Law Librarian of Congress Jane Sanchez ’89 Addresses AUWCL’s 20th Annual Hispanic Law Conference
On March 29, Law Librarian of Congress Jane Sánchez ’89 addressed attendees at American University Washington College of Law’s 20th Annual Hispanic Law Conference awards dinner. In her remarks, Sánchez stressed the connection between the Law Library’s work and James Madison’s famous quote that is inscribed on the walls of the Madison Building, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance and a people who mean to be their own governours (sic) must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” Sánchez mentioned that libraries continue to play an essential role in furnishing the authoritative information that is a prerequisite for effective civic participation, and that the Law Library strives to provide a place for authentic, accurate, and authoritative resources that deepen our understanding of the laws governing our own country and all other countries of the world.
This year’s conference titled, “Adelante: Celebrating the Perseverance and Progress of the Latino/a Community,” brought together inspiring and successful individuals and institutions devoted to the progress of Latino/as in the region and across the U.S. “Over the past 20 years, the Hispanic Law Conference has become an important avenue to elevate issues relevant to the Latino/a community and the roles lawyers play in promoting opportunities for all,” said Dean Camille A. Nelson.
During the dinner, the event committee recognized and presented awards to those who have significantly contributed to the progress of the Latino/a community.
Award recipients included:
- Premio Inspiración: Robert Martinez ’17, Juris Doctor Candidate
- Goldman-Grossman Award: Patricia Quijano Vallejos ’17, LL.M. Candidate
- Edward Bou Alumni Award: Jane Garrido ’07, Senior Attorney, U.S. Department of Labor
- Diversity Award: Mayda Colon Tsaknis, Founder of the Maryland Hispanic Bar Association (MHBA)
- LaLSA High School Scholarships: Gabriela Brito ‘17
- LAAW Bar Review Award: Deyssy Mosso ‘17, César E. Chávez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy - Capitol Hill Campus, and Helen Fernandez ‘17, Gaithersburg High School
The Hispanic Law Conference is co-sponsored by the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), the Hispanic Bar Associations of the District of Columbia (HBA-DC), Maryland (MHBA), and Virginia (HBA-VA), the Latino/a Alumni Association of the Washington College of Law (LAAW), and AUWCL's Latino/a Law Students’ Association (LaLSA).
Read the full article regarding Librarian Sánchez’s remarks on the Library of Congress blog.
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