinking and planning for post–secondary education and training," said Juan Andrade Jr, President of the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute out of Chicago, Illinois.

For Selena Garcia, the message was loud and clear.

"It showed me that just because people say we're Latinos and we can't do much they're wrong and we can," said Garcia, a Jerome High School Sophomore.

Andrade hopes to inspire the young Latinos to dream big.

"Just as we are fueling the population growth in America we want to also fuel that work force that is well educated and prepared," said Andrade.

And, to overcome some grim statistics.

"Right now just a little over 12% of Latinos have gone on to complete their bachelors degree, only 4% have obtained a masters degree and less that 1% have a college degree. That's not good enough," said Andrade.

One of the biggest problems Andrade feels Latino students are facing today...

"More Latinos are getting into college today than ever before. We're able to get in, but we can't stay in. Not because we can't do the work, but because we can't afford it. We don't have the money," said Andrade.

Friday, students at Jerome High School were given a CD with a list of national scholarships.

"There's a high demand for bilingual and bicultural individuals in the workforce and unless we start to move our youth in the direction of continuing their education we're always going to lag behind," said Margie Gonzalez, Executive Director of Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

All the more reason to motivate today's youth.

Gonzalez hopes the leadership series will act as a model for schools statewide.

For more story 11 KMVT
Story Created: Mar 16, 2012 at 5:20 PM MDT (Story Updated: Mar 16, 2012 at 5:55 PM MDT )

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WASHINGTON, DC-The National Latino Children's Institute (NLCI), whose mission is to focus the nation's attention on the contributions and challenges of young Latinos, recently met to elect its new leadership and develop their strategic priorities for the new term.

María Rita Jaramillo, a national Latina leader and advocate for women and children was elected Chair of the Board of Directors.

"We will continue to advocate for Latino children and those children who are most vulnerable. Today 25 percent of kindergarten children and 20 percent of all public school students in America are Latino. It is clear that the success of America is inextricably linked to the success of Latino children. We will celebrate every success, and continue to move forward on behalf of our children and our country's future," said Jaramillo.

She is currently with the National Education Association and has held senior management positions in four federal agencies. Jaramillo formerly served in the Clinton White House and as Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman Rubén Hinojosa. She has also held leadership positions in a number of community organizations including: Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Founding Class of the National Hispana Leadership Institute, Co-Chair of the Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy, National President of MANA and others.

For more story and information www.nlci.org

MALDEF at Glenns Ferry Schools

Idaho Business Review: 2011 Women of the Year

Margie Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs has been recognized as a 2011 Women of the Year through the Idaho Business Review! Margie will be profiled in a commemorative annual magazine and recognized at the Women of the Year event on Thursday, Feb. 17 at the Boise Centre. Join us in congratulating Margie for her well deserved accomplishment!

2010 Mujeres Unidas de Idaho: Mujer del Año Award

Join us in congratulating Idaho National Laboratory for the effort on reaching the Hispanic population. Click on picture for full details in page 45.

Dr. Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education

2010 Woman of the Year
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Join us in congratulating Honorable Sergio Gutierrez for his well deserved accomplishment on behalf of the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nampa, Idaho—Northwest Nazarene University will confer honorary degrees on Mark E. “Monty” Ortman, Phoenix, Ariz. and the Honorable Sergio Alberto Gutierrez, Nampa, Idaho, during commencement on Saturday, May 8.

Mark E. “Monty” Ortman, NNU class of ’71, will be honored with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. Mr. Ortman is being recognized by his alma mater for a distinguished career in business administration. Ortman served as vice president in charge of merchandising for all of Webb’s Department Stores and Webb’s Stores Ltd. Subsidiaries in California. In 1980, he was named president, a position he retained until 1985 when he sold the business and then co-founded El Dorado Holdings, Inc. in Phoenix. In 2007 Ortman sold his interest in El Dorado Holdings, Inc. and started Edward & Company, LLC with his son, Mark Ortman. He is also involved with many educational and non-profit organizations, including Northwest Nazarene University, Point Loma Nazarene University and Global Initiatives, Inc.

