Hispanic – Latino Traffic Report

Hispanic Motor Press Announces Awards at LA Auto Show

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Nov 182022

Kia EV6

Latino Traffic Report (LTR) has learned that the Hispanic Motor Press has revealed the first round of winners for the 2023 Hispanic Motor Press Awards (HMPA), the premier independent Hispanic awards presented in the country for the Latino community to help, educate, and pre-select the best vehicle options in the market, during today’s opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) and AutoMobility LA. The thirteenth annual HMPA program identifies the best new model year 2023 vehicles for Hispanic car buyers, considering manufacturer advancements in technology, safety features, infotainment, and cleaner mobility.

“We are delighted to announce the winners of the Hispanic Motor Press Awards right here once again in Los Angeles which represents the largest Hispanic market in the country. With the segment representing one in four of new vehicle purchases, we empower Hispanic consumers across the nation with information on adopting clean and safe transportation that enhances their vehicle experience while helping them make the right decision at the time of purchase,” states Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, veteran automotive journalist and founder of the Hispanic Motor Press.

The 2023 HMPA vehicle winners in respective categories are:

Best Technology of the Year – General Motors Super Cruise

City Car of the Year – Hyundai Kona

Luxury Vehicle of the Year – Jeep Grand Wagoneer

EV Car of the Year – Kia EV6 (top)

SUV of the Year – Kia Telluride

Truck of the Year – Chevrolet Silverado

Winning vehicles will be featured in an exclusive staged area throughout the duration of LAAS taking place through November 27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The remaining HMPA 2023 winners will be chosen from two categories, EV Truck of the Year and Family Vehicle of the Year, and will be announced in 2023.

Auto manufacturers voluntarily submit their entries, and the jury panel evaluates vehicles features including overall design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, infotainment integration, interior design, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, and price.

The 2023 HMPA Jurors, of which LTR is included, represent a distinguished, independent group of Latino automotive journalists, content creators and industry influencers selected by the organization’s advisory board. Over 20 juror members evaluated over 100 new vehicles during 2022. The jury panel is comprised of national Hispanic journalists, content creators, and influencers who assess the vehicles while considering key purchase drivers for Hispanic families in quality, reliability, style, safety, and value.

Hispanic Motor Press Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 with the objective to educate and help the Hispanic Consumer to move towards mobility that is clean, affordable, and capable of reducing greenhouse emissions and improve our air quality.

For more information, visit www.hispanicmotorpress.org. Follow Hispanic Motor Press on Twitter@HMotorPressOrg, Facebook@Hispanicmotorpress or Instagram@hispanicmotorpress.

Hyundai Invests in Latino Community During Hispanic Heritage Month

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Oct 152022

(l to r) Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor America, Sandra Pisano, PsyD, Director, Behavioral Health, AltaMed, Fanny Oliveira, Sr. director of Development, AltaMed Foundation, in Los Angeles, Calif. on October 14, 2022. (Photo/Hyundai)

At the close of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) Latino Traffic Report has learned that Hyundai honored the Hispanic and Latinx communities with a multifaceted program that included philanthropic and community-based support and sponsorships including:

Hyundai Hope donations to empower future generations through education
Community support from Hyundai’s employee resource group (ERG), Amigos Unidos
Partnership with the Latin American Museum in Long Beach (MOLAA)
Participation in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) leadership conference
Hyundai’s Hispanic marketing agency, Lopez Negrete Communications, FIFA campaign

“Hispanic and Latino Americans have long played a pivotal role enriching our culture and economy and serve as a key driving force of the automotive industry,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “America’s diversity has always been one of our greatest strengths as a nation and we are proud to support and spotlight the Hispanic community’s rich and diverse heritage, achievements and contributions that have made our country better and stronger.”

