"A 20/20 Vision of Our Diverse Society" Featuring John Quiñones - 4.20.09

"A 20/20 Vision of Our Diverse Society"

featuring

John Quiñones

April 20, 2009 @ 7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph's College
D'Ecclesiis Auditorium, O'Connor Hall
155 West Roe Blvd, Patchogue

John Quiñones is anchor of ABC's What Would You Do?, a co-anchor of Primetime, a correspondent for 20/20 and the author of Heroes Among Us: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Choices (Harper).

Winner of seven Emmy Awards, Quiñones has also been honored with the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards Grand Prize for International Reporting.

Sponsored by the Institute for the Study of Religion in Community Life. Lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, call 631.447.8252 or email jmcaleer@sjcny.edu.

Related: Latino Bashing, What would you do?

Adelphi Forum on Immigration & Civic Engagement - 5.14.09

"Immigration on Long Island: New Directions and Opportunities for Civic
Engagement"

May 14, 20098:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m

Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom/Harley University Center, 1
South Avenue, Garden City

The forum will focus on the relationship between current global economic realities and domestic immigration policy challenges.

Keynote by Michele Wucker, executive director of the World Policy Institute and author of LOCKOUT: Why America Keeps Getting Immigration Wrong When Our Prosperity Depends on Getting It Right.



Panelists:
- Edward Romaine, Suffolk County Legislator
- Dr. Margaret Gray, Adelphi University
- Dr. David Dyssegaard Kallick, Fiscal Policy Institute
The event, supported by Adelphi’s Center for Social Innovation, is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

For more information about this and other events, visit www.adelphi.edu.
To register, call Sarah Eichberg at 516.877.4418 or email eichberg@adelphi.edu by May 7.

Señor Oscar Martinez & Farmingdale State College

Three sons, two daughters, spouses, six grand children--and an older brother, were all present at last night's Farmingdale College Alumni Gala at the Chateau Le Mer in support of Señor Oscar Martinez.

An elegant, close-knit and multi-lingual family based in Monterrey and Mexico City, the Martinez family was in town to witness the family patriarch--Oscar Martinez--receive Farmingdale College's 2009 Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Señor Martinez ('50) took a mechanical engineering degree, a stint at the Carrier International and leveraged it into his own Bel Air, a leading Mexican air conditioning manufacturing and service corporation. Señor Martinez retired in 1995 after selling his business to his employees.

The highlight of the evening was when his son Alejandro, speaking in flawless and slightly accented English, talked about Señor Martinez and his journey as a beloved father and successful businessman. But it was the 8 year old grand daughter who stole the show in her own loving tribute to grand papa--again, in flawless English.

While the college also recognized a professor, administrator and a local business, it was Señor Martinez' story that offers important lessons for Long Island's past as well as its future. Shamefully, anti-Mexican propaganda, racism and the ongoing nativist spasm against Latino immigrants make reduce the possibility of future Martinez/FSC-type success stories. If so, we'll be poorer for it.

Photo: Oscar Martinez points to his graduation photo.

Latinos in College - A New Guide to Success by Mariela Dabbah

Mariela Dabbah has a new book, Latinos in College, a guide to help Latino junior and senior high school students and college freshmen navigate the college system. The Argentina-born Mariela is a prolific author, speaker and consultant with a single purpose: to help Latinos Crack the American Code® so they can achieve great success.

Links: MarielaDabbah.com
Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny's Stony Brook University
Hispanic College Fund Call for Applicants
Dr. George Sanchez's Smart Moves for Briarcliffe College

Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny's Stony Brook University

Links:
Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny (official bio)
Stony Brook University president Shirley Strum Kenny to retire in 2009
A Response to Newsday Article: A Crisis at LI Campus

Hispanic Appreciation Day @ SUNY College at Old Westbury

The Long Island Latino Teachers Association presents Hispanic Appreciation Day, Thursday, October 30th, 2008, 9:30 - 1:00pm, at SUNY College at Old Westbury.

