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BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFS

AT&T RECEIVES TOP HONORS FOR COMMITMENT TO HISPANICSCOMPANY RECOGNIZED BY LATINA STYLE MAGAZINE FOR 10TH CONSECUTIVE YEARAT&T Inc. has announced that the company has

been recognized by three Hispanic magazines for the

company’s commitment to people of color, and more

specifically, the Hispanic community.

AT&T has once again been selected as one of the

50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work For in the

United States, also known as the LATINA Style 50, by

LATINA Style magazine. AT&T is included among the

Top 12 Companies in this year’s list, which appeared in

the August 2007 issue of the magazine. All research

on the future of the labor market indicates that some

of the most promising careers of the future are in the

technology field

For this year’s LATINA Style 50 list, more than 800

U.S. corporations were surveyed on items deemed

most important by the publication’s Hispanic

female readers, including mentoring programs,

Latina executives and board members, educational

opportunities, alternative work policies, dependent/

child care support and employee benefits. AT&T

has been included among the magazine’s 50 Best

Companies for 10 consecutive years and was also

ranked among the Top 12 Companies in 2006. ”It

is particularly significant that AT&T, a technology

company, was chosen for the LATINA Style 50 list,”

said Robert Bard, president and publisher of LATINA

Style magazine. “Even more, being one of the Top

12 Companies makes a strong statement regarding

the company’s commitment to develop and nurture

Latina talent. All research on the future of the labor

market indicates that some of the most promising

careers of the future are in the technology field.

Latinas have significant representation at AT&T, a

strong indication that the commitment to develop

their talents is a priority for the company and is

something that will certainly continue in the future.”

In addition to this accolade from LATINA Style, AT&T

has been named as one of the Diversity Elite 60 by

Hispanic Business magazine and has been selected for

Latin Business magazine’s Corporate Diversity Honor

Roll. The Latin Business and Hispanic Business lists

recognize companies’ commitments to reaching out

to Hispanics in the areas of recruitment, promotion,

procurement, philanthropy and marketing. The lists

are included in the Fall issues of the magazines.

“Diversity and inclusion are top priorities at AT&T,”

said Bob Reed, vice president-Diversity & Inclusion.

“These elements are the cornerstone of a successful

business strategy, and these recognitions reflect our

philosophy.”

Other honors that AT&T has received in 2007 include

being ranked No. 3 among DiversityInc’s Top 50

Companies for Diversity because of the company’s

commitment to diversity in the workplace and

marketplace. AT&T also was ranked No. 1 among

DiversityBusiness.com’s Top Organizations for

Multicultural Business Opportunities because of the

consistency and quality of business opportunities

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BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFSgranted to minority- and women-owned companies.

In cultivating and championing diversity and

inclusion, AT&T has created a better business

environment, which has made the company an

employer of choice, a preferred business partner and

an important contributor to the community.

USHCC ANNOUNCES THE 2007 USHCC CHAIR’S AWARD – THE USHCC WILL HONOR MICHAEL HARRINGTON OF SHELL AT THE 2007 AWARDS DINNER GALA IN PUERTO RICOThe United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

(USHCC) awareded Michael Harrington of Shell with

the 2007 USHCC Chair’s Award. The ceremony took

place at the 2007 Annual Awards Dinner and Gala

on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at the Puerto Rico

Convention Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“I’m honored to present Mr. Harrington with the

2007 Chair’s Award,” said David C. Lizárraga, USHCC

Chair of the Board of Directors. “For his continued

dedication and deep commitment to the Hispanic

community and Hispanic suppliers, Mr. Harrington

exemplifies the spirit of the award.” The USHCC

Chair of the Board of Directors gives the prestigious

‘Chair’s Award’ to the individual who demonstrates

outstanding leadership and commitment to the

Hispanic business community

Every year, the USHCC Chair of the Board of

Directors gives the prestigious “Chair’s Award” to the

individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership

and commitment to the Hispanic business community

and to increasing procurement opportunities for

Hispanic-owned businesses.

“I want to thank the USHCC for this recognition.

I am humbled and it is a privilege to receive this

special award,” said Michael Harrington of Shell.

“Through my efforts at Shell and with the USHCC

Procurement Council Advisory Committee, I am

able to actively promote and apply new business

opportunities for Hispanic owned firms. While Shell

considers our Hispanic business spend to clearly be

moving in the right direction, we must routinely

ask ourselves, given the changing demographics,

why not more? Finding qualified, capable, certified

Hispanic businesses remains a key initiative for Shell

and we’re confident that it further strengthens the

communities in which we operate. We look forward

to continuing to work closely with the USHCC

and we will keep this a strategic component of

Shell’s procurement agenda and Supplier Diversity

Program.”

Mr. Harrington is General Manager, Global

Contracting & Procurement for Shell’s Downstream

businesses and oversees a functional unit that

handles $2.5 billion in spending across Shell’s Supply &

Distribution, Business to Business and Chemicals Land

Logistics business units. Through Mr. Harrington’s

assistance, 2 new significant Contract Labor contracts

were awarded to Hispanic-owned businesses. Each

year, Shell demonstrates both commitment and

transparency by reporting total spend (material and

services) with Hispanic businesses in the U.S., to the

USHCC Procurement Council.

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BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFSUNIVISION’S SPANISH-LANGUAGE PRESIDENTIAL FORUM OUTDRAWS ENGLISH-LANGUAGE DEBATES TWO-TO-ONE – NEARLY TWICE AS MANY ADULTS 18-49 VIEW UNIVISION’S FORUM AS ABC, CNN, FOX NEWS CHANNEL, AND MSNBC DEBATESUnivision’s historic Democratic Presidential Candidate

Forum held last night was seen by 4.6 million

viewers, according to Nielsen Fast National Ratings,

versus an average reach of 4.3 million viewers set

by this year’s English-language debates on ABC,

CNN, Fox News Channel, and MSNBC. Among

Adults 18-49, Univision’s average audience level

was nearly double the average audience for all

previous presidential debates this year (1,270,000 vs.

655,000).

Furthermore, among Adults 25-54, the Univision

Forum had a viewership advantage over the English-

language debates of +49% (1,170,000 vs. 787,000).

The enormous audience that tuned in to witness

this historic event just goes to prove that Hispanics

are eager to hear the presidential candidates speak

directly to them about the issues they care most

about

“The enormous audience that tuned in to witness

this historic event just goes to prove that Hispanics

are eager to hear the presidential candidates

speak directly to them about the issues they care

most about – issues that are both unique to their

community and impact the nation as a whole. The

incredible response to and interest in this event

underscores the increasing importance and power

of the Hispanic community in the U.S. and the

fact that it will play a huge role in shaping our

country’s future,” said Joe Uva, CEO, Univision

Communications Inc. “Univision is proud to ensure

the Hispanic community in this country is informed,

educated, and empowered.”

The strong political interest among the country’s

younger skewing Hispanic population was evidenced

by the percentage of viewers under 50. While nearly

60% of Univision’s audience was Adults 18-49, the

English-language network debates were comprised of

less than 30% in this important segment. In addition,

the median age of the Univision Forum viewer was

36 while the English-language networks’ viewer was

61.

In local markets, the Univision Presidential Forum

attracted more Adults 18-49 in New York, Los

Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco than

the average audience for all previous presidential

debates this year on ABC, CNN, Fox News Channel,

and MSNBC. The same was true in Miami and San

Antonio among Households.

UNITED STATES HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES REGIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP AND BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERSThe United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

(USHCC) announces the regional winners of the

USHCC 2007 Regional Hispanic Leadership & Business

Excellence Awards which will be presented at the

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BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFSUSHCC 2007 Annual Convention, Business Expo &

International Pavilion in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“As the Hispanic business community continues to

increase and magnify its contributions to both the

U.S. and world economy, the USHCC is proud to

honor those at the forefront of this unprecedented

movement,” said David C. Lizárraga, USHCC Chair

of the Board of Directors. “On behalf of the USHCC,

our Board of Directors and the two million Hispanic

businesses we represent, I congratulate and applaud

the accomplishments and energy of this year’s regional

award winners and national finalists, and I look forward

to seeing our Hispanic business community on a

continued path to growth and prosperity.”

The regional award winners are finalists for the Wells

Fargo Hispanic Businesswoman of the Year and Wells

Fargo Hispanic Businessman of the Year awards

The regional award winners are finalists for the Wells

Fargo Hispanic Businesswoman of the Year and Wells

Fargo Hispanic Businessman of the Year awards.