Members of Hyundai’s Employee Resource Group, Amigos Unidos, with Lourdes Ramos, PhD, president and CEO, MOLAA, Alison Heney, PhD, vice president of learning and public programs, MOLAA, in Long Beach, Calif., October 10, 2022. (Photo/Hyundai)

Philanthropic Commitments
Hyundai donated $25,000 to The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) College Success Program to increase the number of Hispanic and Latino first-generation students from underserved communities majoring in the fields of STEM and business.

Hyundai Hope contributed to the AltaMed Foundation to support programs and resources providing mental health services to underserved communities.

Amigos Unidos Community Work
Hyundai and its employee resource group (ERG), Amigos Unidos, hosted the Fifth Annual Hyundai Career Experience Virtual Program for first- and second-year college students to learn about automotive career opportunities.

For a second year in a row, Hyundai’s Amigos Unidos ERG members volunteered their time and provided financial assistance to community-based organization, Project Youth OCBF in Santa Ana to keep at-risk youth in school, healthy and drug-free through education, counseling, mentoring, and family strengthening.

Latin American Museum in Long Beach (MOLAA) Sponsorship
Hyundai donated $14,000 to the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) Youth Art and Hispanic Heritage Programs and is sponsoring the Día de los Muertos community celebration and exhibit. For more information, please visit 2022 MOLAA Day of the Dead Festival.

Thought Leadership
Hyundai Motor North America’s Gil Castillo, senior group manager, product strategy and regulatory compliance, participated in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Leadership Conference “Building a Climate Resilient Nation: Green American Communities and Business” in Washington, D.C to discuss Hyundai’s electrification and carbon neutrality goals.

Hispanic Agency of Record and FIFA Content
Hyundai’s multicultural marketing group together with its newly selected U.S. Hispanic agency, Lopez Negrete Communications, unleashed the passion for soccer, starting with families, with original, culturally curated content awarding four Hispanic winners to attend the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Selected winners will be sharing their experience and journey of a lifetime during the live, global event that scores high among U.S. Hispanics.

Not all automakers make reaching out to the Latino community a priority. Bravo to Hyundai for its efforts.

Hispanic Motor Press Announces 2022 HMPA Winners

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Mar 102022

*Luxury Vehicle of the Year: Genesis GV70*

Latino Traffic Report (LTR) has learned that the Hispanic Motor Press recently announced the winners of the 2022 Hispanic Motor Press Awards (HMPA). The twelfth annual program recognizes the best new vehicles for Hispanic car buyers based on styling, driving satisfaction, technology, safety, environmental impact, mechanical reliability, and value.

*Compact Vehicle of the Year: Honda Civic*

“With overall manufacturer advancements in power train technology, safety features, infotainment, connectivity, and cleaner mobility, it is more important than ever to guide Hispanic car buyers who represent 30 percent of the growth in new-vehicle sales,” says Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, founder and president of the Hispanic Motor Press. “The 2022 winners offer positive overall ownership experience and are considered significant automobiles in the market, as they meet the needs and desires of Hispanic consumers.”

The 2022 model year HMPA winners are:
Family Vehicle of the Year: Kia Carnival
Electric Vehicle (EV) of the Year: Hyundai IONIQ 5
Compact Vehicle of the Year: Honda Civic
Midsize Vehicle of the Year: Buick Enclave
Luxury Vehicle of the Year: Genesis GV70
Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) of the Year: Mitsubishi Outlander
Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) of the Year: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Pick-Up Truck of the Year: Ford Maverick
Adventure Vehicle of the Year: Ford Bronco
Best Technology Vehicle of the Year: GMC Hummer

*Pick-Up Truck of the Year: Ford Maverick*

The 2022 HMPA jurors comprised of independent Hispanic automotive journalists, content creators and industry influencers, including LTR, was selected by the organization’s advisory board. The juror members evaluated over 100 new vehicles during 2021 and into 2022.
Auto manufacturers voluntarily submitted their entries, and the jury panel evaluated the vehicles on their features including overall design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, infotainment integration, interior design, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, and price.
The Hispanic Motor Press Awards is the premier independent Hispanic awards presented in the country for the Hispanic community to help, educate, and pre-select the best vehicle options in the market. It also offers scholarship programs for students in communications and journalism.
For more information, visit www.hispanicmotorpress.org. Follow Hispanic Motor Press on Twitter@HMotorPressOrg, Facebook@Hispanicmotorpress or Instagram@hispanicmotorpress

