Students From Hispanic University Selected As Future Leaders By Hispanic Women’s Council

Release Date: March 20, 2000

The Hispanic Women’s Council of Northern California, a non-profit professional women’s organization promoting leadership skills and mentoring of future Latina leaders, has selected five Hispanic women students from The National Hispanic University (NHU) as recipients of the Hispanic Women's Council 2000 Award to be presented on March 24, 5:30 PM at the Mexican Heritage Plaza.  The leadership award includes a plaque, assignment of a prominent Hispanic woman leader to mentor each of the recipients for one year, purchase of a business outfit and counseling and guidance for success.

The recipients and their assigned mentors are: Christina Cortez, a senior majoring in Liberal Studies, mentored by Jessica Lopez, President of the Hispanic Association City Employees; Darlene Torres, a junior majoring in Liberal Studies, mentored by Camille Coto, Council Assistant to Supervisor Blanca Alvarado; Salina Sotelo, a freshman majoring in Political Science, mentored by Edith Ramirez, Council assistant to City Council Member Frank Fiscalini; Michelle Pelayo, a freshman majoring in Business Administration mentored by Silva Rodriguez Andrew, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Social Work at San Jose State University; Marlene Chavez, a freshman majoring in Liberal Studies mentored by Marty Lara, President, Milagro Systems.  Each of the lucky recipients will be taken shopping by their mentors to purchase for them a "dress for success" outfit as part of the bonding and mentoring process.  These students will also participate in a fashion show to be held later this month.

The award recipients and their mentors will participate in a two-day leadership conference, Latina Voices and Leaders of the Millennium, March 24 and 25 at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (corner of Alum Rock and King) beginning at 5:30 pm on the 24^th.  The conference will also feature leadership workshops in business, politics, health, personal finance and careers.  The conference is open to the public and there is a $60 registration fee.

The National Hispanic University is an accredited, private four-year institution offering degrees in liberal studies, business administration, computer science and teacher education.  The University is located in east San Jose.   

For further information on the conference, please contact us at (408) 254-6900.