The awards are two of the seven National Hispanic

Leadership & Business Excellence Awards, were

presented at the Awards Gala on Saturday, Sept. 22.

This year’s regional award winners for the Hispanic

Businesswoman and Businessman are:

Hispanic Business Woman of the Year

Aracelica Paredes, CEO of Super Mercado Del Pueblo

(Las Vegas, NV)

Jacqueline J. Baca, President of Bueno Foods

(Albuquerque, NM)

Dr. Carmen Santiago, CEO & President of Cuidado

Casero Home Health & Hospice (Arlington, TX)

Rosa Santana, CEO of Integrated Human Capital

(El Paso, TX)

Nannette Rodriguez, President of VIVAMEDIA,

Inc. (Des Moines, IA)

Hispanic Businessman of the Year

Frederick R. Ruiz, Chair, Co-Founder & CEO of

Ruiz Foods, Inc, (Dinuba, CA)

Ruben Ruiz, CEO, Financial Advisor & Author of

The Ruiz Financial Group, LLC (San Marcos, TX)

J.M. “Mike” Robinson. President & CEO of

LaVERDAD Marketing & Media (Cincinnati, OH)

Alex Castro, President & COO of C&S Hardware

(New York, NY)

David Hernandez, CEO of Liberty Power (Ft.

Lauderdale, FL)

TOYOTA NAMED CORPORATION OF THE YEAR BY HISPANIC PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSOCIATIONThe Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA)

announces that it has named Toyota Motor Sales

(TMS), U.S.A., Corporation of the Year. The award

will be presented at HPRA’s annual awards and

scholarship dinner, to be held in Los Angeles on

October 3.

In selecting a recipient for this annual award,

HPRA recognizes a corporation for a demonstrable

contribution to the growing Hispanic community.

In recognizing Toyota, HPRA has noted the

automaker’s substantial support of programs

in family literacy, student scholarships

and internships, youth training programs,

science teacher environmental education and

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international studies, Hispanic business development,

procurement, and other activities.

We are committed to returning the appreciation and

loyalty of the Hispanic community by giving back to

the communities in which we do business

“Hispanics have been valued customers, associates,

suppliers and shareholders of Toyota throughout its

50-year history in the U.S.,” said Irv Miller, Group

Vice President, Corporate Communications. “We are

committed to returning the appreciation and loyalty

of the Hispanic community by giving back to the

communities in which we do business.”

Toyota is celebrating a half-century in the U.S. and a

decade since it launched the first commercial hybrid,

the popular Prius.

The HPRA Corporation of the Year Award is just

one of Toyota’s latest recognitions for its efforts in

diversity and inclusion. Most recently, Toyota ranked

number 29 among DiversityInc.’s Top 50 Companies

for Diversity for 2006, the first year that Toyota

has participated in this survey. Other recent honors

include:

-- Among the Best Companies for Diversity by Black

Enterprise,

-- Induction into the Billion Dollar Roundtable, in

recognition of over $1 billion in annual spending with

certified ethnic and women-owned suppliers

-- “Corporation of the Year” award from the National

Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)

-- “Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award” from the

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

-- The Hispanic Magazine Corporate 100 List

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NATIONAL HISPANIC BUSINESS INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE LAUNCHES WEBSITE TO HELP MINORITIES START OWN BUSINESSESThe National Hispanic Business Information

Clearinghouse (NHBIC) launched a website today

to help minority entrepreneurs start their own

businesses. The site, http://www.nhbic.org, will

provide information on how to finance, manage

and market a new or existing business. NHBIC,

which introduced its online business resource at

an event hosted by the Denver Hispanic Chamber

of Commerce, also announced that the website is

bilingual in English and Spanish and will grow to

include other languages and ethnic groups.

“The NHBIC website focuses on the ‘Three M’s

of Business: Money, Markets & Management.’ It

empowers aspiring business owners by providing

critical information on financing a business, selling

products and services and running a company,” said

NHBIC Program Project Director Salvador Gomez,

president and CEO of Source One Management, Inc

“As a bilingual resource, it will be especially useful

for those who have traditionally been underserved

because English is not their first language.”

Small businesses are the engine of our nation’s

economy, and this program encourages and supports

entrepreneurial success and is to be commended

According to Gomez, the NHBIC will be the first in

a series of online portals providing people of color

with the basic tools for starting a business. Additional

clearinghouses will be launched in coming years

BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFSfor African-American, Asian and Native-American

audiences. All websites will feature business basics plus

information on legal requirements, licensing, permitting,

accounting, managing employees, paying taxes,

marketing, sales and government contracting.

The user-friendly NHBIC website features professionally

pre-screened and categorized business-related content;

a highly specialized and business-specific search engine;

personalized user features; localized, culture-specific

community resources; and updated news related to

minority small businesses.

“The launch and operation of the National Hispanic

Business Information Clearinghouse will have a

tremendous ripple effect in Latino communities across

the United States and the country as a whole,” noted

Hector Barreto, former administrator of the U. S.

Small Business Administration. “Small businesses are

the engine of our nation’s economy, and this program

encourages and supports entrepreneurial success and is

to be commended.”

Funded by a $3.3 million grant from the U.S. Department

of Labor and with start-up capital from Denver-based

Western Union, NHBIC will be available to any individual

nationwide who has access to a computer with Internet

capability. Western Union will also assist in publicizing

the program to hundreds of thousands of small business

owners and merchants through its network of some

50,000 U.S. agent locations.

The Latino Coalition and other national, state and

local groups, as well as community and faith-based

organizations, have also committed to promoting

NHBIC to their members.

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Fred Niehaus, senior vice president of public affairs

for Western Union, said his company’s interest in

supporting NHBIC and later minority clearinghouses

stems from Western Union’s “ethic of empowering

our consumers to achieve sustainable economic

stability. These BICs, when available in multiple

languages, will reach millions of immigrants

and minorities with information to start, grow

and maintain successful businesses in the U. S.

The rewards will be felt nationwide.” For more

information, visit http://www.nhbic.org

FORMER SBA CHIEF NAMED CHAIRMAN OF BUSINESS MATCHMAKINGHector Barreto, former five year administrator of

United States Small Business Administration, current

Chairman of the Latino Coalition and a national

business leader, has been elected Chairman of

Business Matchmaking, the nation’s leading non-

profit small business procurement program.

Business Matchmaking (BMM) brings together

primarily women, minority and veteran owned small

business owners with procurement representatives

of federal and local government agencies and

several hundred major corporations. The three year

program has been responsible for over 51,000 face

to face meetings and facilitated the granting of more

than $800,000,000 in contracts for small firms.

BMM also manages an active online training and

procurement site:

http://www.businessmatchmaking.com.

All programs are free to small business participants,

BUSINESS NEWS BRIEFSand the events are funded by corporate sponsors

including the lead company, HP, along with American

Airlines, Federal Express, Aflac, National Merchant

Center, Triad Insurance, Sprint, Lockheed Martin

and others. SCORE, counselors to America’s small

businesses, is the co-sponsor of the BMM program.

“Hector Barreto brings outstanding leadership and a

track record of great achievement in promoting small

business procurement opportunities,” Diane Kegley,

Producer of Business Matchmaking, and Kenneth

Yancey, CEO of SCORE, said in a joint statement.

Barreto, a frequent media guest and speaker on small

business topics, is also the author of “The Engine of

America” being published in September by Wiley and

Associates. The book focuses on corporate success

stories with lessons for entrepreneurs who are

growing their companies. Barreto has relocated to his

home state of California, and was recently appointed

by Governor Schwarzenegger to the state’s Economic

Development Commission.

The next major BMM event is the Midwestern

Business Matchmaking on August 28 in Chicago,

followed by a regional event in Dallas on November 1

and one in Little Rock on December 10.

EMPLOYMENT RATE FOR HISPANICS DECREASES WHILE THIS SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION CONTINUES TO GROWH&R Block announces 3,900 job opportunities

for bilingual, Spanish-speaking tax professionals;

enrollment for income tax course is now open

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According to recent data by the U.S. Census Bureau,

the Hispanic population continues growing as

expected with a 3.4 percent increase between July 1,

2005, and July 1, 2006. However, the job market is

not keeping up with this growth, as the latest figures

from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the

unemployment rate for Hispanics has increased, in a

three-month period, from 5.1 percent in March to 5.9

percent as of July of this year. In general, the nation’s

unemployment rose this year from 4.5 percent in

June to 4.6 percent in July, a six-month high.

