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2nd Annual Imagen Foundation “Most Powerful and Influential” Latinos in Entertainment

Latino Hollywood Insiders Honored for Accomplishments in 2008; Honorees Include Kenny Ortega, Producer/Director of Popular “High School Musical” Film Franchise

 

November 6, 2008 – BEVERLY HILLS CA. A veritable “who’s who” of Latinos in the entertainment industry was honored today at the 2nd Annual “Most Powerful & Influential” Latinos in Entertainment Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Presented by The Imagen Foundation and Inside Latino Entertainment magazine, the ceremony honored over forty industry producers, directors, and senior executives from film and television who have distinguished themselves this past year (see complete list attached). Among those honored was Kenny Ortega, executive producer/director of the very popular Disney “High School Musical” franchise, including the current boxoffice hit “High School Musical 3.”

“People tend to forget that, although Latinos have contributed to Hollywood from its earliest beginnings in front of the camera, behind the scenes Latinos have had a more difficult time in achieving executive-level positions. Now that we have progressed to find Latinos in decision-making positions at all the major entertainment companies, as well as producers and directors, it is imperative that we trumpet their talent and accomplishments of the past year,” said Helen Hernandez, president and founder of The Imagen Foundation.

The Imagen (pronounced ee-mah-hen) Foundation first began as The Imagen Awards program, established in 1985 to encourage and recognize the positive portrayal of Latinos in the media. Later, as The Imagen Foundation, it expanded its programs and initiatives to further its mission to serve as a bridge between the Latino community and the entertainment industry in providing access, education, and resources to Latinos in the industry as well as those seeking careers in entertainment. More information can be found at their website www.imagen.org.

IMAGEN FOUNDATION

2008 Most Powerful & Influential Latinos in Entertainment

  • Jonathan Avila, Vice President, Counsel, Chief Privacy Officer - The Walt Disney Company

  • Javier Avitia, Sr. Vice President, Business Affairs - CBS Paramount Int'l Television
  • Arturo Barquet, Sr. Vice President, Production and Finance - Universal Pictures
  • Patricia Boero, Executive Director - Latino Public Broadcasting
  • Gary Bonilla, Sr. Vice President and Managing Director - Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group
  • Emiliano Calemzuk, President - Fox Television Studios
  • Carlos Carreras, Head of Latin Talent - United Talent Agency
  • Lucia Cottone, Vice President, Series Development & Current Programming - Lifetime
  • Ignacio Darnaude, Executive Vice President - Sony Pictures Releasing International
  • Gilbert Davila, Vice President, Global Diversity & Multicultural Market Development - The Walt Disney Company
  • Christina Davis, Sr. Vice President, Drama Series Development - CBS Entertainment
  • Guillermo del Toro, Director, Producer, Writer - Cha Cha Cha Production Company
  • Raul de Quesada, Sr. Vice President, Assistant General Manager - Fox Sports en Español
  • Moctesuma Esparza, CEO, Chairman, Producer - Maya Entertainment Group
  • Angela Mariana Freyre, Sr. Vice President & Deputy General Counsel - The Nielsen Company
  • Jean Fuentes, Sr. Vice President, Human Resources - Fox Television Studios
  • Kathryn Galan - Executive Director - NALIP
  • Lino Garcia, General Manager - ESPN Deportes
  • Rodrigo Garcia, Director/Writer
  • Phil Gonzales, Vice President, Communications - CBS Entertainment
  • Christy Haubegger, Lifestyle Director - Creative Artists Agency
  • Jackie Hernandez, COO - Telemundo
  • Silvio Horta, Executive Producer/Creator – “Ugly Betty”
  • Alejandro Iñarritu, Director, Producer, Writer - Cha Cha Cha Production Company
  • Margaret Lazo, Sr. Vice President, Human Resources - NBC Universal TV Network and Cable Entertainment
  • Roberto Llamas, Chief Human Resources & Public Affairs Officer - The Nielsen Company
  • Raul Mateu, Sr. Vice President and Managing Director - William Morris Agency
  • Javier Maynulet, Sr. Vice President & CFO - NBC Universal Television
  • Robert Mendez, Sr. Vice President, Diversity - Disney/ABC Television Group
  • Edith Mendoza, Vice President, Comedy Series Development - CBS Entertainment
  • Belinda Menendez, President - NBC Universal Int'l Television Distribution
  • Cesar Millan, Television Personality (“Dog Whisperer”) - Cesar & Ilusion Millan Foundation
  • Paul Montoya, Exec. Vice President, Media Sales - CBS Television Distribution
  • Peter Murrieta, Executive Producer - The Disney Channel
  • Armando Nuñez Jr., President - CBS Paramount Int'l Television
  • Emanuel Nuñez, Motion Picture/Film Finance - Creative Artists Agency
  • Kenny Ortega, Director & Choreographer - Kenny Ortega Company
  • Marla Provencio, Exec. Vice President, Marketing - ABC Entertainment
  • Eduardo "Piolín" Sotelo, Radio Personality - Univision Radio
  • Nina Tassler, President - CBS Entertainment
  • Claudia Teran, Sr. Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs - Fox Cable Stations
  • Ligiah Villalobos, Writer/Director