The event will be held in the Student Union's Multi-Purpose room and features a day of learning, art, music, and fun hosted by the college's Hispanic Latino Cultural Center. Special guests include:

Antonio Martinez - Council Member, Town of Babylon

Maria Neira - Vice President, New York State United Teachers

Hector Sepulveda, MD - Dean of Academic Affairs, Suffolk County Community College

Elizabeth Custodio - First Vice President, HSBC Bank & Trustee, Old Westbury College Foundation

David Ochoa - Philanthropist

For further information contact Zenaida Madurk, at madurkaz@oldwestbury.edu.

Link

LI's Working Class Economically Distressed

More than one-quarter of Long Island households are economically distressed, as are 22.9 million families across America representing over 60 million people; and one million homeowners across the United States face foreclosure in the next six months.

The report notes that those most distressed include people without college degress, single-parent households, African Americans, Lations and immigrants, i.e., a large percentage of today's American working class.

Economic Stimulus and Economically Distressed Workers, in a new study from the Center for Study of Working Class Life at Stony Brook University using data culled from the most recent American Community Survey of U.S. Census Bureau.

The study's authors recommend a $220 billion "stimulus" package to address the issue -- to be paid for by tax increases and budget reductions.

Related: Commentary: Bailing out distressed workers, for a change
The War and the Working Class
Time for a Taxpayer Revolt

Cooper & Boyle Debate the Economy @ Dowling College's Presidential Forum

Martin Danenberg attended Dowling College's Presidential Candidates Impact On The Economy Forum, featuring presidential surrogates Phil Boyle (John McCain) and Jon Cooper (Barack Obama). Click here for his write-up.

El Profesor (that's professor in Spanish) was most impressed by Cooper's views on the responsibilities of American business owners to their employees.

In my opinion, Legislator John Cooper stole the show by teaching the audience that as a small businessman he has never laid off a worker in over four decades. He also pointed out that his company experienced tough times, like many companies, and he provided good salaries and incentives, keeping workers on the job and loyal to his company.

El Profesor adds that while raising the minimum wage is important--something that John McCain has systemically opposed--more is needed to ensure American workers have well-paying and sustainable jobs. He's right -- and it's a view shared by Cooper and Obama.

We complain about the flight of jobs overseas and the candidates talked about keeping jobs in the United States, jobs that pay well. Soon the minimum wage is going to be raised and this will add to the average salary of people in this country, but it has very little or nothing to do with keeping good jobs and creating good jobs for Americans.

I agree with El Profesor, we need a well thought out strategy for U.S. and hemispheric prosperity, something that the Bush administration and McCain are clueless about. Their policies have resulted in millions of jobs -- albeit, low wage jobs in places like communist China, India and Korea. Thankfully, Obama has the interest, commitment and intelligence to craft such a plan. Click here for Obama's economic prosperity plan.

We really have to see what the master plan of the winner does about good job flight overseas. John Cooper pointed out that he could easily have shipped the jobs in his company to China, but he refused to do that.

El Profesor hits on the issue of undocumented workers and offers the only honest solution available.

I have explored the outsourcing issue from my own point of view and I know that paying workers in Latin America, for example, good salaries for work will keep many or most of them from becoming undocumented workers in the United States.

Of course, such a smart, market economics-based solution requires a shift in U.S. Latin American policy away from coddling oligarchs and war lords, and towards investments in human development, fair trade and democratic institutions.

The point is that enlightened U.S. employment practices, combined with smart economic policies and a true partnership with the people of Latin American, will yield greater stability and prosperity for all.

Photo: (L-R) Dr.Ed Gulluson of Dowling College, Suffolk County Legislator Jon Cooper, Martin Cantor, Director of LIESP, Dowling Distinguished Economic Scholar Dr. Irwin Kellner, and Assemblyman Phil Boyle.

LI Latino Educators to be Honored at Dowling College

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Dowling College's Center for Minority Teacher Development and Training will be celebrating Latinos in Education by hosting “Yes We Can” along with The Long Island Latino Teachers Association.

This event will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2008 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Fortunoff Hall Ballroom at the Rudolph Campus in Oakdale.