As part of its commitment to the Hispanic

community, and in response to this demand for

professional opportunities that offer competitive,

supplemental income for Hispanic workers in the

U.S., H&R Block plans to hire 3,900 bilingual,

Spanish-speaking tax professionals nationwide. The

company has also opened registration for the H&R

Block Income Tax Course from now until Sept. 10th,

offering Hispanics the opportunity to learn a new

skill that could potentially lead to a new job as a tax

professional.*

This is an important opportunity for bilingual

Hispanics to possibly access a new career in which

they could leverage not only their language skills but

also their cultural heritage

“This is an important opportunity for bilingual

Hispanics to possibly access a new career in which

they could leverage not only their language skills but

also their cultural heritage. H&R Block is interested

in hiring qualified, bilingual and Spanish-speaking tax

professionals, so we can make sure that we have all

the resources to best serve the needs of the growing

Hispanic population in their language of preference,

with the people they trust,” said Christina Lively,

H&R Block Marketing Manager. “We are committed

to continue building a knowledgeable and skilled

team of tax professionals who can work effectively

with their clients to help them meet their tax

obligations and obtain the maximum refund that they

are entitled to by law.”

Taught by experienced H&R Block professionals,

the course is designed for people without existing

tax preparation training as well as those wanting to

update their tax preparation skills; it covers a range

of tax topics, including the latest information on tax

laws, credits and deductions.

Openings for bilingual, Spanish-speaking tax

professionals are available in cities such as Los

Angeles, New York, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, San

Francisco, San Diego, Denver, Phoenix, Sacramento,

Fresno and El Paso, as well as in many other markets

throughout the country with significant and growing

Latino communities.

The company offers both bilingual courses (in English

and Spanish) as well as only in English at many

locations throughout the country. To learn more

about course schedules, locations, enrollment and

class fees,** call toll-free 1-866-790-1116 (Spanish-

speaking operators are available) or visit the

company’s Web site at http://www.hrblock-espanol.

com/cursos.

NOGALES INVESTORS RAISES $245 MILLION NOGALES FUND II; WILL TARGET INVESTMENTS IN MIDDLE MARKET COMPANIES IN U.S. – LOS ANGELES-BASED INVESTMENT FIRM TO CAPITALIZE ON EXPERTISE WITH LATINO CONSUMER MARKETOn the heels of the success of its $100 million Nogales

Fund I, Los Angeles-based private equity firm

Nogales Investors Management, LLC (http://www.

nogalesinvestors.com) has raised Nogales Fund II,

a $245 million fund designed to make investments

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ranging from $10 million to $30 million in middle

market companies.

The company’s business strategy is to invest

in middle market companies in attractive, yet

underserved markets. Investment candidates for

Nogales Fund II include private or publicly-held

companies headquartered or doing business within

the United States, and whose management teams

are partnership-oriented, highly incented and

growth-oriented. Industry sectors of particular

interest include retail, financial services, energy,

manufacturing, media and communications and

transportation.

The company’s business strategy is to invest in middle

market companies in attractive, yet underserved

markets

The fund will also take advantage of its founder’s

unique understanding of the Latino consumer

market by identifying companies poised for growth,

including firms that are either Latino-owned or

target the Latino market. Understanding the

Latino marketplace is a unique attribute of Nogales

Investors. Founder Luis Nogales, served as the

president of the Univision broadcast network,

and served in the 1980s as Chairman and CEO of

United Press International. In addition to serving

as Managing Partner of Nogales Investors, he is

a corporate director with Edison International/

Southern California Edison Company, KB Home

and Arbitron Inc. He is the former Board Chairman

of MALDEF, currently serves as a trustee of the J.

Paul Getty Trust and is a former Trustee of Stanford

University and the Ford Foundation.

The success of Nogales Fund I provided momentum

for Nogales Fund II, with reinvestment support from

the first fund’s limited partners.

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HISPANIC TODAYNogales Fund I investments included:

-- G.I. Joe’s - The Sports and Auto Store: an $11.5

million investment in G.I. Joe’s, a leading sporting

goods and auto aftermarket retailer in the U.S. The

proceeds from the investment were used to redeem

outstanding preferred stock and provide working

capital for the Company’s continued store expansion.

In February 2007, G.I. Joe’s was acquired by Gryphon

Investors. Nogales’ subordinated note was repaid in

full and its warrant position redeemed.

-- Graphic Press: a $9.0 million investment in Graphic

Press, one of the premier commercial printers in the

U.S. The proceeds from the investment were used to

recapitalize the company’s balance sheet and provide

working capital to position the company for future

growth.

-- Video King - a $10.0 million equity investment in

VKGS, LLC (dba “Video King”), a manufacturer of

electronic bingo gaming systems. The investment

facilitated Video King’s spin-off from its parent

company, BK Entertainment, Inc.

Nogales Fund II partners include Luis Nogales, Mark

Mickelson and Steve Sebastian. Mark Mickelson

has been a private equity investor for over 15 years

and has sponsored investments in numerous middle

market companies in a variety of industries. He is

currently a board member of Graphic Press, Alfa

Leisure, Chick’s Sporting Goods and Video King.

He has previously served on boards and operating

committees for G.I. Joe’s, The Jon Douglas Real

Estate Services Group, Media Arts Group, Allied

Equipment Rentals and SeaWest Financial.

Steve Sebastian joined Nogales in July 2007. He has

more than 20 years experience as both a principal

and an agent, across multiple industries. Previously,

Steve Sebastian was a Partner of Westar Capital,

investing in and overseeing portfolio of Western

middle market companies. He achieved partner-level

position at several investment banks, including Bear

Stearns (Senior Managing Director), Chanin Capital/

Duff & Phelps (Managing Director and Group Co-

Head) and BT Securities/Deutsche Bank (Managing

Director). He has also served on the Board of

Directors of seven portfolio and public companies.

Nogales Partners also includes a senior advisory

board of highly-skilled professionals actively involved

in multiple aspects of the investment process.

This board includes Robert Smith, former CEO of

Security Pacific Bank; Matt Fong, former Treasurer of

California; Bruce Llewellyn, CEO, Philadelphia, Coca-

Cola Bottling; Arthur Velasquez, CEO, Azteca Corn

Products Corp.; and Roy Doumani, former partner

with W.E. Simon Private Equity.

NEW WEBSITE OFFERS HISPANIC BUSINESS COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES TO NETWORKThe Questamente Network, Inc. has launched the

national Beta test of its new dual language website

designed for Hispanic business professionals and

entrepreneurs in the U.S. The site, http://www.

questamente.com, provides free business information

on starting or managing a business in the U.S.

through its “Library” of business articles, sample

business plans, executive profiles, and its blog. It also

allows users to interact and communicate with each

other through industry forums and it’s “Office Party”

of themed chat rooms and full social networking

features. All content and functions are offered in

Spanish as well as English.

“Our site allows Hispanic business professionals to

form their own Internet community where they

can learn from each other and share experiences

and opinions from anywhere in the country”, said

Questamente co-founder Kathleen Chitester. “There

are already more than 2 million Hispanic owned

business in the U.S. and that number is expected

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to increase to 3.2 million in the next few years” she

added. “There are also millions of Latinos working in

professional positions in other U.S. businesses. Until

now, however, there has been little opportunity

for any of them to connect online and share their

knowledge with each other.”

Our site allows Hispanic business professionals to

form their own Internet community where they can

learn from each other and share experiences and

opinions from anywhere in the country

The website also provides a number of tools to

Hispanic business professionals with which they

can advance their knowledge and careers such as

eBooks on relevant topics like U.S. Business Law,

Cultural Diversity in Business, Writing a Resume,

and Interviewing for a Job. Additionally a job board

powered by LatPro, the award winning job board

for Hispanic and bilingual professionals, provides

employers access to the most in-depth pool of

Hispanic candidates available anywhere and job

seekers the ability to search for opportunities to

advance their careers.

Questamente Director of Operations, Brenda

Marrero stated “I am really excited about

authoring the company blog. I will be providing

the Hispanic community with current information

on opportunities available to them as well as issues

they face in today’s business climate. I am sure that

anyone starting or managing their own business

as well as those professionals working for others

will find practical information they can use in their

business or career in our blog as well as elsewhere on

our website.”

