Latinas Unidas invites the public to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Friday, May 17, at 6 p.m., at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Latinas Unidas is a network of primarily Latina women that encourages personal and professional growth of Latina women. Established in 1992, the non-partisan organization promotes cultural understanding and supports opportunities aimed at the community.
The anniversary event will include a dinner, keynote speaker and cultural entertainment.
Keynote speaker for the event is Nancy “Rusty” Barceló, Ph.D., vice president for minority affairs at the University of Washington. Her talk, titled “Hispanic Women: Past, Present and Future,” will focus on accomplishments of Hispanic women. Entertainment includes Rosemary Flores, guitarist, and Sheila Rocha, who will tell the story of Malinche, a celebrated Central American Indian woman.
Awards also will be presented to individuals and organizations for their support to Latinas Unidas over the years.
“We are celebrating 10 years of providing a network of support to Latina women,” said Elba Cera, one of the group’s members who works at the UNMC College of Nursing. “In the Hispanic community, one of the things that we need more of is unity. The voice of the group is stronger than the voice of the individual. We as Latina women encourage Latina women to get involved in the community and make a difference.”
More on Dr. Barcelo
Keynote speaker, Dr. Barceló is the former associate vice president for multicultural affairs and the chair of the Chicano Studies Department at the University of Minnesota, where she also taught courses titled La Chicana, Las Mujeres, and the Complexities and Dynamics of Identity in a Multicultural World. Dr. Barceló also held several administrative positions over a 20-year span at the University of Iowa.
Dr. Barceló’s focus on diversity issues during her academic career has been paralleled by her activity within numerous community organizations and boards. She supports partnering with the community to ensure educational opportunities for historically underrepresented groups. She has received numerous educational and community awards for work on behalf of diversity.
Dr. Barceló has a doctoral degree in higher education administration and a master’s degree in recreation education from the University of Iowa. She received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Chico State College.
Ticket information
The cost of the event, which will be in the Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom, 60th and Dodge Streets, is $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight. The registration deadline is Monday, May 13. Those interested in attending the event should send a check, with name, address, phone number, and number of people attending, to: Latinas Unidas, PO Box 391282, Omaha, NE, 68139.
For more information contact Elba Cera at 559-3952 (work), 896-5612 (home) or ecera2002@yahoo.com.
Membership in Latinas Unidas is primarily women of Hispanic culture. Non-Hispanic women who have a special interest in Hispanic cultures or who speak Spanish may also become members. Members serve as community role models and support for other Latina women.