Spring 2002, No. 17
In this Issue
Leadership and Style at the 2001 Mujer Awards Gala
Four New Board Members Join NHLI
AT&T Expands NHLI Boundaries with $50,000 Gift
NHLI Embarks on 14 Year Impact Study
Pérez Donates $10,000 to NHLI Endowment
Latinas Learning to Lead Summer Youth Institute - Send your application
©2002.
National Hispana Leadership Institute
Now more than ever, it is important to come together and pay homage to people who have brought about change, equality, freedom, and unity. NHLI Board of Directors, alumnae, corporate sponsors and friends gathered together at magical Walt Disney World/Epcot to celebrate the achievements of two remarkable Latinas: Linda Chavez-Thompson, Executive Vice President of the AFL-CIO, and esteemed Colorado educator, Lena Archuleta.
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Linda Mazón-Gutierrez and Marisa Rivera Albert present Linda Chavez-Thompson (center) with the National 2001 Mujer Award. |
Lena Archuleta was the recipient of the 2001 Regional Mujer Award. |
Amidst the glitter and magic of this inspirational gathering, master of ceremonies Deborah Sedillo introduced two women whose remarkable achievements in labor and education have changed the lives of Hispanics nationally and internationally. The 2001 National Mujer Award honored Linda Chavez-Thompson, who has helped revitalize the American Labor movement and defend the rights of low wageworkers worldwide. She worked with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in Texas and served as the National Vice President of the AFL-CIO’s Labor Council for Latin American Advancement from 1986-1995. In 1995, she became the highest-ranking Latina in the American Labor movement as the Executive Vice President of the AFL-Cio. Chavez-Thompson understands first hand the struggles of blue-collar workers and her personal experiences have inspired her to work diligently to improve the lives of all laborers.
The 2001 Regional Mujer Award was presented to Lena Archuleta, lifetime educator and civil rights activist from Denver, Colorado. From 1961 until her retirement in 1979, she worked in education administration with the Denver Public School system and was appointed Denver’s first Latina school principal. She was an educator, principal and administrator in the Denver Public School System. Since her retirement, she has served on many boards, including Mi Casa Resource Center and the Denver Public Library. From 1990-96, Ms. Archuleta served as the first Latina on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Retired Persons. Archuleta is an exemplary role model for Latinas.
The leadership training kicked off the day with a workshop by the Disney Institute entitled, “Managing for Creativity and Innovation, Disney Style,” facilitated by Joel Strack of the Disney Institute. Disney’s creed according to its Chairman and CEO, Michael Eisner, has been to follow “the muse of originality and the taskmaster of quality,” and this workshop encouraged participants to use their imagination to solve problems. Through these exercises, the participants learned that a diverse and creative environment is key to keeping their organizations productive, energetic, and innovative.
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Lt. Col. Kickbusch during the afternoon Leadership Training. |
Isabel Valdés from Santiago & Valdés Soluitons |
There were two dynamic speakers during the afternoon for participants to choose from. Isabel Valdés, co-chair and partner of Santiago and Valdés Solutions, LLC and current NHLI Board Member, spoke on “Latina Purchasing Power.” Ms. Valdés has studied for years the marketing power that the growing Latino population has in this country and she discussed how Latinas need to “own our power and destiny.”
The popular Lt. Col. Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch inspired us yet again with her presentation, “Leadership the Latina Way.” She dedicated her presentation to her favorite “Leona,” Anna Maria Arias, Latina Style founder and publisher, who recently passed away. Lt. Col. Kickbusch told the audience to focus on inner strengths as well as the strengths of our culture to create a unique, personal vision of success.
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NHLI staff and friends greeting the conference participants at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort. |
Mickey
& Minnie Mouse and guests.
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After an extraordinary day of speakers and training, guests were greeted by our official Disney hosts, Minnie and Mickey Mouse, as they entered the evening Gala at Epcot’s American Adventures Pavilion. Draped in red and black, the room’s décor complemented the commemorative artwork, “Cariño Maternal” by this year’s Mujer Awards artist, Irene Carranza. Guests sang along with the lively mariachi band during the artist’s reception.
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Marisa Rivera Albert presented Epcot Vice President Brad Rex with this year’s Mujer Awards framed poster. |
Marisa
Rivera Albert, NHLI President with the artist,
Irene Carranza. |
Mariachis brought out the singers at the opening reception. |
At the conclusion of the Gala, the Caliente Band took to the stage and played a beautiful rendition of “I’m Proud to be an American” while white paper doves floated out of the sky and enveloped the entire room. After this emotional and fitting ending, guests walked through Epcot to gather for dessert and coffee at the French Pavilion. The original Disney song “We Go On,” which played during the impressive laser and fireworks show, holds so much meaning after recent tragic events. We will go on as nations, as cultures, and most importantly, as a united world.
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Fireworks at the Epcot Center |
To learn more about NHLI's Mujer Awards, click here.