The 23rd Annual Imagen Awards Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award (Foundation Legacy Award): Tony Plana

Norman Lear Writer's Award (Foundation Legacy Award): Ligiah Villalobos, "La Misma Luna”

Creative Achievement Award (Foundation Legacy Award): Rodrigo Garcia

Film-Best Picture: "La Misma Luna"

Film Best Actor: Adrian Alonso, "La Misma Luna"

Film Best Actress: Kate del Castillo, "La Misma Luna"

Film Best Supporting Actress: Leonor Varela, "Where God Left His Shoes"

Film Best Supporting Actor: Eungene Durbez, "La Misma Luna"

Film Best Director: Patricia Riggen, "La Misma Luna"

Film Best Theatrical Short or Student Film: "A Day at the Theatre"

TV Best Documentary: "Brown is the New Green"

TV Best Primetime Program: "Ugly Betty"

TV Best Actor: Carlos Mencia, "Mind of Mencia"

TV Best Actress: Christina Milian, "Snowglobe"

TV Best Supporting Actor: Tony Plana, "Ugly Betty"

TV Best Supporting Actress: Dania Ramirez, "Heroes"

TV Best Variety or Reality Show: "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan"

TV Best Children's Programming: "Go, Diego, Go"

TV Best Local Informational Programming: "Fox 11 News: Alter the Melee"

TV Best National Informational Programming: "Nick News With Linda Ellerbee Presents I'm American! They're Not!"

TV Best On Air Advertising: "MTV3 Tu Pride"

The Imagen Foundation works to enhance opportunities for Latinos in front of and behind the camera.  Based in the Los Angeles area, the Imagen Foundation serves as a liaison between the industry and the Latino community by providing access, education and resources. Additional information regarding the Imagen Foundation is available at www.imagen.org.                            

LATINO ACTORS HONORED AT 23rd ANNUAL IMAGEN AWARDS

Industry's Distinguished Event Returns to Beverly Hilton Hotel with Record Attendance. Foundation's Legacy Awards Bestowed to Tony Plana, Rodrigo Garcia and Ligiah Villalobos.
 
BEVERLY HILLS – August 22, 2008 – The Hollywood stars were out last night in full force as nearly 1000 actors, entertainment industry executives, film and television studios and supporters attended the 23rd Annual Imagen Awards Gala ceremony at the nearly sold-out Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Actors John Leguizamo, Edward James Olmos, Lupe Ontiveros, Eva La Rue and Cesar Millan, Leonor Varela, Carlos Mencia, Dania Ramirez and many more could be seen gracing the Gala’s Red Carpet as fans, media, and the general public flocked to the hotel’s lobby and ballrooms for a glimpse.

18 awards were presented in a diverse range of entertainment categories in addition to several Imagen Foundation legacy awards: Actor Tony Plana received the Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award; HBO's In Treatment Producer/Director Rodrigo Garcia received the Creative Achievement Award; and Ligiah Villalobos, executive producer and writer of the feature film La Misma Luna, received the Foundation’s esteemed Norman Lear Writer's Award.

"This year we saw a massive increase in both the quantity and quality of exceptional submissions across categories," stated Helen Hernandez, Founder and President of The Imagen Foundation and creator of the pioneering Imagen Awards. "The A-list stars and luminaries this ceremony attracts each year from the world of Latino entertainment is truly reflective of the increased prevalence that we play in Hollywood, mainstream America, and throughout the world.”

