The State of Hispanic America Conference.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) announced the schedule and panelists for their annual two-day Public Policy Conference on September 12 and 13 at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. This conference is part of their week of activities during Hispanic Heritage Month with “CHCI: Leadership for America’s Future” as their theme. Each September, CHCI hosts the largest annual gathering of Hispanic community leaders, elected officials, and policy and academic experts from across the country in our nation’s capital for timely policy discussions. Monday’s luncheon, a Latino Executive Roundtable, includes Lisa Quiroz of Time Warner, Herb Scannell of MTV Networks, and Robert Unanue of Goya Foods, along with others. Tuesday’s luncheon honors Jimmy Smits and Esai Morales for their contributions to the arts and the Latino community. Proceeds from this conference benefit CHCI’s Public Policy Fellowship, Summer Internship, and annual scholarship programs.

“We are proud to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a new and exciting Policy Conference. CHCI is at the forefront in developing and assembling Latino leadership to continue to advance America’s future. This forum is unmatched in bringing together Latinos nationwide with our elected leaders and experts from all fields for substantive sessions that serve as catalysts for change,” emphasized CHCI Chairwoman, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (CA-38).

The Conference opens with the powerful session, “The State of Hispanic America,” moderated by ABC News legal correspondent, Manny Medrano. Fourteen summits then follow on issues critical to Latinos, such as Social Security (the single largest source of retirement income for a majority of Latinos), foster care (Latino children make up 17 percent of all foster care children), education (Latinos have the highest high school dropout rate at 24 percent), health, immigration, and other significant topics. Panelists include authorities such as William Halter, former Commissioner, Social Security Administration, Dr. Ricardo Fernandez, President, Lehman College in New York City, and Deputy Commissioner Frank Fuentes, Health and Human Services, amongst many others. A closing plenary session, in town-hall fashion, will be moderated by Ray Suarez, senior correspondent for PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and will include recommendations from all the summits.

“We have gathered exceptional Latino panelists — from presidents of corporations and universities to civil rights organizations — for thought-provoking sessions. Plus, we have planned two dynamic and not-to-be-missed luncheons, the Latino Executive Roundtable with prominent executives on September 12, and on the 13, we will recognize two talented actors, Jimmy Smits and Esai Morales, for co-founding the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts as well as their commitment to the Latino community and education,” remarked Esther Aguilera, CEO and president of CHCI.

For more information at http://www.chci.org