The goal of this event is to recognize extraordinary Latino educators who are positive role models and have contributed to the growth of our society. New York Regent Dr. Betty A. Rosa will also be recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of Education.

The exemplary list of speakers includes;

Ms. Betzaida Molina, ’91, (Elementary teacher)
Mr. Luis Alcantara, ’07, (Biology teacher)
Dr. Carmela Leonardi (School Principal)
Dr. Ada Nieves-Brull (School Psychologist)
Ms. Julie Burgos (School Social Worker)
Dr. Elsa-Sophie Morote (Dowling College Professor)
Dr. Hector Sepulveda (College Dean)
Dr. Myrka Gonzales (Dowling College Trustee Board Member)

Photo: Dr. Betty Rosa

Real Estate Developer and C.W. Post Alumnus Jorge Pérez to Deliver Keynote Address at C.W. Post Commencement

Jorge M. Pérez, named one of the 25 most influential Hispanics in the United States by TIME magazine, will deliver the keynote address at the 50th commencement exercises at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, 2008. The 1972 graduate of C.W. Post also will be awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Considered America 's leading developer of sophisticated metropolitan living, Pérez is chairman and chief executive officer of The Related Group, the largest Hispanic-owned business in the U.S. and the country's largest multi-family real estate development firm. Under his direction, The Related Group has redefined the landscape of South Florida . Since its founding in 1979, the firm has built and/or managed more than 70,000 apartments and condominium residences. Its current portfolio represents assets under development of more than $10.7 billion.

While The Related Group is best known for its luxury high-rise properties and visionary mixed-use urban centers, Pérez's first contribution to the development of South Florida was in the affordable housing market. He started his business by building in neighborhoods such as Miami 's Little Havana and Homestead , bringing with him expertise acquired earlier in his career as vice president and director of land use and market services for Landauer Associates and coordinator of community development for the City of Miami.

His passion for vibrant urban communities is reflected in his distinguished record of civic involvement, especially in his tireless work on behalf of arts institutions and cultural programs. Pérez is a member of the board of directors of the Miami Art Museum , chairs the Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council and is a director of the Miami Film Festival. He also serves on the board of the Miami Downtown Development Authority and is a trustee of the University of Miami .

Pérez has received numerous awards, including the Builder of the Year award from Multifamily Executive magazine; Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award; the Hispanic Achievement & Business Entrepreneurship Award from Hispanic Magazine; the Champion of the Community Spirit Award from The Wellness Community; the Citizen of the Year award from The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce; and the Sand In My Shoes Award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Pérez became the first American developer to receive the Icon in Real Estate Award of Excellence at MIPIM in Cannes , France .

Born in Buenos Aires , Argentina to Cuban parents, Pérez earned a bachelor's degree in economics from C.W. Post in 1972. He had a perfect 4.0 grade point average. He also holds a master's degree in urban planning, with highest honors, from the University of Michigan. He is married and has four children.

Open House at LIU-Hispanic Counseling Center March 12 on Masters of Social Work Program

Brookville, N.Y. – Hispanics are one of the fastest-growing ethnic populations in the United States with Census projections forecasting more than 60 million living here by 2025. A 2006 study by the National Association of Social Workers and the Center for Workforce Studies found that 77 percent of licensed social workers in the U.S. serve at least some Hispanic or Latino clients.

In order to meet the needs and properly treat Hispanic individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations, social workers must take into account not only behaviors, but various biological, psychological and social factors.

Professionals who speak fluent Spanish or wish to serve the Hispanic community can learn more about graduate programs leading to a Master of Social Work degree by attending an open house sponsored by the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University Department of Social Work on Wednesday, March 12 at the Hispanic Counseling Center, 344 Fulton Ave., in Hempstead from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Faculty and advisors will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about degree programs, career opportunities, admissions and financial assistance. Interested students should contact the Department of Social Work at (516) 299-3924.

The two-year M.S.W. program will feature bilingual instructors who will focus on the special needs of the Hispanic community by bridging the language gap and encouraging cultural competency in a segment of the population that is underserved.

