Actor J.W. Cortés to Emcee CHCI’s 39th Annual Awards Gala

 Education   Thu, September 08, 2016 10:59 AM

Washington, D.C. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) today announced that J.W. Cortés will serve as celebrity emcee at its 39th Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Bank of America is the Host Sponsor of the landmark event that gathers more than 2,000 people to kickoff Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Through its longstanding support, Bank of America has been instrumental in furthering the success of CHCI as an organization, investing in Latino students and connecting them to a powerful network of leaders,” said Domenika Lynch, CHCI President & CEO. “We value this great relationship and look forward to a continued partnership in advancing opportunities for future Latino leaders.”

J.W. Cortés is an award-winning actor, Marine combat veteran, singer, filmmaker and philanthropist. Born and raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn to inspiring Puerto Rican parents, he developed an interest in the arts along with a desire to serve his community and country. Recognized for his drive, talent and positive attitude, Cortés has become one of the most respected prime-time Puerto Rican actors on television today.

Miami based high school student Juliet Honor Perel will sing the national anthem.  She has performed the national anthem in various venues and events including American Airlines Arena, Marlins Stadium and the Miami Open.

CHCI’s 39th Annual Awards Gala will convene the nation’s largest and most prestigious gathering of Hispanic public and private sector leaders. The evening’s festivities will include the presentation of the CHCI 2016 American Dream Medallion of Excellence in Education, Science, Medicine or Civil Rights to Anna Maria Chavez and the CHCI 2016 Medallion of Excellence in the Arts, Entertainment, Music or Sports to actor Cheech Marin.


Each year, the CHCI Annual Awards Gala is the hallmark event during Hispanic Heritage Month in Washington, D.C., and serves as the unifying event for the Hispanic community. Proceeds from the Gala benefit CHCI’s leadership development programs which include: Congressional Internship Program, Public Policy Fellowship Program, Graduate Fellowship Program, Ready to Lead (R2L®), and R2L® NextGen.

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About CHCI

CHCI is the premier Hispanic nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) leadership development organization in the country that educates, empowers, and connects Latino youth by providing leadership development programs and educational services. CHCI directly impacts the lives of more than 1,700 students and young professionals each year through its fellowships,  congressional internships, scholar-intern programsReady to Lead (R2L®) college readiness program, and R2L NextGen program. CHCI NextOpp is its latest resource allowing young Latinos to save, search and share life-changing opportunities for Latinos across the United States.

The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. Visit www.chci.org, or join us on Facebook, TwitterLinkedInYouTube, and Instagram.

CONTACT:
Irving Burbano 347-803-0457 iburbano@chci.org