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Looking Ahead to a Year of Growth - by Alejandro Menchaca
Hispanic Business Magazine recently released an issue dedicated to the growth of the Hispanic middle class. The issue documented the amazing strides that Latinos are making in terms of educational and economic achievement. One expert proclaimed that as more Latinos graduate from college and professional schools, real networks will form for professionals. At the Latino Professional Network, we have established the truth of this statement not through empirical research or study- we have witnessed the growth and size of the Latino professional community firsthand, with our own eyes.
The LPN started as an idea. A law student, lawyer, and marketing professional sought to create an umbrella organization for Latino professionals from diverse fields and educational backgrounds. The organization would provide professionals the opportunity to network, interact, and seek out new opportunities. It would be based on the belief that by working together, our community will achieve greater success.
After a little over two years, what was once an inchoate idea has become one of the largest associations of Latino professionals in the country. At the start of a new year, we pause to reflect on the past and look towards the future. We are excited by the prospects that lie ahead and hope to serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and empowerment of the Latino community. 2002 will be dedicated to celebrating the emerging roles of Latinos at the forefront of business, politics, and culture in Los Angeles and throughout the nation.
This year, the LPN will launch a series of “LPN Professional Development Seminars”. These seminars will feature prominent speakers and cover a wide range of topics including employment opportunities, Latina empowerment, and succeeding as an entrepreneur, to name a few.
Additionally, we will continue to work hard at producing innovative social networking events. For example, at a typical LPN event, you can network with 800 professionals, sample premium tequila, hear a popular salsa band, and be addressed by City Attorney, Rocky Delgadillo (Be sure to join us in February for Carnaval/ Mardi Gras 2002 at the Rumba Room). We at the LPN are always satisfied to hear testimonials from these events. Many of you have discovered new business opportunities. Others have found a new job or business partner. And some of the more gregarious types have discovered new friends or met their significant others. The Mega-Mixers now attract a number of different communities including young professionals, established business owners and professionals, leading decision makers, and students. This year, the LPN will explore new and exciting event formats. Stay Tuned!
We will also continue to work towards the empowerment of the community at large. Last year, we had the privilege of working with such organizations as Clinica Monsenor Romero, Padres Contra El Cancer, and the East Los Angeles YMCA. Currently, we are exploring partnerships with such groups as The Puente Project to provide mentors to high school students and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, to raise funds for scholarships.
The LPN will also continue to promote its technology initiatives. From the very start, the LPN has communicated primarily via email. We are expanding upon our belief in the power of technology by presenting the first edition of “Adelante”, our E-Newsletter, and continuing to promote businesses over our website, http:/www.lpnonline.com.
In closing, as more Latinos enter the professional world, there will be an organization that meets their needs- the LPN. We look forward to growing as an organization as you grow in your professional career.
“Stay Connected to a Community of Professionals. Stay Connected to a Culture of Success”.
Alejandro Menchaca
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