Sacramento, CA. April 21, 2010 - Once a year, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) convenes hundreds of Latina leaders from all regions of California in Sacramento for an annual public policy issues conference, Latina Action Day Sacramento.
This one day conference is designed to facilitate dialogue between corporate and community Latina leaders and elected officials on public policies affecting Latinas in California.
This year, Maria Echaveste was HOPE’s keynote speaker for the Super Charge The Advocate in You Luncheon. Mrs. Echavaste is a UC Berkeley Law School Professor and former assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff to President Clinton.
According to HOPE Latinas in California are advocating for:
1. Improving the college pathway for all students: In 2008, California’s average high school dropout rate was 20.1% (slightly over 1 out of 5 students.) Among Latinos the rate was even higher – 25.5%
2. Removing barriers to good health for all children: 28.1% of children in California are overweight and 75% of these children will continue to be overweight into adulthood.
3. Improving the quality of healthcare for all women: 14.5% of minority women in California either receive late initiated prenatal care or no prenatal care at all.
4. Increasing internet access to all communities: 50% of Latinas still don’t have Internet access.
Latina voters are estimated at 1.6 million in California and have a significant political influence. HOPE.ACT.VOTE. is a statewide initiative that aims to mobilize California’s Latina registered voters to become informed citizens, effective policy advocates, and active civic participants. To know more about HOPE visit
Photo - Maria Echaveste and Sofía Echeverría Keck at HOPE's Luncheon.
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