Hispanic Leadership Summit 2008

Norfolk, Virginia September 26-27, 2008
By Idalia Rosa-Martinez, Saborhr

“The labor market appreciates Hispanics more than the school system.” Dr. Sergio Matviuk said. Dr. Sergio Matviuk at the Second Annual Hispanic Leadership Summit noted this and other research by the 2003 PEW Hispanic Center for high drop out rates among Hispanics. “Hispanics work more hours than whites and blacks.” Dr. Sergio Matviuk shared. Dr. Matviuk ended with directives that “this is not an equal education opportunity issue only, but this is about the future of the country.”

The Hispanic Leadership Forum coordinated-event included Education panelist Dr. Rina Villar who made the case for bilingual education in public schools and Dr. Marcela Chavan-Matviuk who almost weeping cited statistics of the status of Latina women in the USA. “49% of all Latina immigrants have less than a high school education.” Dr. Marcela Chavan-Matviuk said. Additional statistics quoted high vulnerability of Latinas for depression, abuse, and AIDS according to sources like the Center for Disease Control and the New York City Health Department.   The Hispanics in Business Panel started by EEOC District Director, Carlos Villescas, spoke to equal opportunity rights available in the work place for all employees. While CEO, Catherine Giordano, encouraged the small business owner with good business policies, and Liberty Tax Service Director, Martee Pierson unfolded the efforts to make Corporate Hispanic Initiatives a reality and not “something written on paper.”  In addition, Pierson assured that Liberty Tax Franchisees are committed to processing Tax ID’s at no cost to those who need it.

Last panel titled, Immigration, included Lawyer, Hugo Valverde, who states, “His job is his calling.”  “Many employers bank on their employee’s lack of the English language to save company money they should be paying out for on-the-job accidents.”  Hugo Valverde said. Virginia Wesleyan College Assistant Professor of Political Science, Brent Heindl, honed in on how “ the immigration issue comes and goes as a political issue much like a schizophrenic reaction. “ And finally, Immigration & Customs Enforcement officer (ICE), Craig K. Raine, reminded the audience that “congress has mandated laws to be followed” and that “ ICE individuals don’t go knocking on doors without proper history of investigation.” He took questions from the audience on unwarranted raids and racial profiling against Hispanics in the state of Virginia.

Its sponsors Virginia Wesleyan College, Liberty Tax Service, GEICO, and Farm Fresh made the expert panelists event possible. For future summits see www.hispaniclf.org. 

 

 

 

 

 

We thank our sponsors for their support!