An honorary Doctor of Laws degree will be conferred on the Honorable Sergio Alberto Gutierrez, the first Latino judge in Idaho. Judge Gutierrez, a former farm worker and school dropout, overcame many challenges in his life, including the break-up of his family when he was young, his mother’s severe health problems, a serious speech impediment, and growing up in poverty and neighborhoods where drugs and gangs were the norm.

Judge Gutierrez earned his GED through the Job Corps, a program with which he is still involved, and then went on to graduate cum laude from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education. He later earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California-Hastings Law School. Of these degrees, Judge Gutierrez remains most proud of his GED because, as he says, “It gave me a new start in life.”

Beyond the bench, Judge Gutierrez has been extensively involved in the judiciary as well as on many community boards and commissions, including serving on Northwest Nazarene University’s Board of Trustees.

Judge Gutierrez and Mr. Ortman were selected by NNU’s Honorary Degree Committee from candidates who have demonstrated outstanding performance and/or achievements that have produced substantial contribution to their profession; who personify the mission, objectives and ideals of Northwest Nazarene University; are held in high esteem among peers; are recognized as a model for current and future students of NNU; and who, as professionals, have provided exemplary service as a Christian in their chosen field.

Northwest Nazarene University’s commencement will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the Idaho Center, 16200 Idaho Center Blvd., Nampa, ID 83687.

Northwest Nazarene University, a Christian comprehensive university, offers over 60 areas of study and 18 master's degrees in seven different disciplines. In addition to its 85-acre campus located in Nampa, Idaho, the University now offers online programs and works in cooperation with programs in 10 other countries. Founded in 1913, the university now serves over 1,900 undergraduate and graduate students, more than 8,500 continuing education students, and 2,300 high school students through the concurrent credit program. Back to the top

Regence BlueShield of Idaho awarded its 2009 Latino Hero Award to Boise resident Maria Berain, a mentor for local Latino college student.

The award honors individuals of Latino descent who have given back to the community and have impressive professional or educational accomplishments.

Lines are from Idaho Unido Newspaper en Español

2009 Hispanic Business 100 Influential

Below is a list of the 100 most influential Hispanics for 2009, which is identified annual by Hispanic Business magazine. For profiles of these influentials and further information, click here. For an analysis of this list, see the current issue of Hispanic Business (October 2009), pp. 14ff.

Washington, DC Power Brokers

Corporate

Green Business

Education

Health and Wellness

Information Technology

Judges

Legal/Finance/Insurance

Media

Lines are from NiLP - National Institute for Latino Policy

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Helping Idaho teachers buy supplies, dollar by dollar
The Hispanic Business Association is seeking $1 donations to make up for budget cuts at hard-hit Idaho schools.

BOISE, Idaho — TAlice Mondragon Whitney has watched for years as her daughter, Stephanie Martin, and daughter-in-law, Olivia Maciel Whitney, spent their own money buying supplies for their second-grade classes.

Martin teaches at Rosemary Kennedy Elementary in Riverside, Calif., while Maciel Whitney is at the Dr. Carreon Academy in Indio, Calif.

"I've watched them pour money into their classrooms," said Mondragon Whitney, a real estate loan officer at Bank of the Cascades in Meridian.

Mondragon Whitney, president of the Idaho Hispanic Business Association, decided to take action when Idaho lawmakers cut state education funding for the 2009-10 school year, making it likely that Idaho teachers would have to dig even deeper to keep their students supplied with the things they need for the classroom.

"I had a mother with a child in the Caldwell School District come to me almost in tears because at an orientation session she was told that each student would receive two sheets of paper for the semester," she said.

Mondragon Whitney responded by launching the $Dollars for Teachers$ program, which between now and the end of October will have association members soliciting donations "from anybody and everybody."

