Free Financial Empowerment Event for Latino Community, May 20
May 19, 2017
Contact: Office of Government and Public Affairs
Phone: 410.837.5739
The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation and the Consular Section of the Mexican Embassy present a free, financial empowerment conference, "Mi Dinero, Mi Destino," on Saturday, May 20 at the University of Baltimore.
An online R.S.V.P. and other attendance details are available here.
Cónsul Rafael Laveaga and Deputy Cónsul Mariana Diaz of the Mexican Embassy's Consular Section will headline the event. Cónsul Laveaga will provide the keynote address. It will take place beginning at 10 a.m. in UB's H. Mebane Turner Learning Commons, 1415 Maryland Ave.
The event will provides the Latino community with practical skills—in Spanish—that help shape critical personal finance decisions. Attendees will learn about budgeting and financial goal-setting, attaining homeownership, paying for college, how to make entrepreneurial start-ups thrive, and more.
"Education and access to financial resources are critical tools needed to help eradicate poverty, said Cónsul Laveaga. "We've been delighted to partner with the Featherstone Foundation for three consecutive years."
Catalina Rodriguez-Lima, director of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs, will discuss the creation of a special immigrant education and defense fund called Safe City Baltimore in collaboration with the Open Society Institute-Baltimore.
During a special awards ceremony, six talented Latino students will receive the inaugural Featherstone Latino College Scholarships—$2,000 merit-based awards that serve as an incentive to increase Latino enrollment in higher education.
"I created these scholarships to help eliminate financial barriers to higher education," said Lanaea C. Featherstone, president of the Featherstone Foundation and OSI-Baltimore Fellow Alumna. "I'm thrilled to recognize Baltimore's young Latino talent."
"The University of Baltimore was so pleased by the quality of scholarship applicants for this year's awards and is excited to assist the recipients on their way to a college degree," said Victoria Reid, vice president of enrollment management and marketing at the University of Baltimore.
The May 20 family-friendly conference is expected to attract 100 families; Girl Scouts of Central Maryland will also provide activities for children. Sponsors include State Farm, BGE, the Consular Section of the Mexican Embassy, the University of Baltimore and Howard Bank.
"State Farm is honored to support such a vital event that helps Baltimore's Hispanic families thrive," said State Farm Agent David Rosario. "Financial education is a critical component to a robust workforce and a vibrant economy; we are pleased to sponsor the event again this year."
"BGE is proud to work in partnership with the Featherstone Foundation to help develop and advance the skills and knowledge of adult learners," said Chimaobi Chijioke, manager of external affairs for BGE. "An educated workforce not only benefits the individual but also contributes to preparing them to compete in and contribute to the local and global economy,"