#hispanicmotorpress #hispanicmotorpressawards

LTR Joins 2022 Hispanic Motor Press Awards Jury

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Aug 112021

The Hispanic Motor Press Foundation (HMPF) announced today their new panel of judges for the 2022 Hispanic Motor Press Awards (HMPA) and Latino Traffic Report (LTR) made the list. The premier independent Latino vehicle awards presented in the United States recognize the best new vehicles for Hispanic buyers. Winners will be announced during this year’s LA Auto Show, the annual ten-day auto and lifestyle event featuring the most diverse range of vehicles and brands in North America that opens to the public on November 19, 2021.

*Genesis GV80, 2021 Luxury Car of the Ye*ar.

“With Hispanic buyers accounting for 25 percent of the growth in new-vehicle sales, HMPA guides consumers in preselecting choices,” states Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, founder and president of the Hispanic Motor Press. “Los Angeles is the top Hispanic market in the U.S. and the LA Auto Show continues to be a top performing show.”

The HMPA jury panel is comprised of national Latino automotive journalists, bloggers, content creators, and industry influencers selected by the organization’s advisory board. Twenty-three automotive experts and Hispanic consumer engagers—handpicked every year—and one jury director, form the panel.

“This is the only national automotive award selected exclusively by Latino automotive journalists who best understand the needs and concerns of Latino car buyers,” says Valerie Menard, CEO of LTR. “It’s an honor to have been selected to serve on this jury.”

The jurors evaluate the vehicles from their perspective as part of their professional work through September 2021. Finalists are selected for the top ten best new vehicles: Car, EV Car, Hybrid Car, Sports Car, Luxury Car, Car Technology, Sports Utility Vehicle, Pick-Up Truck, Adventure Car, and the ultimate award Family Car of the Year.

*Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, 2021 Family Car of the* Year.

Auto manufacturers voluntarily submit their entries, and the panel evaluates the vehicles on their features including overall design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, infotainment integration, interior design, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, and price. The final top ten vehicle winners represent the most significant automobiles in the market, as they meet the needs and desires of Latino consumers. Winners will be announced during the LA Auto Show’s Automobility LA press days, November 17–18, 2021. The general public is invited to attend the LA Auto show from November 19–28, 2021 and view the winning vehicles in-person.

Rodriguez-Long will serve as jury moderator. The Hispanic Motor Press Awards 2022 jury panel from across the country includes:

1. Aaron Sanchez (ABC News) CA	9. Ellie Byrd (El Heraldo News) TX	17. Maria Ravani (Sobre Rodas Magazine) FL
2. Alejandro Maciel (LA Times Español) CA	10. German Angel (Enfoque Social) – CA	18. Pepe Delfino (El Automovilista) – FL
3. Angelica Willard (Willard Post) FL	11. Gil Silva (Mitchell Books) – CA	19. Pepe Forte (Automania)- FL
4. Armando Varela (La Opinion) CA	12. Hector Russo (Geek’s Room) – TX	20 Roger Rivero (Automotriz Channel) – OR
5. Camilo Alfaro (Autoproyecto) CA	13. Jaime Gabaldoni (Univision Autos) – FL	21. Sandra Munoz (Latinaology)- AZ
6. Carlos Hernandez (LatinOCC) CA	14. Jeffrey Gomez (The Snob Magazine) – TX	22. Valerie Menard (Latino Traffic Report) – TX
7. David Loji (The Detroit Bureau) MI	15. Jose Melendrez (La Alcancia) – NY
8. Dawn Garcia (A Taste of Dawn/ATOD Magazine) – CA	16. Lizza Monet Morales (Xoxo, Lizza Inc.) – CA

For information on previous Award Winners visit www.hispanicmotorpress.com.