She has taken her cause to the Meridian Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She says she is willing to go "anywhere people are gathering.". "I'll go to every event I can," she said. "But if I could get some help, that would be fantastic."

TARGETING THE HARDEST-HIT DISTRICTS

The money collected by the association will be used to buy gift cards that will be distributed among teachers at 25 school districts in southern Idaho, like Caldwell, that have been hit hard by state budget cuts.

Early fundraising results have not been encouraging. After three weeks only about $150 had been raised. The program now has its own bank account at the Bank of the Cascades.

"How many people are there in Boise - 180,000, 200,000?" she asked. "Imagine if we could get a buck from each of them."

She said the gift cards will be purchased from stores where teachers would ordinarily go to buy extra supplies. She hopes the businesses agree to match whatever she spends.

"So if I buy a $25 gift card, they could make it a $50 card," she said. "And we would love it if teachers contacted us and told us the names of stores where to get the gift cards."

NEEDING MORE OF EVERYTHING...go to http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/876210.html

Picture and lines are from The Statesman

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On behalf of the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs we would like to congratulates Luis A. Carrillo and
Octavio Ambriz for graduating from Lewis-Clark State College.

Sigan Adelante!

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On behalf of the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs we would like to congratulates the following Scholarship Recipients of the Saber Foundation Scholarship:

Rubia Rangel (St. Anthonys) full tuition scholarship, supplemental assistance and mentoring
Maria Vanegas (Meridian) supplemental assistance and mentoring
Rosaura Vanegas (Meridian) supplemental assistance and mentoring
Armando Aguilar (Boise) - supplemental assistance and mentoring
Julian Rodriguez (Rupert) - supplemental assistance and mentoring
Lorena Vega (Wilder) - supplemental assistance and mentoring
Luis Albizo (Boise) - supplemental assistance and mentoring

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In announcing the appointment of Judge Nelson Diaz to the President's commission on White House Fellowships, the White House released the following statement yesterday. Mr. Diaz joined Cozen O'Connor Law Firm in May 2007 as Of Counsel in the Government Affairs and General Litigation Departments. Mr. Diaz served as a Judge for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 1981 through 1993, the first Latino and youngest to serve. He was also appointed administrative judge by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. During his distinguished career, Mr. Diaz also served as City Solicitor of Philadelphia and a partner at Blank Rome Law Firm for 10 years and was appointed by President Clinton to be the General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he focused on reforming public and mixed-use housing programs. Mr. Diaz is a member of the Board of Directors of Exelon Corporation, the Advisory Board of PNC, and the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Temple University, where he also served on the University's Presidential Search Committee. He is a former chair of the Democratic National Committee's Hispanic Caucus.

Judge Nelson Diaz, arguably one of the most outstanding Latino leaders in the nation and member of the legal community, has once again been tapped at the highest level to serve the President of the United States and the people of America. He has been asked to join a Commission that will also include: former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw, former presidential candidate Gen. Wesley Clark (Ret.), former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle, and Carnegie Corporation of New York President Vartan Gregorian.

The White House Fellowship is America's most prestigious program for leadership and public service, providing young individuals with experience working at the highest levels of the federal government. Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with renowned leaders from the private and public sectors and complete service activities throughout the year. Alumni of this non-partisan program include former Secretary of State General Colin Powell, retired U.S. Army General Wesley Clark, former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros, and author Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Information from USHLI Newsletter

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Juan Sepulveda Appointed to Lead the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans

Juan Sepulveda, originally from Kansas and a USHLI friend for over 20 years, was recently appointed and has already begun his work as Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. Not only is he exceedingly well qualified for this position, Juan is arguably one of the brightest Latino stars in the Obama administration and on the short list of the new people to watch in the nation's capital.

A protégé and biographer of the legendary and late Willie Velasquez, Sepulveda earned a B.A. in government from Harvard University, a B.A. in politics, philosophy and economics as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, and a law degree from Stanford University.