The awards included presenters and coverage from LATV,  the nation’s first bilingual entertainment/music network distributed via digital multicast, that will broadcast a one-hour special on their channel featuring Red Carpet arrivals and behind-the-scenes exclusives of nominated/winning Latinos from the 2008 Imagen Awards ceremony.

The Imagen Awards were established in 1985 to encourage and recognize the positive portrayal of Latinos in the media. The awards strive to increase Latino representation at all levels of the industry by proving recognition to emerging and established Latinos in the entertainment industry.

The winners are:

Lifetime Achievement Award (Foundation Legacy Award): Tony Plana

Norman Lear Writer's Award (Foundation Legacy Award): Ligiah Villalobos, "La Misma Luna”

Creative Achievement Award (Foundation Legacy Award): Rodrigo Garcia

Film-Best Picture: "La Misma Luna"

Film Best Actor: Adrian Alonso, "La Misma Luna"

Film Best Actress: Kate del Castillo, "La Misma Luna"

Film Best Supporting Actress: Leonor Varela, "Where God Left His Shoes"

Film Best Supporting Actor: Eungene Durbez, "La Misma Luna"

Film Best Director: Patricia Riggen, "La Misma Luna"

Film Best Theatrical Short or Student Film: "A Day at the Theatre"

TV Best Documentary: "Brown is the New Green"

TV Best Primetime Program: "Ugly Betty"

TV Best Actor: Carlos Mencia, "Mind of Mencia"

TV Best Actress: Christina Milian, "Snowglobe"

TV Best Supporting Actor: Tony Plana, "Ugly Betty"

TV Best Supporting Actress: Dania Ramirez, "Heroes"

TV Best Variety or Reality Show: "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan"

TV Best Children's Programming: "Go, Diego, Go"

TV Best Local Informational Programming: "Fox 11 News: Alter the Melee"

TV Best National Informational Programming: "Nick News With Linda Ellerbee Presents I'm American! They're Not!"

TV Best On Air Advertising: "MTV3 Tu Pride"

Click here to view this year's nominees for the 2008 Imagen Awards.

 
The Imagen Foundation works to enhance opportunities for Latinos in front of and behind the camera.  Based in the Los Angeles area, the Imagen Foundation serves as a liaison between the industry and the Latino community by providing access, education and resources. Additional information regarding the Imagen Foundation is available at www.imagen.org.            
               

IMAGEN FOUNDATION’S 23rd ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY HONORING SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS OF LATINOS IN THE INDUSTRY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 19, 2008
MEDIA CONTACT:  
K. Forrest Beanum    
(310) 804-2591      
forrest@beanumgroup.com

WHAT:
23rd Annual Imagen Awards

SPECIAL FOUNDATION AWARD HONOREES:

  • Tony Plana (Lifetime Achievement Award)
  • Rodrigo Garcia (Creative Achievement Award)
  • Ligiah Villalobos (Norman Lear Writer's Award)

WHEN:
Thursday, August 21st at 7:00 PM
PRE-SHOW AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT 5:00 - 5:30 PM
RED CARPET ARRIVALS: 5:30 - 6:45 PM
VIP MEDIA AWARDS ROOM (Open at 7:00 PM to Credentialed Media only)

WHERE:
The Beverly Hilton
9876 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverley Hills, CA 90210

PARKING:
Parking located on hotel premises - Partial validation available to ticketed/credentialed guests upon check-in.

BACKGROUND: The Imagen Awards, established 1985, encourages and recognizes positive portrayal of Latinos in all media and increases Latino representation at all levels in entertainment. The Imagen Awards Ceremony, attended by A-list stars and top entertainment industry executives, is recognized by the Latino community as the pioneer for accessing and developing all levels of talent and excellence. Awards are given in 18 categories.

Past Imagen Awards attendees have included, but are not limited to: Andy Garcia, Rita Moreno, Salma Hayek, Antonio Banderas, Jimmy Smits, America Ferrera, George Lopez, Hector Elizondo, Mario Lopez, Melanie Griffith, Edward James Olmos, Wanda de Jesus, Danny Pino, Carlos Mencia, Constance Marie, and more...

For more information about tickets or media credentials, please visit www.imagen.org or call Forrest Beanum (310) 804-2591 with questions.

Please note: Absolutely no entry will be granted to individuals/crews who have not received prior media credential approvals.