#hispanicmotorpress

#hmpaawards

Toyota and Hispanic Scholarship Fund Renew Parnership

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Dec 282020

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Toyota, an Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) partner of 22 years, renewed its commitment of $900,000 for the organization’s 2020-2021 fiscal year. Allocations will fund Scholar Support Services, the Toyota/HSF Scholarship Program, and the Toyota West Dallas Scholarship.

The program’s value is reflected in employees like Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) engineer Nazul Rivera. The youngest of five and raised by a single mother, Rivera gained confidence with an HSF scholarship. “The HSF scholarship gave me a newfound sense of responsibility. It made me feel like somebody believes in me, and that I could go further in school than I ever imagined possible,” said Rivera.

Whether it’s Rivera’s story or one of the thousands of others made possible through HSF grants, the core mission is a commitment to helping Latinos navigate the college track—many for the first time. “Toyota’s generous support will enable HSF to provide scholarships to deserving scholars and support services to students, parents, and alumni across our country. We are grateful and proud of our long-standing partnership with Toyota and look forward to working together to continue empowering families to successfully complete a higher education,” said Fidel A. Vargas, president and CEO, HSF.

Applications for 2021 HSF scholarships must be received by February 15, 2021. To apply, go to https://www.hsf.net/scholarship.

“Familia is everything, and recognizing, celebrating, and driving educational opportunities to Latinos is crucial within the Toyota family, and to the communities we serve, and especially to today’s scholars,” said Peggy Turner, vice president, Lexus Guest Relations, and member of HSF’s Board of Directors.

Deadline Approaches for Chevy’s Latino Family Road Trip Contest

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Dec 282019

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Chevrolet recently launched its Mi Familia, My Chevy, a national online contest that celebrates Hispanic families. Chevy is calling on Hispanic families to submit their unique stories for the chance to be selected and awarded the road trip of a lifetime, complete with personal chauffeurs and the latest Chevy vehicles for up to nine family members.

The online contest is open for submissions through December 31. Families must submit a photo that highlights a special family moment or milestone, then write a short response explaining more about their family and what a road trip would mean to them.

“At Chevrolet, we understand the importance of road trips for families and are excited to kick off this inaugural contest,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “Family is at the fabric of Hispanic culture and we want Chevrolet to play a contributing role in building road trip memories.”

Among Hispanic customers, Chevy is the third best-selling automotive brand, making vehicles that meet the unique needs of today’s Hispanic families and helping to keep them safe on the road. Hispanic vehicles sales account for 14 percent of all Chevy sales.

As part of the program, Chevrolet has enlisted three Hispanic influencers to capture and share their own Chevy family road trip experiences through their social and digital channels. Each influencer will drive one of Chevrolet’s latest products, including the All-New 2020 Silverado, 2020 Blazer, and the 2020 Traverse. These brand ambassadors will also encourage Hispanic audiences to submit their unique contest entries.

The winning family will be selected and announced in January, 2020. The grand prize road trip will take place in Spring 2020 and includes a five day, five night adventure which begins in Miami, Florida, where the winning family will make stops in their Chevy to enjoy the culture of Miami and experience a baseball fan’s dream in West Palm Beach, before ending in a magical vacation at Walt Disney World Resort, where it only takes a moment together to create memories that last a lifetime.

To learn more about the Mi Familia, My Chevy contest, please visit http://www.chevyfamilia.com/. Follow the conversation on social by using the hashtag #MiFamiliaMyChevy.

