The National Hispana Leadership Institute celebrated its 2000 Mujer Award Gala and Leadership training wrapped in the magic atmosphere of Walt Disney World/Epcot in Orlando, Florida. Last year was the first time NHLI held the Annual Mujer Awards Gala at Disney's Epcot Center. The event proved so spectacular that all wondered how could this year’s Gala be any better. The over 300 supporters who experienced the enchanting evening felt the excitement first-hand.

At the Leadership training, Chris Caracci, of the Disney Institute, made an effective presentation about the catch-all word "diversity." His lecture explained the Disney Approach to People Management. Disney promotes an integration of their famous "corporate culture" with the diverse cultures that comprise the American workforce. Participants walked away with the knowledge that their "diversity" is a very valuable asset and can positively impact their careers.

The ever-popular Lt. Col. Consuelo Castillo Kickbush gave another one of her incredibly inspirational motivational speeches. Always thinking of ways to lift up the Hispanic community, Lt. Col. Kickbush reminded the Hispanics in the audience that they should rely on the strengths of the culture to improve conditions in their everyday lives. Nora de Hoyos Comstock (NHLI '00) enthused, "Consuelo is an incredible speaker. She is so motivational and uses such intense colorful examples of leadership. Everytime I hear here speak, I leave with a new pearl of wisdom on leadership."

The gala, at the Epcot's American Adventures Pavilion, was both romantic and purposeful, much like the women it honors. Once again Walt Disney World feted NHLI with a scrumptious international buffet, an elegantly appointed dining room, and they capped off the evening with their luscious dessert bar underneath a sky of fireworks and illuminations.

With the glittering room filled to capacity, the 8th Annual Mujer Awards celebrated the achievements of Antonia Hernandez, President and General Counsel of MALDEF. Ms. Hernandez stands as an amazing example of Latina Leadership on the world stage. Her work at MALDEF includes working on litigation to prevent federal authorities from illegally raiding the workplace to leading a campaign to repeal the "English Only" rules in the workplace and school systems. Her guiding principle "Everyone is governed by the same laws; everyone is entitled to the same justice” serves as the fuel to her fight for equal justice under the law.

NHLI's First Regional Mujer Award went to Marylou Olivarez Mason, Executive Director, Michigan Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs. The Michigan Office on Spanish Speaking Affairs was established to provide the Commission with information concerning the problems of the Hispanic people, and to implement Commission policy. In her continuing community service, Ms. Mason works to forge partnerships between Hispanics and non-Hispanics, ensuring that Michigan considers all its citizens as equal partners.

The evening also celebrated the brillant cultural and artistic legacy that winds itself throughout the Latin community. Poetry, music, painting, and sculpture enriched the evening. Cuban artist Sina Sutter gave the entire Mujer Awards its special flavor with her painting "Regreso a la Esperanza". NHLI Executive Director Marisa Albert commissioned the painting that portrays Latinas as a powerful force. Sprung from the Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences that comprise her culture, the Latina takes charges toward her future, fully cognizant of her past and in control of her present.

Olga Marta Pérez captured Sutter's painting in the written word. Longtime friends, Pérez was so inspired by Sutter's work that she created "De la Tierra" as a tribute to La Mujer Latina. Her tribute concludes, "Montañas mumeres, carnes y piel, roca y lava, regreso a la esperanza."

Angelina Del Riego Maloney and Aurora Rincón contributed drawings and sculpture respectively. Maloney, who was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, is also a musician and performer. Rincón creates sculpture that comments on "relationships because life is about relationships." Originally from Venezuela, Rincón graduated from Washington, D.C.'s Corcoran School of Art.

No celebratory evening would be complete without the famous Latin rhythms. The 2000 Mujer Awards featured Epcot's own world famous Mariachi Cobre, widely considered one of the world's best Mariachi bands. The evening opened with a bit of Marimba exquisitely performed by Maya La Dia. Duo Bolero & Latin Jazz livened up Dinner as did our wonderful Mistress of Ceremonies Raquel Ortiz (NHLI '00). A veteran television broadcaster, producer, and documentarian, Ortiz is also a songstress. How fortunate to have her share her abundant talent with us.

The Mujer Awards attracted twice as many supporters this year, this includes guests as well as sponsors. Many thanks to Disney for providing such a magnificent program.

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