Washington, DC- The Imagen Foundation, in cooperation with Honorary Chair Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (D-CA), hosted an event to celebrate Women's History Month by honoring the contributions that Latinas have made in their communities. Seven extraordinary Latinas and Latina Magazine were recognized for their leadership and work. They were joined by a prestigious Honorary Committee including Congresswomen Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA), and Loretta Sanchez (D-CA).

"All of the women being honored tonight have had a positive impact on the Latina community and are an inspiration to countless young people nationwide," said Honorary Chair, Congresswoman Hilda Solis. "This dinner, being held at the Library of Congress, will give Latina leaders in business, government, media, and entertainment the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of these distinguished honorees."

President of The Imagen Foundation Helen Hernandez said, "The Imagen Foundation's early mission to recognize and celebrate positive portrayals of Latinas in television and film has been expanded. This year's honorees include Latinas from many different professional fields, all of whom are making positive contributions to our country's overall social fabric." Hernandez continued, "This event provides the Latina community with the chance to honor those who have made phenomenal progress in their professional careers, as well as teach young Latina women that they can truly make a difference."

The honorees include Univision Television talk show host, Cristina Saralegui, former CNN reporter Maria Hinojosa, Latina Magazine, LULAC national President Rosa Rosales, national health care advocate Gloria Rodriguez, and environmental justice youth advocates from New York's UPROSE Jennifer Casamayor, Crystal Castro, and Judith Cardenas.

Cristina Saralegui, Univision's award-winning talk show host and an honoree tonight for her work in television said, "I am deeply honored to receive this award from The Imagen Foundation recognizing my efforts in what is most important to me, championing the needs of our community," Saralegui continued, "I commend the Foundation for their work in ensuring that the industry promotes positive portrayals of the Hispanic culture and salute Congresswoman Hilda Solis for her leadership and commitment to improving the lives of our community across the U.S."

The Nielsen Company is the presenting sponsor of the Latina Leaders-Celebrating Our Voices Dinner. Grifols, Inc. is the major sponsor of the evening, with several other corporations joining as sponsors including AT&T, Southwest Airlines, Arbitron and El Proyecto Del Barrio.

The Imagen Foundation, best known for its annual Imagen Awards which honors positive portrayals of Latinos and Latino cultures in television and film, was established in 1985. Imagen provides access, education, and resources to Latinos in the industry and those looking for careers in entertainment. Imagen has expanded its Awards to include events that profile positive and successful Latino/as as a way to share with the nation their positive influence on society and insight into the U.S. Latino experience.