Site membership is free to all Hispanic business

professionals 16 years of age and older.

TIME WARNER NAMES T. HUDSON WILLIAMS VP DIVERSITY & MULTICULTURAL INITIATIVEST. Hudson Williams has been named Vice President of

Diversity and Multicultural Initiatives of Time Warner

Inc., the company announced today. She will report

to Lisa Quiroz, Senior Vice President of Corporate

Responsibility. In her new role, Hudson Williams

will lead continuing efforts to promote a culture of

inclusion at Time Warner, working with corporate

and divisional leadership to implement strategies that

support diversity across Time Warner’s businesses.

“Diversity is part of everything we do at Time

Warner. Our diverse workforce helps inform our

business decisions and ensures that the content we

create and the services we offer are attractive to a

wide range of audiences,” said Lisa Quiroz, Senior

Vice President of Corporate Responsibility. “We

are thrilled to welcome T., and eager to take full

advantage of her expertise.”

“I’m excited to work for a company that understands

diversity as a business imperative and I look forward

to continuing to foster diverse practices throughout

Time Warner,” said Hudson Williams.

Hudson Williams comes to Time Warner from

Toyota, where she held several roles. Most recently,

she was Corporate Diversity Director, managing

diversity programs, policies, and initiatives for

Toyota’s North American operations. She joined

Toyota in 1996 to develop systems and procedures

that monitor the company’s supplier quality and

delivery performance.

Hudson Williams has been recognized personally for

her commitment to driving diversity-related business

results. In 2007 she was named to The Network

Journal’s annual “40 Under Forty” list. HT

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IN SERVICE TO OTHERS

Peace Corps Volunteers sacrifice much to offer assistance to developing nations around the world. Those they serve are not alone in benefiting from Peace Corps service. In fact, volunteers gain knowledge and experience while growing both personally and professionally. Ultimately, employers seeking exceptional personnel should take a long, hard look at Peace Corps Volunteers as candidates to fill career positions.

By Richard Chudy

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P eace Corps Director Ronald A. Tschetter

announced the agency’s celebration

of Hispanic Heritage Month. From

September 15 to October 15, the Peace Corps will

celebrate the culture and traditions of the more than

42 million U.S. residents who trace their roots to

Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking nations of

Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Says Director Tschetter, “This year’s theme of

“Making a Positive Impact in American Society”

allows us to recognize the contributions of Hispanic

Americans past and present who have served in the

Peace Corps. Through their dedication to service,

they have helped carry out the Peace Corps’ mission

of facilitating global development while creating

a better understanding of our nation’s rich, multi-

cultural heritage.”

Hispanic-American Peace Corps Volunteers hail from

35 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.

In the Peace Corps, they focus their work in the

sectors of education, business, health, environment,

agriculture or urban development projects. Here are

some stellar examples of Volunteers currently serving

in the Peace Corps:

Alejandro Martinez, a Youth Development Volunteer

in Costa Rica, works with families and youth,

including children in orphanages in Costa Rica. For

Martinez, Peace Corps service in Central America

has had an element of coming home since he was

adopted as a young child from an orphanage in

Honduras. Says Martinez, “Being here, and as I travel

around Latin America, I feel an intense love for the

people of each country. I relate to them with an open

mind since a part of my identity is tied to theirs.”

Susana Calderon, a Health Volunteer with a Master’s

in Public Health, is dedicated to working with youth

on HIV/AIDS education and prevention in Nicaragua,

specifically with vulnerable populations such as

transporters. Says Calderon, “My parents emigrated

to the U.S. from Mexico, and it was very difficult

for them to understand why I wanted to go into the

Peace Corps. They said, ‘We’ve worked all of our lives

to get you to the U.S., and now you want to leave?’

But I enjoy being here, and I enjoy blending in. I

also spoke Spanish already, so it was easier for me to

adapt from that standpoint.”

Norman Torres, who served as a Youth Development

Volunteer in Moldova from 1999-2002, is now

serving again as a Math teacher in Malawi. He has

what Peace Corps Malawi Country Director Dale

Mosier calls “one of those contagious, out-going

personalities that naturally attracts people to him.”

Outside of the classroom, Norman is involved

in sports, teaching life skills, and organizing the

activities of a wildlife club. Says Torres, “Teaching and

living in a new culture are my passions. Peace Corps

Peace Corps Director Ronald A. Tschetter

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HISPANIC TODAY

Since that time, more than 187,000 Peace Corps

Volunteers have been invited by 139 host countries

to work on issues ranging from AIDS education

to information technology and environmental

preservation.

Today’s Peace Corps is more vital than ever,

working in emerging and essential areas such as

information technology and business development,

and committing more than 1,000 new Volunteers as

a part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS

Relief. Peace Corps Volunteers continue to help

countless individuals who want to build a better life

for themselves, their children, and their communities.

Since 1960, Peace Corps Volunteers have been

teachers and mentors to countless children. They’ve

helped farmers grow crops, worked with small

businesses to market products, and shown women

how to care for their babies. More recently, they’ve

helped schools develop computer skills and educated

entire communities about the threat of HIV/AIDS.

Throughout its history, the Peace Corps has adapted

and responded to the issues of the times. In an ever-

experience is going to improve my chances of making

my passions a career.”

Before we meet these three extraordinary Hispanics,

it’s important to get a clear view of what the Peace

Corps represents. First and foremost is the Peace

Corps dedication to making the world a better place

for those less forunate then ourselves, to focus

efforts on improving the lives of millions of people

regardless of race or origin. For over four decades,

the Peace Corps has established itself as a benevolent

organization whose sole goal is to align like-minded

individuals in a mission of generosity and selflessness.

While many are aware of the benefits to those that

the Peace Corps assists, few are aware of the benefits

that service as a Peace Corps Volunteer offers to

those that take the step and give of themselves to

better the lives of others.

The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960,

when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged

students at the University of Michigan to serve their

country in the cause of peace by living and working

in developing countries. From that inspiration grew

an agency of the federal government devoted to

world peace and friendship.

Says Director Tschetter, “This year’s

theme of “Making a Positive Impact

in American Society” allows us

to recognize the contributions of

Hispanic Americans past and present

who have served in the Peace Corps.

Through their dedication to service,

they have helped carry out the Peace

Corps’ mission of facilitating global

development while creating a better

understanding of our nation’s rich,

multi-cultural heritage.”

Then Senator John F. Kennedy at the University of Michigan. His speech there was a catalyst towards

the formation of the Peace Corps.(Photo courtesy of the Kennedy Library)

24

HISPANIC TODAYchanging world, Peace Corps Volunteers meet new

challenges with innovation, creativity, determination,

and compassion. These are the qualities that have

allowed—and continue to allow the Peace Corps to

achieve its mission.

The world has changed since 1961, and the Peace

Corps has changed with it. With 7,749 Volunteers

in 67 posts serving 73 countries, today’s Peace

Corps is more relevant than ever. While Volunteers

continue to do important work like bringing clean

water to communities and teaching children,

today’s Volunteers also work in areas like HIV/AIDS

awareness, information technology, and business

development.

The Peace Corps will continue to address global

needs as they arise. Thousands of Volunteers, for

instance, now work on HIV/AIDS-related activities.

As access to information technology has grown in the

developing world, the Peace Corps has increased its

Volunteer efforts in this field. Below is a brief listing

of some of the Peace Corps’ newest programs and

projects.

HIV/AIDS IN AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

The Peace Corps has intensified its role in the global

effort to fight HIV/AIDS by training all Volunteers

in Africa as educators and advocates of HIV/AIDS

prevention and education. Regardless of their

primary project, all Volunteers will be equipped to

play a role in addressing the multiple health, social,

and economic problems related to the HIV/AIDS

epidemic. Peace Corps programs in Botswana and

Swaziland are devoted entirely to fighting the disease.

In addition, efforts are expanding into the Caribbean,

where more Volunteers are focusing efforts on

combating HIV/AIDS. In May 2003, the Peace Corps

committed 1,000 new Volunteers to work on HIV/

AIDS-related activities as part of President Bush’s

Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Volunteers provide technical training and support to

groups and organizations that want to make better

use of information and communications technology.

