(07/02/2008-07/08/2008)

Show Description

Actor Tony Plana: Tackling the topic of Immigration for Ugly Betty

You can now count immigration among the list of sensitive topics television sitcoms have taken on with humor. Recently the hit ABC-TV program Ugly Betty used laughter to help diffuse this politically sensitive issue. The actor charged with the task of pulling this off with grace and dignity was none other than Hispanic Hollywood legend Tony Plana. In this episode of Hispanics Today, we go one-on-one with Tony and learn how he approached this difficult role.

Federal Jobs: A shortage of government workers spells opportunity for Latinos

It’s no secret the first wave of “Baby Boomer” retirements promises to take a huge bite out of the private sector workforce. However, Uncle Sam is also not immune to this imminent “brain drain.” To remain competitive, the Federal government has launched an all-out media blitz to recruit talented Hispanics for jobs in public service. We’ll visit with President Bush’s top hiring director, Linda Springer, and see what incredible opportunities exist. We’ll also meet one of the first young Latino professionals to take advantage of this hiring bonanza, Dr. Luis Valerio, a brilliant food and drug scientist at the FDA in Maryland.

Jose Hernandez: Mariachi Impressario

Thanks in large part to Jose Hernandez of Los Angeles, Mariachi has moved mainstream and has become big business reaching far beyond neighborhood restaurants and ethnic festivals. Hernandez is one of the brightest and most successful “Mariachi entrepreneurs” in the music business and, in addition to his financial success…his passion for the music of his heritage burns brighter than ever. We’ll meet Jose Hernandez on Hispanics Today.