HBO’S RODRIGO GARCIA, UGLY BETTY’S TONY PLANA AND WRITER LIGIAH VILLALOBOS OF LA MISMA LUNA TO RECEIVE TOP HONORS

Imagen Foundation to Acknowledge Contributions for
Excellence in Latino Entertainment in 18 Categories at 23rd Annual Imagen Awards on Thursday, August 21 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel
Universal City, CA - July 18, 2008 - At the 23rd Annual Imagen Awards on Thursday, August 21 at 7 PM in Beverly Hills, The Imagen Foundation will bestow the Lifetime Achievement Award to actor Tony Plana; the Creative Achievement Award to HBO's In Treatment Producer/Director Rodrigo Garcia; and the Norman Lear Writer's Award to Ligiah Villalobos, executive producer and writer of the feature film La Misma Luna. LATV's Pili Montilla of En la Zona and Humberto Guida of Wáchale hosted today's announcement of the 2008 nominees at the Hilton Hotel in Universal City, California.

"I am consistently amazed with the exponential growth in both the quantity and quality of the entries we receive each year," stated Helen Hernandez, Founder of The Imagen Foundation and creator of the pioneering Imagen Awards, which annually draws A-list stars and luminaries from the world of Latino entertainment. "The increase of Latino representation across entertainment disciplines is truly indicative of the prevalent role we play in Hollywood, mainstream America, and throughout the world."
The press conference presenters from LATV, the nation's first bilingual entertainment/music network distributed via digital multicast, also unveiled their plans to air a one-hour special on their channel featuring the Red Carpet arrival and behind-the-scenes exclusives of nominated Latinos at the 23rd Annual Imagen Awards.

A partial list of the 2008 event sponsors includes, The Nielsen Company (presenting sponsor), CBS, Inc., The Walt Disney Company, Entravision, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety.

The complete list of the 2008 nominees across all 18 Imagen Foundation categories are available on the Imagen Foundation Web site www.imagen.org. The nominees include:

Best On-Air Advertising
Artist Speaking Tr3s', AB Quintanilla y Los Kumbia All Stars, MTV3
Civic es Civic, La Agencia de Orci & Asociados
Descubre and Download, Colby O'Donis, MTV
Descubre and Download, Malverde, MTV
Tu Pride, Silvestre, MTV
Tu Pride, Elan, MTV
Tu Pride, Ruben, MTV
Vivelo Aqui Campaign, HBO

Best Local Informational Programming
Ninos Inmigrantes Llegan a La Escuela, Univision 23
Fox 11 News, Alter the Melee, Producer, Pete Noyes
Vista L.A., ABC7

Best National Informational Programming
Beyond Borders: an MTV Tr3's Immigration Forum, MTV Networks
Hispanics Today, Producers Erica Ortiz & Don Kaiser
LatinEyes, Executive Producer, Andres Pruna
Maria Hinojosa One-on-One with Tony Plana, Producer, La Plaza-WGBH
Nick News with Linda Ellerbee, I'm American, you're not, Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon Network

Best Theatrical Short or Student Film
Below the Fold, The Pulitzer that Defined Latino Journalism, Produced & Directed by Roberto Gudino, Executive Producer Olga Briseno
Nina Quebrada, Produced by Diana Romero and Directed by Jen Kleiner
A Day at the Theatre: Produced by Karla Ojeda and Directed by Kenneth Castillo
Proof of Birth, Produced by Sergei Krasikav, Directed by Jose Luis Orbegozo
Suripanta, Produced by David Rodriguez and Edward Cohen, Directed by David Rodriguez Estrada


Best Documentary for Television
Borinqueneers (The) El Pozo Productions
Brown is the New Green, Producer & Director, Phillip Rodriguez
Made in L.A., Producer and Director, Robert Bahar and Almudena Carracedo
Orozco: Man of Fire, Producer and Director, Laurie Coyle and Rick Tejada Flores
Recycled Life (Cinemax Reel Life), Iwerks-Glad Production in association with HBO/Cinemax Documentary Film
Toxic City: This is Where I Live, Producer & Director, Nori Takei, mun2

Best Children's Programming
Dora the Explorer, Nickelodeon; Nickelodeon Network
El Tigre, The Adventures of Manny Rivera, Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon Network
Go, Diego, Go, Nickelodeon; Nickelodeon Network
Handy Manny, Disney Channel
Maya and Miguel, PBS

