In the Spotlight

Celebrating Latina Leadership:
NHLI Hermanas Effort Estilo SoCal

By: Laura Nieto (ELP '10)

It was a sunny Southern California Saturday on Pasadena’s famous Millionaire’s Row and the guest’s began to arrive.  All the final preparations were in place—margarita’s blending, music playing, art displayed, and the aroma of fresh home-cooked cuisine filled the air.  This was the setting of the NHLI fundraiser titled “Celebrating Fearless and Passionate Latina Leaders” hosted by members of the 2010 Executive Leadership Program (ELP) Fellows.  

The historic home at Markham Place served as the backdrop to
honor our heritage and share our passion for NHLI, Latina leadership, the spirit of sisterhood, and the power of the collective. Family, friends, and honored guests learned more about NHLI’s mission, supported their loved ones experiencing their ELP journey, and shared ideas and delightful conversation with friends, old and new. Of course, the fun escalated as attendees strategized and plotted to secure their favorite item at the silent auction that aimed to support the class and mission of NHLI.  Excitement was in the air as everyone had fun bidding on silent auction items that included artwork, Southwest Airlines tickets and getaway packages, Sony products, and more!

The short program featured remarks by special guests, current Fellows, and a surprise visit from California Senator Carol Liu’s District Director Tahra Goraya who presented a certificate of recognition to the Fellows for their participation in the 2010 Executive Leadership Program.  Senator Carol Liu represents nearly 850,000 people in the 21st District, which includes Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, San Gabriel, Temple City, and several City of Los Angeles communities. 

The fundraiser was part of the Class of 2010’s efforts to raise at least $20,000 by NHLI’s annual conference in November.  Fellows from around the country have partnered up from coast to coast to host receptions and gatherings in the month of July to celebrate powerful and passionate Latinas.  The generous donations collected are an investment in the future of NHLI and the hundreds of leaders it is committed to developing. 

This event was a true testament of individuals coming together to form a sense of community for the broader good of NHLI.  

Congratulations are in order for 2010 ELP Fellows Ana Rosa Rizo, Laura Nieto, Leticia Lara, and Marcela Bailey.  As a group, they raised almost $5,000 (and counting) making this event an overwhelming success.  In addition, there were over 125 people in attendance who learned more about NHLI’s mission. 

Other fundraisers part of the 2010 Night of Inspirational Latinas event series were held in Dallas, TX, San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA, Washington, DC, Miami, FL, Pasadena, CA, Boston, MA, Los Angeles, CA, Pueblo, VA, Phoenix, AZ.