Espíritu De Progreso Latino celebrates aspirations & advancement of Hispanic in the US.

Espíritu De Progreso Latino, the Latino Spirit of Progress, a new community initiative that celebrates and supports the progress of Hispanics, will kick-off in New York and Los Angeles this week. This community-based program is designed to raise awareness of the challenges facing Hispanics as they strive to achieve their goals of prosperity and a better life for themselves and their families in this country.

Sponsored by Chivas Regal Scotch, Malibu Rum and Stolichnaya Vodka, Espíritu De Progreso Latino aims to shine a spotlight on the issue of personal progress-consistently listed by U.S. Hispanics as one of their top concerns-by giving a financial boost to local non-profit organizations that help Hispanics to achieve their goals through positive programs focused on education, job training and career enhancement. Partnering organizations were selected through an evaluation process based on accountability and compatibility with the mission and goals of the program and program sponsors. Funding will be driven by community participation, across two markets, New York and Los Angeles.

The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), The Hispanic Federation, Latin-Tech and Mercy Center Bronx have been selected as the Espíritu De Progreso Latino beneficiaries representing both the West and East coast of the country. NALIP, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization, acclaimed as the first in the nation to provide assistance for Latino filmmakers and producers, has been selected as the local Espíritu De Progreso Latino beneficiary for Los Angeles. The Hispanic Federation, based in New York, works with more than 90+Latin organizations to advance social and economic well-being, and serves more than two million Hispanics in the northeast. Latin-Tech works to close the technology gap by bringing computers and technology access/training to underserved Latinos; and Mercy Center Bronx empowers Latin women to reach their full potential by providing business and job training for Latinas.

“Each of these outstanding organizations has a track record for providing effective tools to help individual Hispanics achieve their dreams and touch the highest points of personal success; all are perfectly aligned with the mission at the heart of our program. At the same time, they reinforce our fundamental criteria for success– cultural pride and enhanced self-esteem,” says Bill Cherrie, Vice President of Multicultural Marketing for Pernod Ricard, parent company for the sponsoring brands.

According to NALIP Executive Director Kathryn F. Galan, the organization advances Latino progress in multiple ways. “NALIP makes sure that artists are trained and supported to increase the quality and quantity of images by and about Latinos – everywhere you see media,” she says. “Writers and directors, producers and performers of films, television and documentaries are bettering themselves and improving the images of Latinos-so when you see great shows such as Ugly Betty and Cane, or movies like WALKOUT, you are seeing American Latinos finally telling our stories.”

“We are very excited to partner with these prestigious brands in organizing the Espiritu de Progreso Latino initiative, says Lillian Rodriguez-Lopez, President of the Hispanic Federation. “The Federation is an organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of Hispanic Americans and this unique project supports economic growth and career advancement through specialized training in cutting edge fields. The work of both Mercy Center and Latin Tech is well respected and is making a real difference for Latino families.”

Community Participation Drives Program Success

By design, Espíritu De Progreso Latino will engage the entire community in both cities, substantially raising awareness, by linking the amount of funding to an online platform that invites individuals to share photos and stories depicting the accomplishment of Hispanics; including personal success or the achievements of others. For each upload, Chivas Regal Scotch, Malibu Rum and Stolichnaya Vodka will make a cash donation to the partner charities on the list. Photos or images that personify the struggles or accomplishments of Hispanic men and women are welcome. There’s no limit to the number of photos or stories an individual can upload, and everyone is invited to submit multiple times to generate maximum funds for the beneficiaries. The program will conclude in May highlighted by an outdoor exhibit showcasing a mosaic of the submitted photos.

Spokespersons for the exclusive brands, Chivas Regal Scotch, Malibu Rum and Stolichnaya Vodka, are calling on the community to rally behind the program and its mission by uploading their photos and stories of progress to http://www.espiritudeprogresolatino.org. The greater the community participation in New York, the more funds flow to the selected partner non-profits, and their programs.

“Through their rich contributions and accomplishments over the years, Latinos have significantly improved our communities, making the US a better place to live, work and play,” adds Cherrie. “The public can substantially help others by sharing their personal experiences that capture this indomitable spirit.”

According to Carlos Santiago, President and CEO, Santiago ROI, “Latinos in this country have a strong desire to attain the best possible living conditions and educational access for their families, often against great odds. Espíritu De Progreso Latino is designed to celebrate one of the most salient characteristic of the Hispanic community in the country-the drive and force to reach a better future.”

For additional details, log onto http://www.espiritudeprogresolatino.org>