For more information about the Master of Social Work degree program contact Betsy Klipera, Social Work Program coordinator, at (516) 299-3924 or e-mail betsy.klipera@liu.edu. Visit the social work Web site at www.liu.edu/socialwork.

Isabel Pinto: Prepared to Succeed

According to Newsday's Long Island college freshmen find ways to adjust, Mineola High School graduate Isabel Pinto is thriving as a 1st year pre-law student at St. John's University.

However, many students struggle to adapt to the requirements of college life. Nationally, 16 percent of students at four-year colleges drop out or transfer before sophomore year.

While resourceful students and colleges with well-thought out support programs can ensure a successful transition to college, much more needs to be done to keep students in college--especially for struggling Latino students. The Lumina Foundation has taken a close at the challenges of Latino students and college retention (Camino A La Universidad) and they have issued a number of important recommendations.

Of course, the best college retention program is ensuring that students gain the academic and social skills necessary to succeed before they arrive on a college campus. Credit to the teachers Mineola High School and her parents for ensuring that Isabel Pinto was prepared to succeed.

Hispanic College Fund Call for Applicants

Scholarship Applications for the 2008-2009 academic year now available

Washington, DC--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--January 8, 2007--Scholarship applications for the 2008-2009 academic year are available online at The Hispanic College Fund's website. Scholarship amounts range from $500 - $10,000 and are for one-year only. All scholarship recipients must re-apply each year. The average scholarship awarded is$3,000.

Applications are ONLINE and require an essay, resumé and letter of recommendation. We do not accept any paper applications. Deadlines for our scholarships vary from February 1st, 2008 to March 15th, 2008.

The Hispanic College Fund offers several scholarships through its scholarship program. You must plan to attend a college or a university as a full-time student for the entire academic year in order to be eligible for a Hispanic College Fund scholarship. Only students who are U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in the United States or Puerto Rico and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible.

In 2007 the Hispanic College Fund awarded over $1.8 million in scholarships to 615 students.

To learn more go to http://www.hispanicfund.org/ and begin your application!

Latino Business: $539 Billion by 2012

Speaking of Latino entrepreneurs...

Entrepreneurship, the willingness to take a risk and start one’s own business, has always been the driving force of the U.S. economy. Research indicates that among American minority groups, Latinos are the most likely to start their own business.

The most recent government data shows Latinos own the largest number of firms.

Continued growth is expected. HispanicBusiness.com projects that sales from Latino-owned firms will reach $330.1 billion in 2007, and is projected to reach $539 billion by 2012.

All the more reason why Dr. George Sanchez's new entreprenuership track at Briarcliffe College and stepped up recruitment of Latino students are such smart moves.

Dr. George Sanchez's Smart Moves for Briarcliffe College

President George Sanchez tells Long Island Business News of Briarcliffe College's latest initiatives:

1) an entrepreneurship track within its popular business management degree program; and
2) a stepped up effort to enroll Latino students.

Smart strategy. Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic population on Long Island and entrepreneurship is what creates jobs, wealth and a brighter Long Island future.

Related: Two minutes with George Santiago

Hispanic College Fund Call for Applicants

Scholarship applications for the 2008-2009 academic year are available online at http://www.hispanicfund.org/.

Scholarship amounts range from $500 - $10,000 and are for one-year only. All scholarship recipients must re-apply each year. The average scholarship awarded is $3,000.

Applications are ONLINE and require an essay, resumé and letter of recommendation. We do not accept any paper applications. Deadlines for our scholarships vary from February 1st, 2008 to March 15th, 2008.

The Hispanic College Fund offers several scholarships through its scholarship program. You must plan to attend a college or a university as a full-time student for the entire academic year in order to be eligible for a Hispanic College Fund scholarship. Only students who are U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in the United States or Puerto Rico and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible.

In 2007 the Hispanic College Fund awarded over $1.8 million in scholarships to 615 students.

To learn more go to http://www.HispanicFund.org and begin your application!