Best Variety or Reality Show
Ceasar and Chuy, LATV Networks
Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, National Geographic Channel
Dancing with the Stars, ABC
Mi TRL Awards, MTV Networks
Step It Up & Dance, Bravo
Randy Jackson Presents, America's Best Dance Crew, MTV and Warner Horizon Television
Vivo Presents, Juanes, Producer, Shari Scorca, Executive Producer, Gloria Medel, mun2

Best Supporting Actress - Film
Danielle Polanco, Missy, Step Up 2 The Streets, Producer, Patrick Wachsberger & Erik Feig, Director, Jon M. Chu
Leonor Varela, Where God Left His Shoes, Written and Directed, Salvatore Stabile
Roselyn Sanchez, Game Plan, Producers Gordon Gray & mark Ciardi, Director, Andy Fickman



Best Supporting Actor - Film
David Castro, Where God Left His Shoes, Written and Directed by Salvatore Stabile
Eugenio Derbez, La Misma Luna, Producer/Director, Patricia Rigen
Jacob Vargas, Sleep Dealer, Producer, Anthony Bregman
Tego Calderon, Illegal Tender, Producer, John Singleton


Best Actress - Film
Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Love in the Time of Cholera, Directed by Mike Newell, Stone Village Pictures
Kate Del Castillo, La Misma Luna: Directed by Patricia Riggen, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Wanda de Jesus, Illegal Tender: Directed by Franc Reyes, New Deal Productions
Yvette Yates, Nina Quebrada: Directed by Jen Kleiner, The Collective

Best Actor - Film
Adrian Alonso, La Misma Luna: Directed by Patricia Riggen, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Javier Bardem, Love in the Time of Cholera Directed by Mike Newell, Stone Village Pictures
John Leguizamo, Where God Left His Shoes: Directed by Salvatore Stabile, Vulcan Productions
Rick Gonzalez, Illegal Tender: Directed by Franc Reyes, New Deal Productions

Best Director
Kenny Ortega, High School Musical 2, Disney Channel
Mike Newell, Love in the Time of Cholera, Stone Village Pictures
Patricia Riggen, La Misma Luna, Fox Searchlight Pictures

Best Picture
Alondra Smiles: Directed by Concha Nora Villa, Villa Media Productions
La Misma Luna: Directed by Patricia Riggen, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Love in the Time of Cholera: Directed by Mike Newell, Stone Village Pictures
Where God Left His Shoes, Directed by Salvatore Stabile, Vulcan Productions



Best Supporting Actress - Television
Cote de Pablo, NCIS: CBS, Belisarius Productions, Paramount Television
Eva La Rue, Miami CSI, CBS Television, CBS Productions
Maria Canals Barrera, Wizards of Waverly Place, Disney Channel, It's a Laugh Productions
Ana Ortiz, Ugly Betty, ABC Studios
Dana Ramirez, Heroes, NBC

Best Supporting Actor
Danny Pino, Cold Case, Jerry Bruckheimer Television in association with CBS Productions and Warner Bros. Television
Esai Morales, Jericho, CBS/Paramount Network Television
Jorge Garcia, Lost, ABC Studios
Shalim Ortiz, Heros, NBC,
Tony Plana, Ugly Betty, ABC Studios

Best Actress - Television

America
Ferrera, Ugly Betty, ABC Studios
Christina Milian, Snowglobe, ABC and Disney Channel
Kathleen Herles, Dora the Explorer, Nickelodeon Network, Nickelodeon Studios
Selena Gomez, Wizards of Waverly Place, ABC Family, It's a Laugh Production

Best Actor - Television
Carlos Mencia, Mind of Mencia, Comedy Central
Edward James Olmos, Battlestar Galactica, The Sci-Fi Channel
James Roday, Psych CBS
Wilmer Valderamma, Handy Manny (animation), Disney Channel



Best Primetime Series
ER: NBC and Warner Bros. Television
Grey's Anatomy, ABC Studios, Mark Gordon Company
Lost, ABC, ABC Studios
Scrubs, ABC Studios, Dozer Productions
Ugly Betty, ABC Studios


Click here to view the 23rd Annual Imagen Awards Winners.