They introduce people to the computer as a tool

to increase efficiency and communication and to

“leap frog” stages of development. Volunteers teach

basic computer literacy skills, (e.g., word-processing,

spreadsheets, basic accounting software, Internet

use, and webpage development) and they introduce

host communities to e-commerce, distance learning,

and geographic information systems.

The Peace Corps has intensified its role in the global effort to fight HIV/AIDS by training all Volunteers in Africa as educators and advocates of HIV/AIDS

prevention and education.

25

HISPANIC TODAY

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EXPANDING INTO NEW COUNTRIES

Africa Region

Since Ghana received the first Peace Corps Volunteers

in 1961, more than 60,000 Americans have served

in 46 African countries. The Peace Corps continues

to enjoy strong cooperation and support from the

people of Africa. At the end of fiscal year 2006, 2,801

Volunteers and trainees will be on board, working in

25 countries. In 2003, the re-opening of the Chad,

Botswana, and Swaziland programs poised the Africa

region for substantial growth in the coming years.

Europe, Mediterranean and Asia Region

More than 48,250 Volunteers have served in the

Europe, Mediterranean, and Asia (EMA) region

since 1961. At the end of fiscal year 2006, EMA

will have 2,501 Volunteers and trainees working in

20 countries, most of which are undergoing rapid

economic and social changes. Throughout the

region, Volunteers work with governments, local

organizations, and communities to provide needed

technical expertise and promote cross-cultural

understanding. Together, Volunteers and their

counterparts work to address changing needs in

agriculture, business, education, the environment,

and health.

Inter-America and Pacific Region

Since the Peace Corps’ inception in 1961, more than

73,000 Volunteers have served in the Inter-America

and Pacific (IAP) region. They have served in more

than 46 countries. At the end of fiscal year 2006,

2,501 Volunteers were working in 24 posts in all

six of the agency’s sectors: agriculture, business

development, education, the environment, health

and HIV/AIDS, and youth. The Fiji program was re-

opened in 2003 and a program in Mexico opened for

the first time in 2004.

WHAT DOES THE PEACE CORPS DO?Counseling teenagers in Belize. Launching an

Armenian computer center. Promoting HIV/AIDS

awareness in Malawi. Teaching chemistry in a

Ghanaian high school. Peace Corps Volunteers work

in a wide variety of areas —and no two days are ever

the same.

Think of the Peace Corps and you might imagine

teaching in a one-room schoolhouse or farming in a

remote area of the world. But while education and

agriculture are still an important part of what the

Peace Corps does, today’s Volunteers are just as likely

to be working on HIV/AIDS awareness, helping to

establish computer learning centers, or working on

small-business development.

Peace Corps Volunteers work in the following

areas: education, youth outreach, and community

development; business development; agriculture and

environment; health and HIV/AIDS; and information

technology. Within these areas, the specific duties

and responsibilities of each Volunteer can vary

widely. Ask any Peace Corps Volunteer and he or she

will tell you that everybody has a unique experience.

BENEFITS OF PEACE CORPS SERVICEYou give and you get. The chance to make a real

difference in other people’s lives is the reason most

More than 60,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps Volunteers in 46 African countries.

29

HISPANIC TODAYVolunteers serve in the Peace Corps.

But that is not the only benefit of Peace Corps

service. Volunteers also have the chance to learn a

new language, live in another culture, and develop

career and leadership skills. The Peace Corps

experience can enhance long-term career prospects

whether you want to work for a corporation, a

nonprofit organization, or a government agency. The

Peace Corps can even open doors to graduate school.

From practical benefits such as student loan

deferment, career benefits like fluency in a foreign

language, and the intangible benefits that come

with making a difference in people’s lives, there are

a variety of rewards for the dedicated service of

Volunteers. Rewards that last a lifetime.

And the benefits of Peace Corps service don’t end

with overseas service. It’s an experience to draw on

for the rest of your life. As is often said, the Peace

Corps isn’t simply something great. It’s the beginning

of something great.

PROFESSIONAL AND CAREER BENEFITS Peace Corps Volunteers gain valuable skills and

experience that will help in any career path. Use the

skills and experiences you gain overseas to help build

a career in virtually any sector of our society.

Develop Skills for the Global Marketplace

Fluency in foreign languages, international

experience, and cross-cultural understanding are

highly sought-after assets in today’s global economy.

Whether you are just out of college, mid-career,

or retired, the Peace Corps provides you with up to

three months of intensive training before service

begins and offers continued training throughout

your service. The new skills you learn can help you

achieve long-term career goals by enhancing your

marketability to employers. Volunteers returning

from abroad have used their Peace Corps experience

30

HISPANIC TODAYas the foundation for successful careers in a variety

of areas, from government to business to education.

Get Job Placement Support

Returned Volunteers have served as members of

Congress, cabinet secretaries, university presidents,

and corporate leaders. The Peace Corps provides

transition assistance related to jobs and education

through its 11 regional recruitment offices. In

addition, the Peace Corps maintains a directory of

former Volunteers and others who are willing to offer

career advice, providing a ready-made job network in

a wide variety of fields; publishes a biweekly online

newsletter with job announcements, graduate school

information, and industry overviews; and sponsors

career workshops throughout the year.

Receive Advantages in Federal Employment

Volunteers who complete two years of service

receive one year of noncompetitive eligibility for

employment in the federal government. This means

that if you meet the minimum qualifications for a

position, you can be hired without going through

the standard competitive process, at the employing

agency’s discretion.

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

Peace Corps or graduate school? Two unique

programs offer the best of both worlds.

Peace Corps has established partnerships with

colleges and universities across the U.S. that offer

academic credit and financial incentives to Volunteers

during or after Peace Corps service. Master’s

International allows you to incorporate Peace Corps

service into a master’s degree program at more than

40 colleges and universities. And their Fellows/USA

program offers returned Volunteers scholarships

or reduced tuition at more than 30 participating

schools.

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32

HISPANIC TODAYa master’s degree program. Prospective students

apply separately to Peace Corps and to a participating

graduate school. Once accepted by both, students will

study on campus, usually for one year, and then spend

the next two years earning academic credit while

working overseas in a related Peace Corps project.

Most schools provide students in this program with

opportunities for research or teaching assistantships,

scholarships, or tuition waivers for the credits earned

while serving in the Peace Corps.

Fellows/USA offers Volunteers who have returned

home scholarships or reduced tuition in advanced

degree programs. Some also receive housing

allowances, paid employment, or health benefits. In

return for these benefits, Fellows make a commitment

to work in an underserved U.S. community as they

pursue an advanced degree in a variety of disciplines.

Fellows teach in public schools, work in public health

facilities, and contribute to community development

projects at nonprofit organizations. Volunteers

can apply for the Fellows/USA any time after they

complete their Peace Corps service.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS AND LOAD DEFERMENT

During service, Peace Corps Volunteers receive

vacation time, pay and living expenses, deferment of

student loans, and transportation to and from the

country of service.

Vacation Time

Volunteers receive two vacation days per month of

service, a total of 48 days over two years. Many use

this time to travel to nearby countries, expanding

their opportunities for adventure and cross-cultural

experiences. Some invite family or friends to visit so

they can share their experience of the host country

with loved ones. And of course, Volunteers can use this

time for a visit home (at their own expense).

Pay and Living Expenses

The Peace Corps provides Volunteers with a living

allowance that enables them to live in a manner

similar to the local people in their community.

Returning from overseas requires some adjustment,

so when you complete your service, the Peace Corps

provides just over $6,000 toward your transition

to life back home. This money is yours to use as

you wish: for travel, a vacation, making a move, or

securing housing.

Deferment of Student Loans

Volunteers may defer repayment of student loans

under several federal programs, i.e., Stafford

(formerly known as guaranteed student loans),

Perkins, direct and consolidation loans. Some

commercial loans may also be deferred during Peace

Corps service. Because the rules that authorize

deferment are complicated and subject to change, it

is best to talk to a Peace Corps recruiter about how

this benefit applies to your situation.

Cancellation of Student Loans

Only Volunteers with Perkins loans are eligible for a

partial cancellation benefit. Fifteen percent of your

Perkins loans can be cancelled upon the completion

of each 365 days of service during your first two

years of service, and 20 percent can be cancelled

upon completion of each of the third and fourth

years. Therefore, four full years of service would

equal a 70 percent cancellation of your existing

loan.

MEDICAL BENEFITS

All Volunteers receive comprehensive medical

and dental benefits. Full medical insurance

during service covers 100% of primary care,

hospitalization, medical evacuation, all prescriptions

including birth control and dental care needs.

