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Hundreds of Latinas from across the state joined together to celebrate Latina leadership, voter empowerment, and advocacy on issues related to the state budget, education, and healthcare reform. The event kicked-off with a Rally and March on the Capitol where participants launched the HOPE.ACT. VOTE. campaign, a statewide project to mobilize California's 1.6 million Latina registered voters to become informed citizens, effective policy advocates, and active civic participants through an interactive web-portal at www.latinas.org. The goal of our campaign is to lend greater support for Latina advocacy efforts in Sacramento by amplifying constituent voices on HOPE's policy agenda.
Secretary of State Debra Bowen addressed participants at the "HOPE.ACT.VOTE.Voter Empowerment Luncheon" where she discussed voting and its importance in the upcoming November elections. California's Legislative Analyst, Elizabeth Hill, provided a comprehensive overview of the state budget while Dr. David Long, the Secretary of Education addressed participants about current legislation impacting California's education system. The conference also included a Healthcare Reform Panel discussion which allowed participants to explore local, state, and national viewpoints on healthcare reform and its importance to Latinas. Our programming also included a youth component, which accessed college opportunities for Latina high school students and included a conversation on the upcoming Historical Presidential Election and the Latina Youth Vote.
The day concluded with a VIP reception and a "Celebrating Latina Leadership Dinner" honoring Latina Legislators for their leadership, service, and dedication to California. Senator and incoming President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg served as the keynote speaker and was honored for his leadership and commitment to education policy.
Latina Action Day Press Release
The State Budget: Impact on Local Communities
Legislative Analyst, Elizabeth Hill
HOPE Budget Analysis
Youth Leadership Through Literacy Program Presentations
10:00 a.m. Registration - West Lobby, 1st Floor
Sacramento Convention Center
11:00 a.m. Latina Action Day Kickoff and Rally
Exhibit Hall E, Sacramento Convention Center
Secretary Rosario Marin, State and Consumer Services Agency
11:30 a.m. March on the Capitol (East Steps)
11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Capitol Welcome
Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero
Senator Jenny Oropeza
Senator Alex Padilla
Assemblymember Lori Saldana
Assemblymember Mary Salas
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. HOPE.ACT.VOTE.: Voter Empowerment Luncheon
Sacramento Convention Center
Secretary of State Debra Bowen
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Understanding the State Budget and its Impact on Your Local Community
Elizabeth Hill, Legislative Analyst's Office
2:40 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Youth Town Hall: Assessing College Opportunity For Latinas In California & A Conversation on the Historical Presidential Election and the Latina Youth Vote
Michelle Siqueiros, Moderator, Campaign for College Opportunity
Assemblymember Bonnie Garcia
Assemblymember Nicole Parra
2:40 p.m. - 3:50 p.m. Education Townhall
Dr. David Long, Secretary of Education
Susanna Cooper, Principal Consultant for Senator Darrell Steinberg
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Healthcare Reform Panel
Explore local, statewide and national viewpoints on healthcare reform and its importance to Latinas.
Carmela Castellano-Garcia, President& CEO, California Primary Care Association
Dick Hodgson, Health Policy Director, City of San Francisco
Trudi Hughes, Wal-Mart
Patricia Lynch, VP of Government Relations, Kaiser Permanente
Nina Moreno, Children's Defense Fund
Kathleen Webb, Director, Office of Insurance Advisor, State and Consumer Services
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. VIP Reception
A networking reception attended by State Legislators, Latina Action Day presenters, and legislative staff.
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Celebrating Latina Leadership Dinner
Honoring Latina legislators for their leadership, service, and dedication to California
Premier of The Latina Tribute video
Senator Darrell Steinberg
Assemblymember Nicole Parra
Once a year, HOPE convenes 600 Latina leaders from all regions of California in Sacramento for an annual public policy issues conference, Latina Action Day Sacramento. This one day conference is designed to facilitate dialogue between corporate and community Latina leaders and elected officials on public policies affecting Latinas in California. Through townhalls, public hearings, and workshops, HOPE presents up to date information, analysis, and access to decision makers on critical issues such as access to healthcare, higher education, and the California State budget.
Now going on it's 14th year, Latina Action Day Sacramento strategically takes place the second or third Tuesday in April. Participants from throughout California convene in Sacramento during the peak of legislative committee hearings and just a few weeks prior to the Governor's May Revision of the state budget. The timing of the conference allows participants to express their opinions and priorities to our state's elected officials during a critical decision-making window.
The conference concludes with the inspiring Celebrating Latina Leadership dinner, during which HOPE honors and celebrates the contributions of our Latina elected officials in the California Legislature and our Latinas serving in the Gubernatorial Administration.
Latina Action Day Sacramento garners consistent support from the California Latino Legislative Caucus, the Latino Republican Caucus, and the Governor and his Administration.
Carmen Reynaga
Conferences and Marketing Associate
213-622-0606 x3
creynaga@latinas.org
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