Sepulveda's experience over the last 20 years includes work as a senior executive, strategist, and advocate in the non-profit and philanthropic communities with a focus in community development, capacity building, and transformational management. Since 1995 he has served as President of The Common Enterprise, which he founded to help build stronger communities across America by making non-profits, philanthropic organizations, governments, businesses, and communities more effective in their public work. Sepulveda also worked at the Rockefeller Foundation, as a talk show host on KLRN in San Antonio, and was the Texas State Director for the Obama for America campaign.

Information from USHLI Newsletter

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Sotomayor nominated to high court — first Hispanic

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama chose federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to become the nation's first Hispanic Supreme Court justice on Tuesday, praising her as "an inspiring woman" with both the intellect and compassion to interpret the Constitution wisely. Obama said Sotomayor has more experience as a judge than any current member of the high court had when nominated, adding she has earned the "respect of colleagues on the bench, the admiration of many lawyers who argue cases in her court and the adoration of her clerks, who look to her as a mentor."

Barring the unexpected, Senate confirmation seems likely, given the large Democratic majority. If approved, she would join Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the second woman on the current court, the third in history. She would succeed retiring Justice David Souter.

Sotomayor grew up in New York after her parents moved from Puerto Rico. She has dealt with diabetes since age 8 and lost her father at age 9, growing up under the care of her mother in humble surroundings. As a girl, inspired by the Perry Mason television show, she knew she wanted to be a judge.

A graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School, a former prosecutor and private attorney, Sotomayor became a federal judge for the Southern District of New York in 1992. She became an appeals judge in 1998 for the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers New York, Vermont and Connecticut.

At her Senate confirmation hearing more than a decade ago, she said, "I don't believe we should bend the Constitution under any circumstance. It says what it says. We should do honor to it."

Information from http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obama_supreme_court

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Obama Administration Continues to Improve on Hispanic Nominations

The Obama administration continues to improve on its less than stellar performance on Hispanic appointments during the first 100 days, with more announcements of Hispanics nominated for Senate-confirmation level positions. The steady flow of announcements, which include the two listed last week, represent a 50% improvement since the report was released.

Rosa "Rosie" Gumatao Rios, a 20-year veteran in real estate investment management, community development, project management and executive management experience, has been nominated for United States Treasurer. She has worked in various development capacities for the cities of Oakland, Fremont, San Leandro, and Unity City, all in California, and holds a B.A. from Harvard University.

Arturo Valenzuela, professor of government and Director of the Center for Latin American Studies in the Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and a specialist on the institutional dimensions of democratic governance and U.S.-Latin American relations, has been nominated for Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemispheric Affairs. He holds a B.A. summa cum laude in political science and religion for Drew University, and a Master's and Doctorate in political science from Columbia University.

Maria Otero, president and CEO of ACCION International and a pioneer and leader in microfinance working in 25 countries on three continents, has been nominated for Under Secretary of State on Global Affairs. She holds a Master's in Literature from the University of Maryland and a Master's from Johns Hopkins' Nitze School for Advanced International Studies.

Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana, the Superintendent at Pomona Unified School District in California, has been nominated Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. She has written extensively on the role of school administrators, the achievement gap, women in education, and the issues of race and class. She holds a B.A. with honors from UCLA and a Doctorate from the University of Southern California.

Ignacia S. Moreno, a leading expert in the field of environmental and natural resources law with over 18 years of government and corporate experience, has been nominated for Assistant Attorney General for Environmental and Natural Resources. She holds a law degree from New York University School of Law.

Victor Vasquez, a specialist in community and economic development with over two decades of government and private sector experience, has been nominated for Deputy Undersecretary of Agriculture for Rural Development. He holds a B.S. from the University of Oregon, a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, and has done doctoral work in community and economic development from Southern New Hampshire University.