Volunteers are also covered by workman’s

compensation for injuries incurred during their

period of service.Additionally, Volunteers can obtain

affordable health insurance for up to 18 months

following Volunteers service.

33

HISPANIC TODAYIn an effort to relay what Peace Corps Service is like

and what motivates those who volunteer, we posed

a series of questions to the the three Hispanics we

profile in this article. Here are their responses.

SUSANA CALDERON

Peace Corps Nicaragua, Health sector

What motivated you to join the Peace Corps as

opposed to seeking out a career in the private

sector?

I am not a big fan of sitting in front of a computer

all day, so I was very much attracted to the

work-style Peace Corps has. I was interested in

International Health and Development, so Peace

Corps seemed like a logical step. Plus, I have always

wanted to work and live abroad.

Did you prepare yourself for Peace Corps duties

by taking courses at college/university/other

prior to joining?

Yes, to join Peace Corps it is required to have a

college degree or some type of technical training.

Plus I worked for a couple of years and received a

masters in public health-international health.

How long have you been with the Peace Corps?

I am going to complete 21 months this September.

When you joined, did you have the opportunity to specify where your service would be performed and what you would be doing? Did you request service assignment in a Latin country?

Yes, I studied public health and some work

experience doing some research with HIV-STI s in

New Orleans where I was studying. I requested

Latin America and Africa.

What is the most memorable occurrence/event/project you’ve been involved with during your time with the Peace Corps?

One of my most memorable experiences is setting

up a support group for people living with HIV in

Susana Calderon, PCV (photo, Peace Corps)

Susana Calderon, PCV (photo, Peace Corps)

Susana Calderon, PCV (photo, Peace Corps)

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HISPANIC TODAY

my community, although they don’t always meet, it

has been powerful to see the members meet other

people living with HIV in their community, for it is

highly stigmatized.

How long do you envision your involvement with the

Peace Corps will last?

I am not sure, I will complete my service in March

2008, and maybe in the future I will be with Peace

Corps again.

What are your career plans post Peace Corps?

I am planning on moving back to Denver for a while

and work with migrant health issues, and then see

what’s next.

How do you expect your time in the Peace Corps will prepare you for future career paths? Are there specific competencies/skills you feel you’ll take away from your time that you would not have without your Peace Corps service?

I think without Peace Corps, I would have never

known how development work happens first-hand

at the community level and for managing health

projects it’s essential to understand. I can also

handle extremely hot weather.

What advice would you give to others contemplating

a position with the Peace Corps?

Be open, don’t forget that things are never what we

expect. Stick through the tough times because that’s

when you grow the most.

Last, do you have any regrets or do you feel that your

decision to join was/is a wise one?

No regrets whatsover, it was the best decision I ever

made. Once you have a family and children it is

harder to have these types of experiences and I feel

very grateful to have had this opportunity.

I think without Peace Corps, I would have never know how development work happens first hand at the community level and for managing health projects it’s essential to understand.

Susana Calderon, PCV, Nicaragua

ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ

Peace Corps Costa Rica

What motivated you to join the Peace Corps as opposed to seeking out a career in the private sector?

By coincidence my brother was graduating from

high school where he recieved a retired Peace Corps

Volunteer (RPCV) from Paraguay as a guest speaker.

Although I was not there for the graduation my

brother mentioned to the fellow RPCV that I had

interests in joining the Peace Corps. When the fellow

RPCV heard this he really wanted to meet me and

took time out of his schedule to come down and visit

me in Connecticut, taking time off from his teaching

position as a professor at Tufts University. When he

arrived at my home he had brought one of his fellow

RPCV s with whom he shared photos and stories of

living and serving in rural Paraguay. In español we

say ´´me caye bien´´ or more or less he left a good

impression on me, he is my friend. This RPCV is now

in Columbia serving as; Country Director - Colombia;

Deputy Regional Director - Latin America and the

Caribbean; and as a representative with the American

Friends Service Committee

He really sparked a flame in me to pursue the peace

Corps with a positive outlook on who I am, which

made the wait to become a PCV worthwhile. My

friend is a well cultured man whose eyes and intellect

are open to the many ideas and experiences this

life has to offer. A very priceless characteristic for

a humble and selfless friend. He is the one who

influenced me the most on my motives.

Did you prepare yourself for Peace Corps duties by taking courses at college/university/other prior to

joining?

I had studied Economics and International relations

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HISPANIC TODAY

with an idea that it might serve me later on in

terms of doing development work. Yet intellectual

knowledge and actual experience are two different

things. I was given time to expand on my work

experience after college to become a manager

at FedEx which infused in me new yet unknown

qualities that I have always had. So I am not sure if I

was prepared or not for Peace Corps service because I

have learned a lot as a volunteer and am still learning.

I would say I had a good foundation before I came

into the Peace Corps and am building upon that.

How long have you been with the Peace Corps

I have been with the Peace Corps for just over a year.

When you joined, did you have the opportunity to specify where your service would be performed and what you would be doing? Did you request service assignment in a Latin country?

I had an opportunity to lean towards a career in what

struck my interest in terms of work, yet as of country

or region, no. I requested my service assignment to

be in Romania or a country in Africa.

What is the most memorable occurrence/event/project you’ve been involved with during your time with the Peace Corps?

My most memorable experience is assisting the

development team of my community to purchase

a lawnmower so that their socccer field could be

“I have always been confident in my own abilities yet I feel the Peace Corps has helped me grow

as a young man humbly taking in the new experiences and challenges along this journey.”

Alejandro Martinez, PCV Costa Rica

PCV Alejandro Martinez (second from the right) along with several fellow PCV’s – in his own words Alejandro states “This photo is very important to me as it is with my fellow PCV’s... their friendship I would not trade for anything.”

37

HISPANIC TODAY

38

HISPANIC TODAYmowed. I more or less helped boost the moral and

confidence of the people in my community so that

they could better care for their community and its

development. I would humbly refer to this as one

of my most memorable moments because that

same week a store ower came up to me and said

´´Alejandro, Thank you for what you have done for

us´´ When he told me that I said ´´Thank you for

what, I have not done anything´´ and they said ´´yes

you did, we finally got the lawnmower to take care of

the soccer field.”

How long do you envision your involvement with the

Peace Corps will last?

Although I will not be a PCV forever I plan on

continuing on with development work, so that

hopefully upon my return to the States I can raise

money to bring a Multi-Use court to my community

here in Costa Rica later on. My work will never end

(hypothetically speaking).

What are your career plans post Peace Corps?

To pay off my student loans within a year; Create a

web page in the States to help my women’s group

in Costa Rica market their products; Learn french,

and raise funds to return to Costa Rica so that the

childern, youth and families of my community will

benefit by way of opportunities in a multi-complex

sports facility.

How do you expect your time in the Peace Corps will prepare you for future career paths? Are there specific competencies/skills you feel you’ll take away from your time that you would not have without your Peace Corps service?

I feel Peace Corps has helped create a good base for

me to do development work in other countries and to

continue serving those in need. I have always been

confident in my own abilities yet I feel that the Peace

Corps has helped me grow as a young man humbly

taking in these new experiences and challenges along

the way.

What advice would you give to others contemplating

a position with the Peace Corps?

Through rain or shine being with the Peace Corps is a

journey all the worthwhile.

Last, do you have any regrets or do you feel that your

decision to join was/is a wise one?

Regrets has a negative connotation to it, yet there

are circumstances that have been challenging and

have knocked me down, yet each time I get back up

on my feet and keep on going because I believe in

myself.

NORMAN TORRES

Retired Peace Corps Volunteer

What motivated you to join the Peace Corps as opposed to seeking out a career in the private sector?

I wanted to assist people and learn about different

cultures. PC gives me that opportunity and also it is

a great way to see the world through the eyes of the

village.

Did you prepare yourself for Peace Corps duties by taking courses at college/university/other prior to joining?

No, but I had to have a college degree so I got one.

I am a Mathematics teacher. This helps me a lot to

assist students around the world.

How long have you been with the Peace Corps?

5 years. Moldova 99-02 (3 years) and Malawi 05-07

(2 years), and I am considering going to the South

Pacific Island next year as a PCV.

When you joined, did you have the opportunity to specify where your service would be performed and what you would be doing? Did you request service assignment in a Latin country?

No, I would go to any country where PC feels that I

can make a contribution.

