Young Hispanic Professional ready to take action!
To whom it may concern, It is my pleasure to introduce to you the Young Hispanic Professional Austin Association (YHPAA), an official 501c3 status non-profit organization registered in the State of Texas. In search of an organization like YHPAA, in January of 2006 I decided to venture out and take on this mission! I have seen this organization grow and have received an overwhelming response from the members and the community. YHPAA has over 100 members, and over 750 young Hispanic professionals have attended events. Last year we awarded our 1st scholarship to a high school senior now attending UT. We will add another scholar this year. We will fund these young person\'s college education for 4-5 years for a total of $10,000. YHPAA has launched a Lunch Mentorship Program called \"Bridges to Education.\" BTE focuses on middle school students. The purpose is to give students an opportunity to have lunch and chat with a professional about their work, school, goals, etc. BTE provides support to middle school students in a stress-free environment. Each professional will have 3-4 students and the lunch chat begins. Easy for professionals to get out of work over their lunch time and easy for the students because of their lunch time too! YHPAA\'s Professional Development Series have had great success such as the last one called \"Latino Success Stories: Local Entrepreneurs Share Their Insights.\" YHPAA\'s committment to the advancement in the community and education and of one self is immense. Together we are starting to build a foundation by supporting higher education with scholarships, serving the community, forming alliances, and for us to continue to encourage each other to: Develop. Grow. Serve. Lead. ¡Seguimos Adelante! Young Hispanic Professionals are ready to take action! Seguimos Adelante, Linda Medina

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Ladies of Mariachi International
The best all female Mariachi group ever. THE LADIES OF MARIACHI INTERNATIONAL Five beautiful powerhouse Tejano female superstars, seven Grammy nominations and 2 Grammy Awards, all brought together by the sweet sounds of Mariachi tradition. Stefani Montiel, Shelly Lares, Rebecca Valadez, Patsy Torres and Leslie Lugo have recently formed THE LADIES OF MARRIACHI INTERATIONAL, an all female review of traditional Mariachi music. They spin a popery of Mariachi standards sung by Tejano’s biggest female stars and backed by the best and most critically acclaimed Mariachi around the world. It's a must see goup!!!

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Hispanic Homeownership: A Stimulus For America\'s Housing Renewal
This is really a follow up to the question you asked at the end of yesterday: What is rate of Hispanic homeownership in the U.S. (today)? The rate of homeownership for the entire population in the U.S. has actually drastically declined from the historic high rate of 69% achieved in 2004 to 68.3% in 2007. The rate of homeownership for non-Hispanic Whites has similarly decreased from the high rate of 76% attained in 2004 to 75.2% in 2007. In particular, the rate of Black homeownership has declined substantially from the high rate of 49.1% reached in 2004 to 47.2% in 2007. On the other hand, the rate of Hispanic homeownership has increased dramatically from 46.7% in 2003 to 49.7% in 2007. Because the subprime crisis has adversely affected minorities, the rate of growth of Hispanic homeownership remarkably represents a sizable increase of more than 6% during this four-year period. I have written a major publication entitled \"The Potential of Hispanic Homeownership: Challenges and Opportunities\" which has been nationally distributed by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. I have also written a book sequel entitled \"Hispanic Homeownership: A Stimulus for America\\\'s Housing Renewal\" which is soon to be published. I would be delighted to present this significant story which provides a myriad of reasons as to why Hispanics represent the most important market segment that will most effectively cause the resurgence of America\'s housing sector. Alejandro Becerra

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Scenario Adult Day Care
I was hoping you might be interested in my mother-in-law's story. Elizabeth Perez is a dynamic 70 year old Dallas business owner. She is of Mexican decent. Elizabeth is the owner/operator of Scenario Adult Day Care where she oversees the care of approximately 100 alzheimer/dementia patients. Many families unwilling to commit their loved ones on a full-time basis, use the services of the daycare for loved-ones while they are at work. Elizabeth is also the owner/operator of a personal care facility at her home where, during the evening, she cares for approximately 12 patients (when they are not at Scenario). Elizabeth is tireless (working 24-7) and really cares for her patients. When she walks into Scenario her "hello my darlings" is met with true affection from the patients as well as her staff of, if I am not mistaken 12. What is also extraordinary is that Elizabeth, previously a surgical nurse, raised her two children on her own, lived in the projects and today is the owner of a thriving business. Elizabeth is active in her community and is well respected by her peers and the local Dallas government. Last year, Elizabeth flew to D.C. to accept an honor from President Bush. I am very proud to know Elizabeth and think she should be featured on Hispanic Today as a success story!

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