[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E352-E353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE HOPE EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP FUND ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 
               7TH ANNUAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH SYMPOSIUM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 11, 1998

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize HOPE Education and 
Leadership Fund on the occasion of its 7th Annual Symposium to be held 
on Friday, March 13, 1998 in Los Angeles, California.
  For the past seven years, the HOPE Education Leadership Fund has 
provided a collective voice for Latinas by ensuring quality 
representation in the political process and in the public and private 
sectors. HOPE has encouraged political education of its members by 
conducting effective workshops, unique seminars and challenging 
training forums, informing the community on critical issues affecting 
Latinas.
  At its annual symposium, HOPE and its members have the opportunity to 
analyze and talk about issues relevant to Latinas. HOPE's annual 
symposium is held every March, in honor of Women's History Month. The 
Symposium explores those issues facing Latinas. Among the issues HOPE 
explores range from health care and business development to domestic 
violence.
  The annual symposium also recognizes Latina role models from 
throughout our history, highlighting those women who have excelled in 
their respective fields and serve as role models for younger Latinas. 
It is the tradition of the HOPE Education and Leadership Fund to 
present the Gift of HOPE Award to a Latina in recognition of her 
outstanding achievements and accomplishments in her field. This year's 
Gift of HOPE Award will be presented to Corina Alarcon, Executive 
Director of WAVE. By witnessing this form of recognition, younger 
generations become proud of their heritage and are encouraged to 
continue pursuing a professional career.
  In 1994, the HOPE Education and Leadership Fund introduced the Ray 
HOPE Award. This award is given to individuals within our community who 
have demonstrated outstanding achievements as members of HOPE, either 
by giving back to the Latino community or in their professional 
achievements. This year, the Ray of HOPE Award will be presented to 
Maria Elena Salinas, Noticiero Univision anchor.
  In 1993, the HOPE Education and Leadership Fund began the publication 
of its newsletter entitled HOPE Agenda. The printing of the publication 
coincides with the Annual Symposium and is used to relate news and 
information about HOPE activities to members and

[[Page E353]]

other interested persons. In addition to the newsletter, HOPE also 
announced the publication of the Women of HOPE, an education book 
featuring the biographies of historical Latina icons. The premiere 
limited edition features Queen Isabella of Spain, Sor Juana Ines de la 
Cruz, La Pola, Josefina Ortiz and Gabriela Mistral.
  On Friday, March 13, 1998, members and leaders of our community will 
gather at HOPE's 7th Annual Women's History Month Symposium. I ask my 
collegues to join me in honoring HOPE Education and Leadership Fund for 
its contribution to the social, political and economic status of 
Latinas.

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