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What is the most memorable occurrence/event/project you’ve been involved with during your time

with the Peace Corps?

In Malawi, my community got some assistance from

the US Embassy to build a community hall. My

main duty was to make sure that every one worked

together to make this project a reality. I helped my

village realize that everyone, from politicians to the

local farmers, had to work together in harmony to

complete our dream. It took some time but at the

end, the hall was completed with 50% in-kind and

some financial contributions from the community.

Now they have a building to remind them that when

they work together beautiful things can happen.

How long do you envision your involvement with the

Peace Corps will last?

As long as PC feels that I can make a difference.

What are your career plans post Peace Corps?

Keep doing this type of work, if not with PC, then

with any other organization.

How do you expect your time in the Peace Corps will prepare you for future career paths? Are there specific competencies/skills you feel you’ll take away from your time that you would not have without your Peace Corps service?

I can go into any community and be able to

respect, work with and even love the people of any

community. PC toughed me that.

What advice would you give to others contemplating

a position with the Peace Corps?

Join PC, and it will change your life for ever.

Last, do you have any regrets or do you feel that your decision to join was/is a wise one?

No regrets. I love being a PCV.

RPCV Norman Torres has spent over 5 years with the Peace Corps in Moldova and Malawi. He is currently considering an assignment in the South Pacific Islands and intends to remain in service to those in need.

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NOTABLE FORMER PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY. • Bob Beckel, political analyst, Bob Beckel & Associates

• Heather Buckmaster, executive director, Oklahoma Beef Council

• Charlie Clifford, founder, Tumi luggage

• Patricia Cloherty, chairman of The U.S. Russia Investment Fund

• Edward Dolby, president, Bank of America, Carolinas

• John Earhart, chairman of the board and a founding shareholder

of Global Environment Fund Management Corporation

• David S. Geiman, chairman of the executive committee, board

of directors, president and chief executive officer of the CattleSale

Company

• Samuel Gillespie III, senior vice president, Exxon Mobil Corp.

• Jan Guifarro, World Wide Director of Global Consumer Affairs for

the Colgate Palmolive Company

• Frank Guzzetta, CEO of Hecht’s

• Robert Haas, chairman of board for Levi Strauss

• Reed Hastings, founder and CEO of Netflix

• Wilber James, CEO of Citizens Power

• Ginny Kirkwood, owner of Shawnee on the Delaware Inn and

Resort

• James Kouzes, president of Tom Peters Group

• Michael McCaskey, chairman of the board, Chicago Bears

• Robert McCormack, executive vice president of Citicorp

• Ann and Michael Moore, former CEO and chairman of Snugli Co.

and Airlift Company

• Frederic Poses, CEO of American Standard Co.

• Gordon Radley, president of Lucasfilms Ltd.

• Tom Scanlon, president of Benchmarks

In closing, one cannot overlook the

tremendous sacrifices and the selfless

attitudes of Peace Corps Volunteers.

The very least that the business world

can do to support the continuing

efforts of these remarkable individuals

is to ensure they actively recruit from

the pool of retired PCV’s who are

seeking career positions in the private

sector now that their service terms

are complete. They possess unique

skills and epitomize the best qualities

that any employer could hope for and

are sure to be model employees. By

showing like-minded people that their

service is not only appreciated but that

they are highly valued post-service,

we can all encourage the continued

success of the Peace Corps. HT

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Henry Cisneros

EXECUTIVES ON THE MOVE

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HENRY CISNEROS HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS ‘MAESTRO AWARD’CityView Chairman Recognized Nationally for

Leadership and Commitment to Latinos

CityView Executive Chairman Henry Cisneros will

be honored with the Maestro Award for Leadership

on August 30 in Dallas, Texas, at the Latino Leaders

Summit. The Summit, which is hosted by Latino Leaders

magazine, is a national forum created to celebrate, reflect

and recognize examples of leadership and success in the

Latino community.

“It is a great honor to receive this national recognition

as a leader advocating for the empowerment of Latinos

nationwide,” said Cisneros. “With the continued growth

of the Latino population, our future is brighter than

ever, and we must continue working together to create

opportunities for all Americans in education, housing and

in the workforce. The best days arrive when you unleash

everyone’s talent and tap into everyone’s potential, and I

am certain those days are still to come.”

CityView has invested more than $700 million to build

homes for working families across the nation

Under Cisneros’ leadership, CityView has invested

more than $700 million to build homes for working

families across the nation. The firm has partnered

with homebuilders and developers in more than 30

communities across 14 states. The total value of the

6,000-plus homes CityView has financed is more than

$2 billion and growing. CityView has offices in New

York, Dallas, San Antonio and is headquartered in Santa

Monica.

Together with Hispanic advertising pioneer Lionel Sosa,

Cisneros has formed a national organization called

“Nuestro Juramento” or “Our Pledge.” The group has

developed a 15-year plan to assist immigrants by helping

them find their place in society by truly finding an

identity within American life including learning English,

obtaining an education, owning a home and more.

“Henry Cisneros has demonstrated a life-long dedication

to public service and improving the life of Latinos,” said

Jorge Ferraez, publisher of Latino Leaders magazine. “At

a time when the Latino community is prospering, we

are pleased to honor Cisneros as a leader who has spent

decades paving the way for Latino success in education,

housing, and business.”

Cisneros’ 2006 book “Casa y Comunidad: Latino Home

and Neighborhood Design” takes the first-ever look at

the growing and increasingly prosperous U.S. Latino

community and its housing needs. The groundbreaking

publication aims to assist all segments of the housing

industry in understanding and preparing for the

emerging Latino market. “Casa y Comunidad” was

named a silver medallion winner in the prestigious 2007

Benjamin Franklin Awards for book publishing.

Earlier this year, Cisneros was named the 2007 Housing

Person of the Year by the National Housing Conference

and was inducted into the National Association of

Home Builders Housing Hall of Fame for outstanding

lifetime achievements in the housing industry. Cisneros’

forthcoming book advocates a holistic approach to

housing in cities. “Our Communities, Our Homes:

Pathways to Housing and Homeownership in America’s

Cities and States,” which will be released this fall, is an

examination of successful housing programs in U.S. cities.

“With the continued growth of the Latino population, our future is brighter than ever, and we must

continue working together to create opportunities for all Americans in education, housing and in the

workforce”

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GEORGE HERRERA JOINS BURGER KING CORP.’S DIVERSITY ACTION COUNCILFormer President and CEO of USHCC

Will Offer National Market Expertise to

DAC

Burger King Corp. recently announced

that George Herrera, influential Hispanic

entrepreneur and former president of

the United States Hispanic Chamber of

Commerce (USHCC), has joined BKC’s

Diversity Action Council (DAC) as its

newest member.

Made up of BKC professionals and

outside thought leaders, the DAC

serves as an independent, working

advisory board for the formulation

and evaluation of BKC’s diversity

development goals. Established in

1991, the DAC represents the franchise

and community interests of African

Americans, Hispanics, Asians and other

minority groups. Its mission is to help

facilitate business development and

trade between BKC and the ethnic

communities, while removing barriers

that impede good business relationships.

George’s understanding of and

influence in the Hispanic community

is unparalleled and promises to be an

indispensable asset to the DAC

“George’s understanding of and

influence in the Hispanic community

is unparalleled and promises to be an

indispensable asset to the DAC,” said

John Chidsey, chief executive officer,

BKC. “Herrera’s membership in the DAC

is a key addition to the advisory body.”

Herrera has filled various high-profile leadership positions

throughout his career. As president and CEO of the USHCC

from 1998 to 2003, he represented and communicated the

interests of more than 1.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses

nationwide to the private and public sectors, addressing

critical economic issues that impact Hispanic entrepreneurs.

Before the USHCC, he served as president of David J. Burgos

& Associates, Inc., for 17 years, leading the company to

become the largest Hispanic-owned management and financial

consulting firm in the country. He currently serves as president

and chief executive officer of the Herrera-Cristina Group,

Ltd, a Hispanic-owned, multidisciplinary management firm

specializing in marketing, communications, corporate diversity

and public affairs with a client portfolio of Fortune 100

companies and national organizations. Aside from his work at

Herrera-Cristina Group, Herrera is the creator of the nationally

syndicated television show “Hispanics Today,” viewed by

more than 30 million people throughout the United States

on various national networks. In addition, he is a member of

George Herrera, influential Hispanic entrepreneur and former president of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has joined BKC’s Diversity Action Council as its newest member.