Latino Journalists Honor the Ten Best New Vehicles for 2019

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Dec 192018

*The 2019 Genesis G70 selected top deluxe car by the 2019 Hispanic Motor Press Foundation.*

Continuing a Los Angeles Auto Show tradition, the ninth annual Hispanic Motor Press Awards recently recognized the ten best new vehicles of 2019 for the Hispanic consumer at the show. Organized by the Hispanic Motor Press Foundation (HMPF), a non-profit 501 (c)(3) educational organization, the awards reflect its mission to help educate Latino about vehicles with the best value in the market through grassroots efforts and events. The jury panel for the 2019 awards, comprised of Latino automotive journalists,bloggers, and industry influencers, including Latino Traffic Report owner/editor Valerie Menard, was selected by the organization’s advisory board.

Genesis Motor America executive director, Erwin Raphael (far left) accepts the award for Best Deluxe Car given to the 2019 G70 by HMPF jury members (l to r) Juan Garcia, Gil Silva, and Ricardo Rodriguez-Long.

“Across the board, the Genesis brand stands for premium quality and reliability,” said Erwin Raphael, executive director, Genesis Motor America, who was on hand in Los Angeles to accept the award for Best Deluxe Car for the Geneses G70 from HMPF jury members.

According to data from Polk, Latinos will account for 25 percent of the growth in new-vehicle sales and are projected to spend $18 billion on new vehicles in 2019. The impact of Latinos continues to increase exponentially in the market, influencing auto companies to consider and incorporate the needs and wants of the largest minority group in the country.

*The 2019 Hyundai Kona was named Best Crossover Vehicle by the HMPF jury.*

“California is known for setting the trends in the automotive industry. With the largest Hispanic population in the United States, it is the place to find out what we like,” said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, president of the HMPF.

*Hyundai Motor America COO Brian Smith (center right) accepts the award for Best Crossover Vehicle for the 2019 Kona from members of the HMPF jury.*

Twenty individuals and one jury director form the panel who evaluate the vehicles from their perspective keeping the Latino audience’s preferences foremost in their minds. An educated consumer is a satisfied consumer and the awards provide Latino consumers with outstanding choices based on the judging panels own experiences with the vehicles.

“We are proud and honored that the Hispanic Motor Press Awards are widely recognized by the automobile industry with multiple brands using the awards on their advertising and marketing campaigns,”adds Rodriguez-Long. “Our independence from specific media outlets and voluntary submissions by auto manufactures give our jury panel the ability to choose vehicles without any compromise or pressure, leveling the field for all participants.”

Here is the complete list of winners.
Sub-compact car:       KIA Rio5
Compact car:               VW Golf
Sedan car:                  Nissan Altima
Deluxe car:                  Genesis G70
Minivan:                       Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Crossover:                  Hyundai Kona
SUV:                            Lincoln Nautilus
Sports car:                  Ford Mustang
Adventure 4×4:           Jeep Wrangler
Pick-up Truck:             Ram 1500

Colón Honored at 2017 Hispanic Heritage Awards

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Oct 112017

Winding up Hispanic Heritage Month, Latino Traffic Report has learned that Alba Colón Chevrolet Racing program manager, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series received the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Award, sponsored by ExxonMobil the at the Thirtieth Hispanic Heritage Awards presented by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), September 14 at the historic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. The show was also televised on PBS, October 6.
Created by the White House in 1987 to commemorate the establishment of Hispanic Heritage Month in America and supported by 40 national Hispanic-serving institutions that co-host the program, The Awards are among the highest honors by Latinos for Latinos.

STEM Award Honoree Alba Colon and J.W.Cortés

“I am very proud of my heritage and I would not have wanted to journey through this life any other way,” commented Colón during her acceptance speech. “By working together and celebrating the beauty of our heritage and who we are … we can change the world.”
A Spanish native, Colon grew up in Puerto Rico where she moved with her family at the age of three. It was an interest in space, not cars that led her to pursue a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. She worked at Sterling Pharmaceuticals in Puerto Rico after college but left to work on the Formula SAE program, where she, as team captain, built race cars from the ground up, exhibiting them at events held at the Silverdome in Pontiac, MI. GM hired her after three years of competing in the Formula SAE program, and in 2001, named her Chevrolet Racing’s Program Manager for NASCAR Cup racing. She’s one of the most powerful women in the sport and the only top female engineer in the sport of NASCAR racing.
“As a Latina in a traditionally underrepresented field, Alba Colón is a transformative role-model for our community,” said José Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of the HHF. “The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is privileged to honor her with the STEM Award on an evening which will be entertaining, meaningful and inspirational as we present America with the great value Latinos provide. It’s more important than ever to showcase visionary Latinos like Alba and the other Honorees.”