The Imagen Foundation works to enhance opportunities for Latinos in front of and behind the camera. Based in the Los Angeles area, the Imagen Foundation serves as a liaison between the industry and the Hispanic community by providing access, education and resources. Additional information regarding the Imagen Foundation, its awards program and annual job fair in January is available at www.imagen.org or by calling 626/ 836-6100
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Note to Editors: Members of the media wishing to cover the 23rd Annual Imagen Awards should email forrest@beanumgroup.com 310/804-2591 or contact the Imagen headquarters at 626/ 836-6100 for credential information.

Media Contact: K. Forrest Beanum forrest@beanumgroup.com
Beanum Group 310/ 804-2591

IMAGEN FOUNDATION TO ANNOUNCE NOMINEES, SPECIAL HONOREES FOR 23RD ANNUAL IMAGEN AWARDS

Expanded Event Set to Recognize Latino Excellence in Entertainment

 
WHAT
: 23rd Annual Imagen Awards Announcement of the Nominees
and recipients of the President’s Award, Lifetime Achievement, Norman Lear Writer’s Award, and Creative Achievement Award

WHO: Helen Hernandez - President and Founder, The Imagen Foundation

Pili Montilla - Host, LATV’s En la Zona (In the Zone)

Humberto Guida - Host, LATV’s Wáchale

WHEN: Friday, July 18, 2008, 9:30 AM

WHERE: Hilton Los Angeles/ Universal City, 555 Universal Terrace Parkway, Universal City, CA 91608-1001, ROOM: Salon # 5

PARKING: Parking structure on the premises.

BACKGROUND: The Imagen Awards was established in 1985 to encourage and recognize the positive portrayal of Latinos in all media and to increase Latino representation at all levels in entertainment.

The Imagen Awards Ceremony, attended by A-list stars and top entertainment industry executives, is recognized by the Latino community as the pioneer for accessing and developing all levels of talent and excellence. Awards are given in 18 categories.

Past attendees have included, but are not limited to: Andy Garcia, Rita Moreno, Salma Hayek, Antonio Banderas, Jimmy Smits, America Ferrera, George Lopez, Hector Elizondo, Mario Lopez, Melanie Griffith, Edward James Olmos, Wanda de Jesus, Danny Pino, Carlos Mencia, Constance Marie, and more…

SAVE THE DATE: The 23rd Annual Imagen Awards, Thursday, August 21 at 7:00 PM, PST, Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA

Red Carpet arrivals: 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM

WEBSITE INFO: www.imagen.org

CONTACT: 

Imagen Foundation
Ph. 626.836.6100

K. Forrest Beanum
Beanum Group
Ph. 310.804.2591
forrest@beanumgroup.com

Top Latina Leaders Celebrate Women’s History Month in Washington, DC

Rep. Hilda Solis Chairs Event to honor accomplishments of Latinas

2008 Latina Leaders Awards

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.

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Top Latina Leaders to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Washington DC

Congresswoman Hilda Solis to Chair Latina Leaders-Celebrating our Voices Dinner March 11th at the Library of Congress

Washington, DC- The Imagen Foundation, in cooperation with Honorary Chair Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (D-CA), will host an event to celebrate the contributions that Latinas have made in their communities. At this year's inaugural dinner, seven extraordinary Latinas and Latina Magazine will be honored for their leadership and work. They will be 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).

The Nielsen Company is the lead sponsor of the evening. Several other major corporations have also joined in sponsoring this event including AT&T, Southwest Airlines, Grifols, Inc., 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.

What: Latina Leaders-Celebrating our Voices Dinner

Who: Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-CA), Honorary Chairperson
Award Winners:

  • Univision Television talk show host, Cristina Saralegui
  • NPR/PBS host and former CNN reporter, Maria Hinojosa
  • Latina Magazine
  • LULAC national President, Rosa Rosales
  • National health care advocate, Gloria Rodriguez
  • Environmental justice youth advocates from New York's UPROSE, Jennifer Cassamayor, Crystal Castro, and Judith Cardenas

Where: Library of Congress
James Madison Building, Montpelier Room
101 Independence Ave. SE

When: Tuesday, March 11, 2008
6:00 p.m.

CONTACT: Samantha Lasky
PHONE: 202-257-5327
 

***REP. SOLIS IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS BEGINNING MARCH 5. PLEASE CONTACT SONIA MELENDEZ AT (202) 225-5464 TO SCHEDULE A TIME.***

 

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