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26th Annual Somos El Futuro – Spring 2013 Conference
A Record-Breaking Success
Albany, NY- After the outstanding success of last Spring’s Somos El Futuro Conference, Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz, Chairman of the NYS Assembly/Senate Puerto Rican & Hispanic Task Force is delighted to announce that this year’s Conference broke all records, resulting in the most attended and successful conference in its 26 years of history.
The theme in this year’s Conference was “The Time is Now” to empower our youth, build political empowerment, create civic coalitions, shape our education system, advocate for better housing, help returning veterans, language access, reform the immigration system and much more.
With the 2nd Annual Youth Summit, the Angelo Del Toro Leadership Institute and the Senate Mock Session; the Task Force was able to gather over 500 youths from all regions of NY State. These students were offered workshops and training opportunities tailored to them. In addition, they were hosted by respected speakers like: Chairman Felix W. Ortiz, NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda. “The Time is Now to nourish Hispanic youth’s minds with the tools that will propel them into successful adults, prosperous citizens and ultimately push them to ignite our economy,” said Chairman Felix W. Ortiz.
Additionally, the Somos El Futuro Spring Conference also focused on current issues that affect our country, state and local communities. Workshops were composed of experts in economy, health care, immigration, labor, veterans’ affairs, policy development, project coordinators, housing, mental health, domestic violence, bilingual education, and LGBTQ issues. The panelists provided insight and data, paving the way to much needed improvement.
The NYS Assembly/Senate Puerto Rican & Hispanic Task Force is the preeminent organization serving and representing the interest of the Hispanic community; its Somos El Futuro Bi-Annual Conference combines policymaking, governmental awareness, scholarship grants, experiential internships and apprenticeships, as well as, cultural performances to create a platform for leaders and participants to engage and address issues pertinent to the Hispanic community. It also serves as a vehicle of communication and cooperation between Hispanic organizations throughout the state.
“I am proud to announce that due to the vast attendance of this spring’s Conference a record number of scholarships, internships and apprenticeships will be awarded,” said Chairman Felix W. Ortiz.
The NYS Assembly/Senate Puerto Rican & Hispanic Task Force looks forward to an equally outstanding Fall Conference, which will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico on the weekend of November 7th – 10th, 2013.
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