Michael L. Connor, who is half Native American and half Hispanic and represented the Secretary of Interior during the Clinton administration in negotiations with Indian tribes, state legislators, and private water users to secure water rights settlements consistent with the federal trust responsibility to tribes, has been nominated for Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. He holds a B.S. from New Mexico State University and a J.D. from the School of Law at the University of Colorado.

Inez Moore Tenenbaum, who is half Hispanic on her mother's side and served in the South Carolina legislature before being elected State Superintendent of Education, has been nominated for Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. She has extensive experience in public school finance and in health, environmental and public interest law, and holds a B.S. and M.Ed. from the University of Georgia and a J.D. from the law school at the University of South Carolina, and has received several honorary degrees.

Information from USHLI Newsletter

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Consuelo (Connie) Smith

Connie was presented the Financial Manager of the Year award from the Idaho Centennial Chapter of the Association of Governmental Accountants. Connie was nominated and received this award in recognition of her efforts on behalf of State government.

“Connie maintains all aspects of the budget for the Department of Administration and each of its smaller divisions. Not only does Connie complete her daily duties with the highest level of excellence, she also supports the Capitol Commission, Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council, Governor’s Housing Committee and several other groups. She has also been an integral part in the Governor’s Zero Based Budgeting initiative, and has assisted the Division of Financial Management in developing the forms and processes to best implement this initiative across the state. Connie has promoted the efficiency and effectiveness of state government by leading the Department in an effort to offer financial, human resource and IT services to smaller state agencies to ensure fiscal responsibility to Idaho’s tax-payers, She has been as asset to the Department for nearly ten years. Her unsurpassed quality of work and her ability to utilize the diverse skills of her employees has aided to the success of her team and of the Department”.

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USHLI President Receives Honorary Doctorate, Delivers Commencement Address

Dr. Juan Andrade, USHLI President, received his sixth honorary degree on Thursday, May 7, and delivered the commencement address to the Graduate School at Loyola University Chicago.

Dr. Andrade has earned five college degrees and is one of only two Hispanic leaders to be decorated by the President of the United States "for the performance of exemplary deeds of service for the nation" and "promoting civic participation and leadership development." He continues to be the only Hispanic leader to have been a political commentator for a television network affiliate (ABC7 Chicago), a commentator on national radio (WGN), and a regular weekly columnist in a major newspaper (Chicago Sun-Times). Andrade has been listed four times among the "100 Most Influential Hispanics in America" by Hispanic Business Magazine.

Information from USHLI Newsletter

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President Obama Nominates John Trasviña for Assistant Secretary at HUD

Information from USHLI Newsletter

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President Obama nominates John Sepulveda for Assistant Secretary at Department of Veterans Affairs

President Barack Obama formally nominated John Sepulveda last week for Assistant Secretary for Human Resources at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sepulveda brings over 25 years of experience as an innovative leader in the public and private sectors. He earned a B.A. from Hunter College and two Master's degrees from Yale University, where he also taught political science. He served in the Clinton administration as a director at HUD, as well as in the Office of White House Personnel. Sepulveda was later appointed by the President to be Deputy Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. At OPM he authored Executive Order 13171, which called for government-wide strategies to address the persistent under-representation of Latinos within the federal workforce.

Information from USHLI Newsletter

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News Release
For Immediate Release: April 28, 2009
Information Contact: Bob Fick (208) 332-3570 ext. 3628 or Georgia Smith (208) 841-5509

Hispanic Economic Influence Continues to Grow in Idaho

The buying power of Idaho’s largest minority grew faster in 2008 than the buying power of Hispanics nationwide and faster than the state’s non-Hispanic population.

The Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia estimates the buying power of Idaho’s non-Hispanic population rose 7 percent, a half percentage point more than growth nationally, but Idaho’s Hispanic buying power jumped another 11.3 percent, a full percentage point more than Hispanics nationwide.

