18th Annual Hispanic Law Conference to Cover Key Issues for the Hispanic Community
Keynote Address to be Delivered by Longtime “Sabado Gigante” Host, Don Francisco

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 21, 2015 – American University Washington College of Law is proud to host the 18th Annual Hispanic Law Conference, held each spring as part of the law school’s Founders’ Celebration.

The April 2 event will bring together inspiring and successful individuals and institutions devoted to the progress of Latinos in the region and across the U.S.

 “Over the past 18 years, American University Washington College of Law, alongside the Hispanic Bar Associations for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, has been the proud host of the Annual Hispanic Law Conference,” said Claudio Grossman, dean, American University Washington College of Law. “This conference has become an important avenue to elevate issues relevant to the Hispanic community and the roles lawyers play in promoting opportunities for all. Our community is excited that Don Francisco – a role model for Hispanics throughout the world – will be part of this year’s conference.”

This year’s conference titled, “Nuestra Voz: Addressing Key Issues for the Hispanic Community,” will focus on key issues of concern to the Hispanic community, including immigration reform and access to justice, featuring a keynote address from Don Francisco, host of “Sabado Gigante,” the world’s longest running TV variety program. Over the span of his 50-year career, Mario Kreutzberger, better known as “Don Francisco” has become one of the most relevant and influential figures in the Spanish-speaking world, leading fundraising campaigns for natural disasters, as well as educational and health issues. The credibility and respect that he commands has given him the opportunity to promote his most important project of all, El Teletón (The Telethon), which has raised over $500 million dollars to benefit handicapped children in Chile.

In addition, the day will feature a career fair and networking opportunity with government and private sector employers. An expert panel will also address "The Role of the Hispanic Community in Legal, Economic, Educational, and Social Issues," featuring remarks from:

  • Claudio Grossman, dean American University Washington College of Law
  • Juan Sempertegui '07, president, Hispanic Bar Association of Washington; director of licensing, State of Maryland's Division of Financial Regulation
  • Marcela Salazar, principal, The Raben Group
  • Jose Aristimuno, founder, "Latino Giant"
  • Allison Kokkoros, president and CEO, Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School
  • Angela Franco, president and CEO, Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • The Honorable Yolanda Curtin, jduge, Harford County Circuit Court
  • Claudio Sanchez, correspondent, education, national desk, National Public Radio

The annual awards dinner, with opening remarks by Dean Grossman, will be held at the end of the day in recognition of those who have significantly contributed to the progress of the Latino community. List of Awards.

This event is sponsored by the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Hispanic Bar Associations of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, the Latino/a Alumni Association of American University Washington College of Law, and American University Washington College of Law’s Latino/a Law Students’ Association.

Read more information or register for the event.

Media interested in attending the event should contact Franki Fitterer at 202-321-6183.

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In 1896, American University Washington College of Law became the first law school in the country founded by women. More than 100 years since its founding, this law school community is grounded in the values of equality, diversity, and intellectual rigor. The law school's nationally and internationally recognized programs (in clinical legal education, trial advocacy, international law, and intellectual property to name a few) and dedicated faculty provide its 1500 JD, LL.M., and SJD students with the critical skills and values to have an immediate impact as students and as graduates, in Washington, D.C. and around the world. For more information, visit wcl.american.edu.