Remarks: Current Economic Climate

In August, I was fortunate enough to be offered the chance to provide opening remarks on the economic climate for millennials, the current national employment situation, and the value of education and alternative training needed to support the nation's future development, including the impact and opportunities specific to Hispanic Americans.  The event marked the launch of CHLI's "Pillars for Progress Tour," with follow-ups scheduled for San Antonio and Las Vegas.The following is a portion of the post-event press release, along with some pics from the event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 11, 2017

CHLI Launches ‘Pillars for Progress’ Tour in Los Angeles, California

Washington, D.C. - The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) launched its ‘Pillars of Progress’ tour at the Los Angeles City Club in Los Angeles, California, on August 29, 2017. The first stop of the tour convened distinguished civic and community leaders, experts in workforce development and student leaders to discuss educational opportunities, career strategy and tools for the economic advancement of U.S. Hispanics and Latinos.“Hispanics have made huge strides in educational attainment, but still fall behind in rates of employment and other economic indicators, providing an opportunity for improvement than can only be found by enhancing the country’s workforce development efforts,” said Keynote speaker, Justin Vélez-Hagan, Executive Director of the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, and author of ‘The Common Sense behind Basic Economics.’

Keynote speaker, Justin Vélez-Hagan, Executive Director of the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce

Richard Verches, the Los Angeles Director of the L.A/Orange County Regional Consortium of Community Colleges (LAOCRC)

Photo left to right: The Honorable Gilbert Cedillo, Los Angeles City Councilman; 

CHLI

 Board Member Nathalie Rayes, Vice President of Public Affairs for Grupo Salinas; Ana Guerrero, Chief of Staff to Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti; Mary Ann Gomez Orta, 

CHLI

 President & CEO; Dr. Patricia Ramos, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at Santa Monica College (SMC); and Richard Verches

Following the keynote address, a panel discussion ensued, ....