Washington, DC [CapitalWirePR] August 23, 2012 – Carlos Gutierrez, former U.S. Cabinet Member, will be honored at the upcoming Latino Leaders Luncheon Series™, taking place from 11:30am-2:00pm on Monday, August 27, 2012 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts (Carol Morsani Hall) during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida.
The Latino Leaders Luncheon Series™, celebrating its ninth year of bringing leaders together, is a quarterly event hosted by Latino Leaders Network™ and chairman, Mickey Ibarra, to provide a platform for prominent Latino leaders to share their personal story of obstacles overcome to achieve success. This event will mark the ninth anniversary of the popular luncheon series, which was launched in 2004 at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts.
Born in Havana Cuba and later migrated to Miami, Carlos Miguel Gutierrezwas chosen by President George W. Bush to serve as the 35th U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 2005 to 2009. Gutierrez was also one of the President’s point men working with Congress to pass comprehensive immigration legislation, an issue he sees as one of the greatest domestic social issues of our time. He believes a successful immigration solution must focus first on securing our borders, but must also address immigrants contribution to our economy and the importance of American unity. Prior to serving as the Secretary of Commerce, Gutierrez was the first Latino CEO of a Fortune 500 company, Kellogg Company. Today, Gutierrez is currently Vice Chairman of Citigroup’s Institutional Clients Group.
“We are proud to honor Carlos Gutierrez for his outstanding leadership, passion and commitment to making his community and our nation a better place for everyone,” said Mickey Ibarra, Founder and Chairman of the Latino Leaders Network™.
Confirmed speakers include Mayor Bob Buckhorn of Tampa, Commissioner Luz Urbaez-Weinberg of NALEO, Former Governor Bob Martinez of Florida, and Chairman Hector Barreto of The Latino Coalition. Sponsors for the luncheon include Anheuser-Busch and Walmart, along with the reception sponsor, Bank of America.
The first Latino Leaders Luncheon was held in 2004 and featured then Representative Bob Menendez. At the 2008 Republic National Convention, the Latino Leaders Network honored Henry Bonilla, former Member of Congress, and Lionel Sosa, Republican presidential campaign strategist and author, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Other past honorees include Senator Ken Salazar, Representative John Salazar, Senator Mel Martinez, CNN Anchor Soledad O’Brien, Texas State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, actress Eva Longoria, among others. Details and photos from each of these events are available on the Latino Leaders Network™ website (www.LatinoLeadersNetwork.org).
The Latino Leaders Network™ (LLN) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to develop ongoing opportunities to bring leaders together to establish relationships and dialogue on issues important to the Latino community. The Latino Leaders Luncheon Series™ and the Tribute to Mayors are its signature events. Mickey Ibarra, LLN founder and chairman, served as Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House from 1997 to 2001. Additional LLN board members include: Ruben Alvarez, The Molera Alvarez Group; Soyla Fernandez, Fernández Government Solutions; David Ibarra, Ibarra Foundation; Maria Teresa Kumar, Voto Latino; Michelle Minguez Moore, Voto Latino; Miguel Santana, Chief Administrative Officer of Los Angeles; and Ken Trujillo, Trujillo Rodriguez & Richards.
Notes: Participation in the Latino Leaders Luncheon Series™ is by invitation only. For more information, please contact Maricela Huerta at 202-681-2034. Media wishing to cover the luncheon must be credentialed press and must RSVP no later than August 17th to Maricela Huerta at [email protected].
