NHLI News Spring 2006

You could say that change was the theme of the 2005 NHLI Leadership Training and Mujer Awards Conference. Many accomplishments occured that will help NHLI grow for years to come. For the first time in NHLI’s 18-year history, the Leadership Training and Mujer Awards Conference was held in San Diego, California. Latinos are considered the “majority” minority in California, making it the perfect choice to showcase Latina achievements and influence. The 2005 Leadership Training and Mujer Awards Conference was the best attended to date with over 500 participants eager to learn, grow and seek inspiration.

The Conference brought outstanding presenters, national and community leaders, government officials, corporations, NHLI alumnae and friends to the West Coast for NHLI’s celebration of “La Mujer Latina.”

The pre-conference got underway with NHLI’s first Latina Golf Clinic sponsored by Coors Brewing Company. Participants networked and practiced their golf swing at the Torrey Pines Hotel & Resort, a world class golf course. Virginia Rosario won a complete set of high quality golf clubs that she generously let participants use during the practice swing session.
To increase alumnae participation in NHLI events, a table was manned by Nora de Hoyos Comstock, Alumnae Chair, along other alumnae during the registration process. More vendors than ever were present during registration as well.

The morning’s opening keynote address was delivered by Maria Marin, president of Voice of Empowerment. Her enthusiastic and humorous presentation, “The Art of Negotiations in Business and in Life” provided great tips in pursuing happiness by getting what you want at the price that you want it.

The ballroom was filled to capacity during the Center for Creative Leadership’s presentation on “Leadership in Times of Change.” In a world that constantly changes, leading businesses and organizations can be challenging. Lynn McCann provided participants with tools and ideas for leading and capturing opportunities for development.

It is not often that you can meet a best-selling Latina author. During the break before lunch, Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, Maria Marin, Consuelo Castillo Kickbush, Sylvia Mendoza and Marisel Herrera autographed copies of their books. Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, the author of “Dirty Girls Social Club,” a New York Times best-seller, proved to be as charming in person as the stories she writes.

During NHLI’s luncheon conference, participants were invited to “Conversations with Successful Latina Leaders.” The panel was comprised of the Hon. Nell Soto, California State Senator; Beatriz Olvera Stotzer, CEO of New Capitol; Ysabel Duron, anchor of KRON 4 Weekend Morning News; and author Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez. The panel discussed the secrets of success at top level management as well as balancing career and family life.
Following lunch, NHLI launched its new initiative Vision Forward: Growing Latina Leaders fundraising program. It is designed to increase NHLI’s funding base and gain visibility. The enthusiastic response by individual donors raised $35,000. A special thank you to Coors Brewing Company who donated a matching fund of $25,000.

In the afternoon, participants chose from four outstanding Leadership Training concurrent sessions: “Latina Wealth Building” with Wells Fargo Bank; “Traveling and Doing Business in Latin America” with the U.S. Commerce Department, Continental Airlines, and the Small Business Administration; “Leveraging Technology to Compete in the 21st Century” with Dell, Inc. and “Meet the Voices of Latina Authors.”

As in the past, the Mujer Awards Gala was preceded by an art exhibit and reception. The featured artists were Sina Sutter, Laura Cano, Irene Carranza and Ruth Borges. Sina Sutter was commissioned by NHLI to create the watercolor, Mujeres Forjando Paz Mundial, and donated it to NHLI for the commemorative poster for the event.

Nothing could curb the enthusiasm of the participants during the Gala. Verónica Lopez sang the national anthem and her signature song, La Gloria de América, a tribute to her father. The Mariachi Divas, a multi-cultural all-women band, brought their special beat to the event.

The Gala’s mistress of ceremonies, Nely Galán, provided the right touch for this special night honoring two very special Latinas. Ms. Galán, NHLI Class of 1989 and the executive producer of the popular TV show, The Swan, is an inspiration and a testament of how NHLI alumnae have impacted American culture and society.

The 2005 National Mujer Awardee was Ltc. Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, a charismatic, passionate and influential speaker, Founder and President of Educational Achievement Services, Inc. (EAS) and a retired Lieutenant Colonel with the U.S. Army. Ms. Kickbusch has dedicated her life to empowering a new generation of Hispanic leaders. She has a strong desire to assist the youth of America develop personal esteem, leave the barrios, and achieve success. She has worked with over one million children across the country. EAS is not her first success. She is also a retired Lieutenant Colonel who broke barriers and set records in the military. As a senior officer, she became the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field of the United States Army.

Eva Pagán-Hill, 2005 Regional Mujer Awardee, is the Clinical Manager of La Nueva Vida Project for The Center for Drug Free Living, Inc. Hill’s dedication, selflessness and inexhaustible service to the Hispanic community of Central Florida made her the perfect candidate for the Regional Award. She is a mental health and human services specialist with over 15 years of progressive accomplishments. As a Latino advocate from Orlando, she writes a bi-weekly column concentrating on family structure. She is fully committed to helping the Latino community and exercises her skills and mentorship qualities as a specialist to further her pursuits. A survivor of domestic violence, she is a testament to the strength and will of Latinas pursuing their dreams.

NHLI consistently recognizes the struggles, courage, generosity, compassion, achievement and strengths of Latina leaders of all ages. Our conference has become a source of inspiration and empowerment for Latinas and Latinos who, on a daily basis, lead our country towards a fair and just society.

Some of the comments about the event included: “Congratulations on a spectacular event. Wow! I loved every minute!” “This was my first conference with NHLI and I was so inspired.” “Thank you for the important work your organization continues to do for us.”

The 2005 Leadership Training and Mujer Awards Gala had many accomplishments, but this is only the beginning. NHLI looks forward to continuing not only to honor our best and brightest, but to provide valuable leadership and life skills to all participants.

The 2006 Conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas on November 9-10, 2006.
Check our website, www.nhli.org/mujer.htm for details.

Spring 2006, Issue #25

2005 NHLI Leadership Training & Mujer Awards Gala:

Celebrating“La Mujer Latina”

Spring 2006,
Issue #25