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the board of directors of Wyndham Worldwide

Corporation, one of the largest hospitality

companies in the world.

“Burger King Corp. has a long history of

commitment to diversity, and I am honored to join

the Diversity Action Council to continue promoting

the voice of Hispanics and minorities in business,”

said Herrera.

Herrera’s exceptional service in the community has

won him numerous awards, including the Mickey

Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award by the

National Association of Minorities in Cable (2003)

and the Cesar Chavez Community Service Award by

Minorities in Business Magazine, Inc. (2003). Black

Enterprise named him one of 30 future leaders for

economic empowerment of minority communities

(2000), and Hispanic Business named him one

of the 100 most influential Hispanics in America

(2002). In 2000, Mr. Herrera was inducted as a

fellow to the Wharton Society of Fellows, Wharton

School, University of Pennsylvania.

“George’s understanding of and influence in the Hispanic community is unparalleled and promises to be an indispensable asset to the DAC,” said John Chidsey, chief executive officer, BKC. “Herrera’s membership in the DAC is a key addition

to the advisory body.”

HT

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HISPANIC TODAY

HISPANIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND AWARDS MORE THAN $26 MILLION TO HISPANIC STUDENTSStudents can now apply online for scholarships

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), the nation’s

leading organization supporting Hispanic higher

education, has awarded more than $26.5 million in

scholarships for the 2006-2007 academic year.

In addition, HSF has just launched a new online

system through which students can apply directly

on the Web for scholarships. Applicants should go to

http://www.hsf.net for more information.

It is essential to our country’s future that we educate

young Latinos so that we can realize the full potential

of this sector of the workforce

“I am excited that our organization can provide so

many Hispanics with the hope and the resources

to follow their dreams to go to college through

the generous support of our corporate partners,

committed individuals and private foundations,”

said Christopher E. Jones, HSF Chief Operating

Officer. “Our new online system will streamline

the application process and hopefully increase the

number of applicants for the coming year.”

The $26.5 million represent scholarships awarded

through various HSF programs sponsored by

numerous donors, including the Gates Millennium

Scholars program. The scholarships will help newly

chosen and continuing HSF Scholars pay their way

through college.

The application period for 2007-2008 began on

August 1st and will continue to October 15th followed

on December 1st with HSF accepting applications for

2008-2009.

Jones pointed out that Hispanics are the fastest

growing and youngest sector of the nation’s

population. One in three Hispanics is under 18

years of age with the overall Hispanic population

registering a median age of 27.

“It is essential to our country’s future that we

educate young Latinos so that we can realize the full

potential of this sector of the workforce,” he said.

Yet, with tuition and fees continuing to skyrocket,

a lack of financial resources remains the single

biggest barrier for Hispanic families seeking a college

education for their sons and daughters. According to

the Pew Hispanic Center, Hispanic higher education

needs are less subsidized than those of any other

group.

While HSF scholarships provide critical funding

to help fill financial gaps, HSF also provides vital

information to families and students about other

financial aid sources and helps guide them through

the college application and standardized testing

process by organizing Town Hall meetings, Steps

for Success Saturday workshops and other outreach

programs.

HSF’s comprehensive approach has proven very

successful. A recent study of Hispanic Scholarship

EDUCATION NEWS

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Fund (HSF) scholarship recipients, conducted by

MPR Associates, Inc., one of the nation’s leading

education consulting firms, concluded that HSF

scholarships play a significant role in helping scholars

persist in college. HSF scholars graduate from college

at higher rates than the national average for students

of all races and ethnicities combined: 80 percent of

the HSF Scholars sampled graduated within five-

and-a-half years. In contrast, the national graduation

rate for students of all races and ethnicities in the

same period is 53 percent, according to the study.

The six-year national graduation rate for all Hispanics

students at four-year institutions is 43.5 percent.

Founded in 1975 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit

organization, HSF’s vision is to strengthen the

country by advancing college education among

Hispanic Americans. In support of its mission to

double the rate of Hispanics earning college degrees,

HSF provides the Latino community more college

scholarships and educational outreach support than

any other organization in the country. In its 32-

year history, HSF has awarded more than 82,000

scholarships worth more than $221 million to Latinos

from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S.

Virgin Islands attending nearly 2,000 colleges and

universities.

EARTH & SKY – ‘A CLEAR VOICE FOR SCIENCE’ – LAUNCHES NEW SPANISH RADIO SERIES WITH GOAL OF INSPIRING HISPANIC YOUTH TO SCIENCE CAREERSResponding to evidence that Hispanics are

underrepresented in science careers in the United

States, Earth & Sky – “a clear voice for science” on radio

and web – requested and has now received a major

grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to

produce 600 science radio spots in Spanish over the

next three years.

At this writing, 60 U.S. Spanish radio stations have

signed on to carry the science radio spots, which will

begin broadcasting on September 24. More stations are

signing on daily.

In an age where we work to narrow the achievement

gap, Cielo y Tierra makes science available and

approachable to Spanish speakers

This new science radio series in Spanish is Cielo y Tierra

– “la clara voz de la ciencia”. It is a sister program to

the popular Earth & Sky radio series, whose science

spots can be heard 8 million times daily on 1,600 radio

stations around the world. The new one-minute Cielo

y Tierra radio spots feature the latest science news, and

answer people’s science questions, in Spanish.

Hispanic scientists and civic leaders across the U.S.

have endorsed the new radio series. Nobel Prize

winner Mario J. Molina (1995, Chemistry), said,

“Congratulations to Earth & Sky and the National

Science Foundation for collaborating to produce a

Spanish science radio show and website that will

EDUCATION NEWS“In an age where we work to narrow the achievement gap, Cielo y Tierra makes science available and approachable to

Spanish speakers”

Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigoia

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undoubtedly become a very valuable educational

resource for promoting science knowledge within our

Hispanic community.”

Antonio Villaraigosa, mayor of Los Angeles, said, “In an

age where we work to narrow the achievement gap,

Cielo y Tierra makes science available and approachable

to Spanish speakers. To succeed in this new century and

stay at the leading edge of innovation, we must ensure

that everyone has the opportunity and encouragement

to pursue science and engineering. Cielo y Tierra

presents science in a refreshing, newly accessible way

to the Spanish-speaking community.”

U.S. Congressman Ciro Rodriguez of Texas added,

“I congratulate the launch of Cielo y Tierra, a

much-needed Spanish-language science series and

commendable step in science education. The engaging

programming will encourage our youth to become

more involved in the ever-evolving sciences and

to pursue careers in fields in which Hispanics are

underrepresented.”

Earth & Sky is producing Cielo y Tierra in cooperation

with the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and

Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), and the

Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists

(MAES). All radio spots in the new series will be based

on original interviews with scientists, and these two

organizations are helping the series to connect with

Hispanic scientists in the U.S. and around the world.

According to the 2006 Science and Engineering

Indicators from the National Science Foundation,

Hispanics fall behind other minorities in choosing

science as a career. An estimated 44.3 million Hispanics

live in the United States, making up 15% of the U.S.

population. But, according to the NSF report, only

3.2% of the science workforce is Hispanic.

“Cielo y Tierra will feature interviews with Hispanic

scientists with the goal of inspiring youth to choose

science as a career,” said Erika Montero of EarthSky

Communications, Inc.

Montero, who is project manager for the new series,

added, “Cielo y Tierra will answer people’s science

questions and provide a consistent source of the most

important science news of the 21st century to Spanish-

language radio stations and their listeners.”

A community-based website for Cielo y Tierra will

launch in early 2008. Like the Earth & Sky website at

http://www.earthsky.org/, it will feature science news,

blogs and daily sky information – all in Spanish.

Cielo y Tierra is a product of EarthSky Communications,

Inc., a science media company that delivers up-to-

date, accurate and compelling science content around

the world via audio and digital media. EarthSky’s best

known product is the Earth & Sky radio series, which

debuted on September 30, 1991 and has provided

uninterrupted science information on radio every day

since then. Today, the Earth & Sky radio series is one

of the biggest, longest-running and best-established

science radio shows in the world.

The Earth & Sky Promise: “We take seriously our

responsibility for bringing the ideas, strategies and

research results of scientists to people around the

world, with the goal of illuminating pathways to a

sustainable future.”

EDUCATION NEWS

HT

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