Four well-deserving and very excited young ladies experienced a memorable opportunity March 14: Being among several prominent Latinas during the 17th annual Latina History Day Conference.
The event was started by the nonprofit organization Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE). Latina History Day celebrates the accomplishments of Latina leaders. It provides forums on career development, addresses community issues and provides financial empowerment for the Latina community.
This year’s event was at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Rosenda Morales, Irene Rocha, Diana Sanchez and Carina Santacruz were selected to attend the conference through the sponsorship of the law firm of Leal-Trejo, LLP.
Francisco Leal, managing partner of Leal-Trejo, said: "It was an honor to sponsor these young ladies for such a great event, which provides them with an opportunity to hear from and interact with leaders within their respective communities and encourages them to set high goals for themselves as well."
The event included keynote speaker Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (pictured), the best-selling author whose works include "Playing with Boys" and "The Dirty Girls Social Club."
Valdes-Rodriguez was named one of Time magazine’s top 25 influential Hispanics in America, as well as being honored as Latina Magazine's "Woman of the Year." Also speaking that day were Emmy Award winner Jackie Guerra, Dr. Julie Mendoza, Dr. Juan Sanchez and many other prominent Latino Leaders.
The four future leaders are members of the Women’s Club of Huntington Park and were represented under the leadership of Ofelia Hernandez, council member for the City of Huntington Park and co-founder of the Women’s Club, and Guadalupe Crystal Morales, president of the organization.
“The Women’s Club empowers young Latinas and assists them so they can sharpen their skills as leaders in their communities,” Morales said. The Women’s Club has taken the responsibility of mentoring the winner of the Miss Huntington Park USA 2007 contest by emphasizing the value of education, community and integrity.
These young ladies are no strangers to hard work and are dedicated to their dreams:
- Rosenda Morales is currently at Huntington Park High School and has already been accepted to some of the top universities in California. She is interested in becoming a pediatrician.
- Irene Rocha attends UCLA and looks forward to becoming a lawyer.
- Diana Sanchez will graduate from Huntington Park High School this year and is excited about working in the medical field.
- Carina Santacruz attends Cerritos College and looks forward to becoming a professional photographer.
These committed Latinas continue to be actively involved in the community and are dedicated to making a difference as future leaders.
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