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LARASA's Latino Elected Official's Forum: Thursday March 25th 6-7:30 pm.
The public is invited to hear a lively discussion on 2010 politics that will include Hon. Judy Montero and Paul Lopez from Denver City Council and Hon. Andrea Merida and Arturo Jimenez from the Denver Public School Board.
The event will be at Su Teatro, 721 Sante Fe Drive. It is free and open to the public with a reception to follow.
Event SPONSORS are COMCAST, Western Union, Eddie Pacheco/Allstate Ins., and Wells Fargo.
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Dr. Estevan Flores Named LARASA's Executive Director and Four new Board members added!
At the February 16, 2010 Board meeting, the Directors named Estevan Flores, Ph.D. as the Agency's Executive Director. This change from Interim Director ensures that LARASA's new direction for advocacy, research and direct services delivery will continue unabated.
Dr. Flores, a sociologist, with over 25 years of leadership experience in the non-profit and academic sectors stated: "Leading LARASA is a welcomed challenge and I hope to be able to continue the Agency's esteemed legacy."
Dr. Flores also recently started "News You Can Use," a regular featured LARASA column being sent to the e-mail list of over 2,000. To receive this informative alert, please sign up with LARASA.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS ADDED
At the recent board meeting, four new Board members were added including Ms. Theresa Solano, CEO of the Latina Chamber of Commerce, Hon. Paul Lopez, Denver City Councilman, Hon. Ed Casso, State Representative and Mr. Luis Espinosa-Organista, Field Campaign Coordinator with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Mr. Alex Sanchez, LARASA Board Chair noted: "These individuals bring a weatlh of talent and experience to the LARASA Board that will serve us well. I am very pleased and excited to add these dynamic leaders to our Board."
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Your support and commitment to LARASA in 2010 is vital to our growth and continued success. Please donate to LARASA in whatever amount you can.
DONATE ONLINE
QUESTIONS? Please contact:
Dr. Estevan Flores eflores@larasa.org or
303-722-5150 x101 |
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PAY DAY LENDING BILL, HB 1351, TO RESTRICT PREDATORY LENDERS PASSES STATE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON 7-4 PARTY LINE VOTE (3/8/10)
For over 5 hours a parade of witnesses testified in support of HB 1351. Witnesses documented the horrendous practices of pay day lenders who prey on victims who quickly suffer loss of money and worse while trying to pay back loans.
Dr. Estevan Flores, LARASA's Executive Director, testified in support of the bill while representing LARASA and the Board of Directors. The 'Pay Day' legislation will cap interest rates at 36% and follows a national trend. The bill will go to the House soon for a full hearing and vote. Also testifying was Mr. Gene Lucero, Co-Chair of the Colorado Latino Forum (CLF) and attorneys Amber Tafoya and Joe Salazar, Board member of the CLF.
FEBRUARY 12TH FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS! Gracias to all who attended and supported the event
About 75 persons attended the early morning breakfast fundraiser at Holland and Hart. Those braving the cold winter morning were greeted with hot coffee and a warm gathering of LARASA supporter's who heard Congresswoman Diana DeGette give a tribute to LARASA for the decade's of work done on behalf of Latinos in Colorado.
The inspirational welcome was by Michael Carrigan, CU Regent and partner at Holland and Hart, who recently served as a LARASA Board member for six years. Dr. Estevan Flores, LARASA's Executive Director, spoke enthusiastically about LARASA's renewed emphasis on advocacy, and research noting that he had long worked with LARASA as he was on the first Board of Directors for the Colorado Hispanic League, which LARASA successfully launched in 1990.
Congresswoman Degette spoke passionately about her work on immigration reform. She was roundly applauded as she noted her strong support of the "Dream Act" and health care reform. She explained how a "public option" might succeed in the Senate through 'reconciliation."
Mr. Alex Sanchez, LARASA Board Chair thanked Congresswoman Degette for her steadfast support of LARASA and to Holland and Hart for hosting the event. He noted that this fundraiser was the first in a series of 2010 events that would increase the dialogue and discussion about the role and impact that Latinos have on society and on politics.
The event was skillfully organized by LARASA staff including Ms. Chy Montoya and Lois Deveneau, volunteer photographer Cecilia Flores and volunteer Tobias Romero.
Hon. Paul Lopez joins LARASA Board of Directors
Luis Espinosa-Organista, UFCW International, Organizing, joins LARASA Board of Directors |