HispanicBusiness

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute began its three-day celebration of Leadership for America's Future today through Wednesday with its Public Policy Conference at The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, 4th Annual Reyes of Comedy Night at The Warner Theatre and 28th Annual Gala at the Washington Convention Center. All proceeds will benefit CHCI's exclusive leadership development program benefiting Hispanic youth across the country.

The kickoff of its annual, two-day Public Policy Conference at The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, is the largest annual gathering of Hispanic community leaders, elected officials, and policy and academic experts. The conference opened with a powerful session on "The State of Hispanic America," and then continues throughout the day with fourteen summits led by Hispanic Members of Congress focusing on current issues affecting the Hispanic community. The conference also features a Latino Executive Roundtable luncheon for participants, led by top ranking Latino executives sharing their experiences and stories. It will also honor actors Jimmy Smits and Esai Morales for their contributions to the arts and the Latino community. The closing plenary session ends with a luncheon conducted in town hall fashion and moderated by senior correspondent, Ray Suarez of PBS' NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and will include recommendations from all summit sessions.

Laughter will fill The Warner Theatre for Reyes of Comedy Night on Tuesday when audiences relax and enjoy the Nation's up and coming Hispanic comedians. Ric Salinas and Richard Montoya of FX's Culture Clash will be the night's masters of ceremony introducing the performers and CHCI leadership. Comedians Jeff Garcia, Sara Contreras, and Joey Medina will showcase their skills and talent to the audience and the night's headliner, Carlos Mencia of Comedy Central's Mind of Mencia, will close the night of revelry.

This year's 28th Annual Gala at the Washington Convention Center, highlights the legacy of Hispanic leaders in the nation as CHCI's leadership bestows its Medallions of Excellence to its three honorees: actress and entertainer, Rita Moreno, community developer, Alonzo Cantu, and Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa. These prestigious awards are presented to individuals who embody the highest standard of community leadership and activism.

Although known as the most prestigious Hispanic Heritage Month event in the U.S., the CHCI Gala is also the largest fundraiser for the Institute's leadership development programs, raising more than $3 million for its College Scholarship Awards, Summer Internship Program and Public Policy Fellowship.

CHCI, a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides educational programs for Hispanic college and postgraduate students. The CHCI board of directors is comprised of Hispanic members of Congress, nonprofit leaders, and corporate executives. For more information on CHCI or their Hispanic Heritage Month events, call (202) 543-1771 or visit http://www.chci.org/. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

Web site: http://www.chci.org/