The Awards recognize the contributions and accomplishments of leading Latino individuals and organizations in various fields while celebrating cultural pride and the great promise to America. Additional honorees this year included:

The DREAMERS – Inspira Award, sponsored by American Federation of Teachers (AFT)

Luis Fonsi– Special Trailblazer Award, sponsored by TARGET

Gael García Bernal – Vision Award, sponsored by The Walt Disney Company

Rudy Beserra – Leadership Award, sponsored by The Coca Cola Company

The Latin Recording Academy – Arts Award, sponsored by Southwest Airlines, the Official Airlines

Alba Colón: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Award, sponsored by ExxonMobil

November 1, 2015: at the Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA . (HHP/Andrew Coppley)

The Hispanic Heritage Awards are unique in that educators, physicians, innovators, businesspersons, community leaders, and elected officials stand alongside celebrities and great artists in representing the great value Latinos provide the United States and the globe. They serve as a launch of HHF’s year-round, award-winning programs that inspire, prepare, and connect Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s needs in priority fields.

Hispanic Motor Press Announces Autos del Año

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Nov 282016

premio

Latino Traffic Report has learned that the Hispanic Motor Press recently announced the winners of the 2017 Autos del Año – the Hispanic Motor Press Awards. With approximately 250 different car models to choose from and on average 40 totally new models every year, selecting the best is not an easy task. This year’s panel of content influencers/journalists drives and evaluates new cars throughout the year to evaluate the attributes best suited for the Hispanic consumer.

“We are excited that The Hispanic Motor Press Awards is widely recognized by the automobile industry with multiple brands using the awards on their advertising and marketing campaigns,” said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, founder of Hispanic Motor Press and continued: “Our independence from specific media outlets and voluntary submissions by car manufactures give our jury members and expert voices in their fields the ability to choose vehicles that better serve the needs, lifestyles, and tastes of U.S. Hispanic consumers.”

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Compact Auto del Año

This year’s winners include:

Sub-compact Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Compact Honda Civic Hatchback

Mid-Size Sedan Alfa Romeo Giulia

Large Sedan KIA Cadenza

Compact Cross-Over BMW X1

Mid-Size Cross-Over Nissan Murano

Large Cross-Over Hyundai Santa Fe

2017 Nissan Titan Full-Size Pickup del Año

EV Vehicle Chevrolet Bolt

Sport utility Vehicle Mazda CX9

Pick-Up Medium Size Chevrolet Colorado

Pick-up Full Size Nissan Titan

Minivan Chrysler Pacifica

Sports Car Ford Mustang

American Muscle Chevrolet Camaro 50Th Anniversary

Adventure 4×4 JEEP Wrangler 75th Anniversary

For more information on the The Hispanic Motor Press Awards see www.hispanicmotorpressawards.com.

GM Foundation Grants $1 Million to Hispanic Groups

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Sep 102015

The General Motors Foundation presents grants totaling $1 million to fund Hispanic education and science, technology, engineering and math initiatives to help empower young Latinos to join the workforce of the future, Thursday, September 10, 2015 in Washington, DC. Nineteen leading Hispanic groups will receive grants to fund programs focused on STEM education. (Photo by Mark Finkenstaedt for General Motors)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The General Motors Foundation today announced grants totaling $1 million to fund Hispanic education and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiatives to help empower young Latinos to join the workforce of the future.

Grace Lieblein, General Motors vice president of Global Quality and the highest ranking Latina at GM, announced the grants during a press conference at the National Press Club, where she was joined by GM Foundation Vice President Lori Wingerter, Chief Diversity Officer Ken Barrett, U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas, D-Calif., and representatives from Hispanic organizations.

