Washington, DC – On July 21, 2010, 100 Latino interns from across the country working in Washington, DC, for the summer will take part in the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s (HHF) “Latinos On Fast Track (LOFT) Youth Leadership Summit.” The interns are a part of HHF’s LOFT workforce program network.  Cong. Ben Lujan (D-NM) will be addressing the young leaders at the reception and Cong. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) has been invited.   Also Puerto Rican Reggaeton Artists Alexis & Fido and Salsa Singer Frankie Negron will attend.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available to support the effort and HHF’s mission. 

The Latinos On Fast Track Youth Leadership Summit will include a:

Capitol Hill Briefing                                                                          12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

White House Briefing                                                                        3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Networking Reception at Inter-American Development Bank        6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

“What a wonderful organization this is that inspires and prepares future Hispanic leaders to excel and be the very best they can be,” said Rep. Ros-Lehtinen. “Through mentoring programs, educational grants, networking events and so many other initiatives, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is stepping up to the plate and saying a very forceful ‘present’. When it comes to assuring that our future Hispanic leaders are fully prepared for today’s competitive world, HHF is leading the way to a more successful and prosperous future for Latinos and America as a whole.”


"I am proud in supporting the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and LOFT program, empowering and engaging the next generation of Latino leaders is critical to the future success of our Latino community and our entire country," said Rep. Luján. "It is my honor to recognize these young leaders and speak to them as they pursue their goals as leaders of our communities."

Beyond the day-long summit, HHF will follow up with the interns/LOFT members through social media, funnel them into leadership training and other LOFT efforts, facilitate their relationships made with each other and mentors through the summit, and track their success.

“As a leadership organization a big part of our mission is to put young leaders in a position from which to lead – and Washington is a great place to start,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF.  “The Summit will provide these young leaders with connectivity to each other to share knowledge and encourage ongoing relationships.  We also want to introduce the interns to mentors and established Latino professionals including administration appointees who can provide guidance and inspiration.  And lastly to expose them to America’s decision-making process and opinion-makers at the highest level of government.  We are grateful to the White House and Congress for valuing these young leaders who will certainly help move America forward in the near-future, especially Representatives Ros-Lehtinen and Lujan who are true Latino leaders.”

"As part of our community relations efforts with the Latino community in DC and our commitment to young people, we are delighted to team up with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s initiative, the Youth Leadership Summit. For many years the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has actively promoted youth development and participation. The fundamental building blocks of a healthy and productive society are to ensure that young people are equipped with skills, values and opportunities. Our experience shows that when we invest in our young people, they can be key partners for development and serve as agents of change," stated Luis A. Moreno, President of the IDB who are hosting the Influencer Networking Reception.

Sponsors of the LOFT Summit include Amgen, AstraZeneca, CNN, ExxonMobil, Inter-American Development Bank, Spanish Broadcasting Systems (SBS), DLA Piper, M&T Bank, MVM Inc, Raben Group, Southwest Airlines, UPS and the US Navy.

“Education is critical to breaking down barriers and allowing young Latinos and Latinas to fulfill their ambitions and contribute to our society in so many positive ways,” said Dario Marquez, President and CEO of MVM, Inc., who are hosting the Congressional Briefing Lunch.  “This is why MVM is a steadfast supporter of Latino education and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s LOFT program.”

Presenting $25,000; Host $15,000; Gold $10,000; Silver $ 5,000; Bronze $ 3,000.

Since 1987, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) has identified, prepared and positioned Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce through their year-round programs.  The model used by HHF for leadership funnels talented, motivated, inspirational and engaged Latino leaders from: high school, to college and grad school, to the workforce, and back into the community.  Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org for more information.

The LOFT program provides the young leaders with leadership training, mentors, educational grants, webinars from experts in various fields, networking events, online and social networking with other students and mentors, conferences/summits/workshops, fellowships and internships, and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies.  The LOFT Network is made up of tens of thousands of vetted Latino emerging professionals ranging in age from 18-25. The key to LOFT’s successful model is the delivery system which is tailored to the sponsors industry or field.