GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR — January 2006
The mission of the Chicana/Latina Foundation, to empower Latinas through personal professional and educational advancement, resonates ever more loudly after 29 years, especially as we see the demographic explosion of Latinas in K-12, in small businesses and in every sector in society. I am so proud and humbled to work with a visionary board and a wide circle of community partners and supporters. I am pleased to share with you some of the highlights from 2005.
Scholarhsips
Starting in the mid 80's with a handful of scholarships of $200 each, CLF now has a very successful and well-run scholarship program. Last year, the foundation awarded 20 scholarships of $1500 each to talented, well-deserving Latina college students. This year, CLF award a minimum of 20 scholarships at $1500 each. The selection process is well established and documented. Over the years, CLF has put together a core group of community volunteers who serve as readers and interviewers in the selection process. The scholarship awardees represent students from community colleges, four-year institutions and graduate programs throughout Northern California. They are pursuing careers in Education, Health, Business, Art, Law, etc. Most importantly, they are chosen for their community service commitment and leadership potential.
Educational Workshops
Skill Building
CLF has been conducting skill-building workshops, which prepare students to apply to scholarships, to write their essays and learn how to interview. These workshops are presented in partnership with various colleges and universities throughout the Northern California area. Already this year, CLF has doubled the number of skill building workshops presented (from four to eight) and almost tripled the number of students reached at those workshops(from 60 to 170) in comparison to last year.
Health
For the past two years, CLF has established the health education series in partnership with Cañada College. This series serves the San Mateo County area in particular due to the needs that have been identified by the community. Specifically, the series covers the topics that affect Latinas and Latino families in particular, such as chronic diseases, reproductive issues and mental health. This health series has received a second year grant from the California Endowment to continue this work.
The most recent workshop, for women and men, covered the cycles of domestic violence and its effects on the whole family. Over 50 people participated in this educational activity, which was conducted in Spanish.
Financial Literacy
CLF inaugurated its Financial Literacy series in partnership with UC Berkeley on March 7, 2005. CLF presented a workshop on Latinas' relationship to money, their family history and their role in decision-making around money. Students gave high marks to the presentation on credit, debt, credit card security and credit card management.
Recognition Events
Annually, CLF holds an event to award the scholarships and also to recognize outstanding Latina leaders. It has become a wonderful tradition where politicians, business leaders, educators, students, parents and community leaders all come together to celebrate the accomplishments of Latinas. It is very important for the young students to see role models and to be inspired by them to continue in their educational endeavors and career plans. This year's event was held on October 13, 2005, at the South San Francisco Conference Center, with State Senator Liz Figueroa as the keynote speaker and Dr. Concha Saucedo as the recipient of the Latina Legacy Award.
Scholarship Awardees Alumni Association
There are close to 300 past CLF scholarship awardees. We believe that this is an amazing group to bring back into the CLF volunteer circle, to serve as facilitators, role models and spokespeople representing the success of CLF's programs. And very importantly, to become financial contributors of the organization, which in turn builds the long-term sustainability of the organization.
With the generous support of Union Bank of California, CLF hosted a very successful first Annual Alumni Reception on August 12, 2005, attended by over 100 people, including about 30 past scholarship recipients. The keynote speaker was Maria Echaveste, former Deputy Chief of Staff for President Clinton and now principal of the Nueva Vista Group and Lecturer at Boalt Hall. A coordinating committee of alumni recipients was formed to do outreach and organize future activities to facilitate Alumni participation.
Community Outreach
On June 3rd, 2005, CLF hosted a Latina High Tea, where Latina professionals were invited to hear a report on our programs and to participate in focus groups in order to give feedback to CLF about its work. It was a lively gathering of over 85 people, with 33 people signing up to work in committees to help CLF carry out its mission. This was a huge success in the building of CLF's long term sustainability.
Leadership Institute
This fall, CLF will launch the Institute for Latina Scholars and Leaders, a year-round leadership development program for the twenty scholarship recipients. This will allow CLF to offer training in leadership skills, career exploration, leadership styles, invite prominent leaders in areas such as business, law, health, etc.
Donor Circle
CLF has initiated a personal giving circle, called Circulo Familiar, (Family Circle) with people signing up as Madrina/Padrino (godmother, godfather), Hermana/Hermano (sister/brother) etc. The annual pledge ranges from $100 a year to $10,000 a year.
Corporate and Foundation Partners
We are so grateful to our partners in the corporate and foundation sectors who have made it possible for us to expand our programs exponentially over the last three years. Our outmost gratitude goes to The Wells Fargo Foundation, the California Endowment, The San Francisco Foundation, Union Bank of California, Pacific Gas and Electric and the Castellano Family Foundation for their continued support. We also welcome the generous support from MCI and Comcast as new partners in our Leadership Institute.
Our partners' and donors' support has made it possible for CLF to solidify its current programs, standardize and build its infrastructure, increase outreach to and support from the community, build structures (alumni association, committees, donor circle) that will ensure long term sustainability. Your support is so important for CLF to continue on this path. We could not do it without you.
Muchas Gracias!
Olga Talamante, Executive Director