Poet Michele Serros, Controller John Chiang, and Secretary Anna Caballeros Celebrated Latina Action Day Presented by Lilly and Comcast

This year’s 17^th Annual Latina Action Day – Sacramento Conference offered over 300 Latinas the opportunity to transform policy in various ways. After participants were welcomed by Conference Chair Larisa Cespedes, luncheon keynote speaker, poet and author Michele Serros shared inspirational words that taught participants how to transform policy and communities through storytelling. The momentum continued with HOPE’s Executive Director & CEO Helen Torres and other Latina advocates who provided key tools to ensure participants were well prepared for their Capitol Visits. Five Latina YUM! Scholars were recognized for their academic excellence and their leadership skills in the community which creates positive change in our society. These five college students were nominated by Assemblymember Nora Campos, Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher, Assemblymember Ricardo Lara, Speaker of the Assembly John Peréz, and Senator Tony Strickland.  All YUM! Scholars were provided with a flight voucher to attend and participate in Latina Action Day - Sacramento. 

Anastacia Magana, Michele Serros - author & poet, and Antonio Magana

Yum! Scholars left to right: Alexandra Brain, Alejandra Cortez, Leticia Chavez,  Veronica Jimenez with Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher and Richard Abraham-Rugnao- Senior Manager of Goverment Relations & Global Diversity, Yum! Brands Inc.

Following the luncheon, participants joined together to visit all 120 legislative offices to ensure their voices were heard about the state budget, current legislation, and issues that most affect Latinas. There were two informational sessions immediately following the Capitol Visits that focused on healthcare and government reform. The Town Hall discussion on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) showcased distinguished health experts such as Kim Belshé, California Benefit Exchange; Carmela Castellano-Garcia, California Primary Care Association; Richard Figueroa, The California Endowment; Gerianne Hap, Lilly USA; and Ruth Liu, Kaiser Permanente. The Community Discussion, “Transform the Advocate in you – Be a Forward Thinker,” featured Victor Abalos and Carrie Lopez from CA Forward. While adults networked and gained critical knowledge about California’s healthcare and government status, the Youth Town Hall featured Assemblymember Ricardo Lara, speaking to high school students about improving their prospects for future success.

(Left to Right) Ruth Liu - Kasier Permanente, Gerianne Hap - Lilly USA, Kim Belshé - Californai Benefit Exchange, Richard Figueroa - The California Endowment, and Carmela Castellano-Garcia - California Primary Care Association

(Left to Right) Carrie Lopez and Victor Abalos - CA Forward

Assemblymember Ricardo Lara

CA State Controller John Chiang with Lorena Hernandez, Director of Community Investment, Comcast California

Secretary of State & Consumer Services Agency Anna Caballero and PG&E Vice President of Government Relations Ed Bedwell

HOPE Board Member Marissa Bejarano, Carrie Lopez - CA Forward, Assemblymember Jose Solorio, Assemblymember Norma Torres, Conference Chair Larisa Cespedes, HOPE Board Member Sandra Magaña Cuellar and George Opacic - PG&E

State Assemblywoman Nora Campos

State Assemblywoman Norma Torres