Home > Press Room > 2008 > Press Release

Press Release

Rosa Rosales’ Contributions to the Community Recognized by Top Latina Leaders.

Event in Washington DC to honor accomplishments of Latinas

March 10, 2008

For more information, contact:
Samantha Lasky, 202-257-5327
Lizette Jenness Olmos, 202-833-6130 ext. 16

Washington, DC- The Imagen Foundation, in cooperation with Honorary Chair Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (D-CA), will host an event tomorrow night to celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring the contributions that Latinas have made in their communities. Rosa Rosales, National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens along with six other extraordinary Latinas and Latina Magazine will be recognized 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).

“Rosa’s work has made a positive impact on the Latina community and is 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 Rosa Rosales and the other 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 League of United Latin American Citizens is the largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights organizations in the United States. As a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens, Rosa Rosales’ involvement with the organization spans over three decades. She now serves as national president and has also served as National Vice President for the Southwest. In 1994, she was reelected to a record-breaking fourth term and the second woman to serve four years as LULAC Texas State Director and was the first woman district director. Additionally, Ms. Rosales serves on the Board of the LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) and is passionate about her work in education. Her involvement in the community is underscored by her participation on numerous civic boards. She has received many honors and awards for her continued service to LULAC, including: American GI Forum Leadership Award, the LULAC Women of the Year Award and the Cesar Chavez March for Justice Award and the 100 Most Influential Hispanics.

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

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.

# # #