That increase came on top of a 9 percent gain in 2007 to give Hispanics 5.3 percent of Idaho’s buying power in 2008 – an estimated $2.33 billion from a total of $43.9 billion. In 2007, Idaho Hispanics controlled 5.1 percent of all buying power. In 1990, Hispanics had just 2.8 percent of the buying power.

La edad promedio de los hispanos en Idaho fue la tercera más baja, después de Dakota del Norte y Dakota del Sur.

La tendencia a la juventud en el rápido crecimiento de la población hispana indica que la influencia económica y política de la minoría más grande el estado podría crecer sustancialmente conforme se establezcan cada vez más familias hispanas.

The increasing economic influence of Idaho Hispanics reflects both their rapid population growth and their advancement up the earnings ladder as they become more and more integrated into Idaho’s social fabric.

“Hispanics have rapidly become a major contributor to Idaho’s economy and the diversity of its businesses,” Idaho Department of Labor Director Roger B. Madsen said. “Their increasing influence benefits every Idahoan and every community, both economically and socially.”

Buying power is the after-tax personal income people have to spend on virtually everything from necessities like food, clothing and housing to luxuries like recreation equipment and vacations. It does not include money that has been borrowed, saved from previous years or spent by tourists from other states or countries.

The Selig Center forecasts that the economic influence of Hispanics will continue growing through the current recession and beyond. By 2013, the center estimates Hispanic buying power in Idaho will jump another 51 percent, a third faster than the non-Hispanic side of the economy, to exceed $3.5 billion. That would account for 6 percent of all the buying power in Idaho.

The full report “Idaho Hispanic Buying Power 2008” is available online at http://icha.idaho.gov/menus/Hispanic%20Buying%20Power.asp

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Administrator Award Recepient

Dr. Hondo is an Assistant Principal at Burley School in Cassia County School District with over thirty years of experience in education. She is a tireless and exemplary advocate for educational excellence and equality for Idaho's Limited English Proficient (LEP) students. Her expertice, talent, and work ethic have been instrumental in the success of Burley Senior High School's academic and extra-curricular programs. Dr. Hondo has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and the College of Southern Idaho. Dr. Hondo's numerous accomplishments include: co-author of Latino Dropouts in Rural America: Realities and Possibilities which has received national attention and praise, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics-state Level Awardee, the CSI & Kathryn Albertson Foundation Teacher Excellence Award, and Runner up for Cassia County School District Teacher of the Year.

Information is from 2009 Idaho LEP Educators of the Year

Picture is from Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs

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'The Whirlwind' Ana Maria Schachtell

Behind every beautiful building is a beautiful story of how it came to be. Ana Maria Schachtell wanted to build a home for the Latino arts, and the result was Nampa's Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho. A trilingual, multi-cultural globe-trotter, Ana Maria is happy to call the Treasure Valley her home. But it wasn't always so. "I was concerned for my kids growing up in Idaho," she told the Idaho Press-Tribune. "The image of the Mexican was so poor, so I got involved with the Mexican-American community right away."

Picture and lines are from Idaho Press-Tribune

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Idaho First Mexican Consul sets up shop in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho — The newest Mexican consulate on United States soil consists of a couple of folding tables, an office copier, a fax machine and an eager diplomat named Ricardo Pineda. Less than a month into the job, Pineda is head of a consulate that was protested by an Idaho congressman long before the Mexican government appointed him to run it.

A small Mexican flag is perched on the window sill of his temporary office in Boise, where the 45-year-old Mexico City native is preparing to open a permanent consulate in December.

Picture and lines are from The Statesman

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Hernan Reyes

The Caldwell artist realized early on that he must share all that he has to offer

Since the accident 15 years ago, Hernan has dedicated his life to his family - his wife and two children - and to others.

"A lot of people have everything and don't participate. I have a tiny bit - I want to give back to those around me."

Picture and lines are from The Statesman

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