“Hispanics represent an important facet of our business as the next generation of leaders and innovators, and also our customers,” Lieblein said. “At GM, we want to help fund vital programs aimed at increasing opportunities for Latinos to pursue STEM careers and strengthen their skills to compete for jobs.”

The grants benefit the nation’s leading Hispanic organizations, including the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) and Service Employment Redevelopment (SER) National.

General Motors Vice President Global Quality Grace Lieblein announces grants on behalf of the GM Foundation totaling $1 million to fund Hispanic education and science, technology, engineering and math initiatives to help empower young Latinos to join the workforce of the future, Thursday, September 10, 2015 in Washington, DC. Nineteen leading Hispanic groups will receive grants to fund programs focused on STEM education.

Cárdenas, who represents California’s San Fernando Valley, said the grants will help increase the small number of Latino STEM graduates from U.S. colleges, helping to put more Americans into the family-wage jobs of the future.

“As the President has said, America can only succeed when we are playing with a full team. That means ensuring that everyone in our country has a great chance to not only learn, but also to succeed,” he said.

For decades, GM and its philanthropic foundation have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to organizations across the country and around the world. These grants focus on advancing access to education through programs such as the Buick Achievers Scholarship, one of the largest programs of its kind in the country.

“We recognize the increasing importance of investing in the education and empowerment of Hispanic youth,” said Wingerter of the GM Foundation. “Through these grants, we hope to make a lasting difference in their lives and in their communities.”

Nineteen leading Hispanic groups will receive grants to fund programs focused on STEM education, including:

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) – will expand its Empower Hispanic America with Technology (EHAT) initiative, which provides access to state-of-the-art technologies in 60 Hispanic communities across the United States. The centers will provide STEM related student support services to five EHAT sites to help improve high school STEM achievement among Hispanic youth.

National Council of La Raza (NCLR) – As part of its Special Initiative, NCLR will develop a new component within its successful Lideres program, facilitating professional development opportunities for 18-to-24 year-old Latinos and helping students gain leadership skills required for midlevel positions in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) – CHCI will invest in planning and capacity to build scalable and sustainable models to prepare for dynamic population growth and need associated with the prediction that Latinos will comprise one-quarter of the U.S. population by 2030.

United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) – USHLI will develop a school-based project for economically disadvantaged students attending underserved schools and engaging the community in four predominantly Latino communities Prominent Latino experts in STEM-related fields from similarly disadvantaged backgrounds will help promote a greater understanding of STEM-related studies, practical uses and employment/career opportunities.

Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) – HACR will focus on the HACR STEM Initiative, a forum of business sessions focusing on education, recruitment, retention, and Latinas in STEM, among others. The HACR STEM Initiative was created to understand the mechanisms that lead to lower participation in STEM fields for Hispanics and to identify barriers to successful career progression for those Hispanics in the STEM pipeline.

SER National – SER National will focus on an early education model designed to respond to the unique needs of young linguistically and culturally diverse youth and their families. The primary goal is to advance early development and dual language learning of young children, preparing them for achievement in school, higher learning, economic well-being and participation in civil society.

Additional Hispanic organizations receiving funding include:

American GI Forum (AGIF)
ASPIRA
Cuban American National Council, Nurturing Hispanic Communities (CNC)
Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI)
Great Minds in Stem (GMiS), formerly known as Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation (HENAAC)
Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU)
Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF)
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
Latin Americans for Social & Economic Development (LA SED)
LULAC National Education Service Centers (LNESC)
MANA, A National Latina Organization
National Puerto Rican Coalition (NPRC)
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

“We thank GM for its longstanding commitment to the Hispanic community,” said HACR President and CEO Cid D. Wilson. “This funding will help provide STEM-related programming, as well as professional development opportunities for Latinos in corporate America competing in a dynamic and changing workforce.”

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