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OPA News Release: [04/01/2006]
Contact Name: Kristin
Wilson
Phone Number: 202-558-8548 or 202-693-4676
Release Number:
06-584-NEW
U.S. Secretary of Labor Chao Hails Hispanic Women and
Soldiers At National LULAC Women's Conference
Urges Audience to Look at Civil Service Career as
Public Service Opportunity
NEW YORK — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao applauded
the achievements of Latina women, the bravery of Hispanic American soldiers
fighting the war against terrorism and outlined the nation's economic progress
and opportunities in her remarks at the National LULAC Women's Conference at
New York City's Grand Hyatt Hotel Saturday, April 1.
"We are all proud of the Hispanic Americans who have joined the Armed
Forces to protect our country's freedoms and liberties," said Chao. "They are
taking the battle to the terrorists — defending forward — and
depriving those who seek to harm us of resources and sanctuaries so we can be
safe here at home. We are grateful to them beyond words."
Chao spoke to an audience of over three hundred women attending the
"Women, A Journey to Greatness" Conference which explored the empowerment of
Latinas in the areas of education, homeownership, financial management,
business, career development, health choices and investments. She discussed at
length the strong American economy which is the backdrop for the conference's
areas of focus and urged young people to pursue education.
"Our economy is the most vibrant of all industrialized nations. Five
million net new jobs have been created in the last two-and-a-half years," said
Chao. "Most new jobs require higher skills and more education. So that they can
succeed in the 21st century workforce, please tell young people that it's
important to stay in school and graduate."
Chao highlighted the President's Hispanic Worker
Initiative, a new program to help Hispanic immigrants improve their
language proficiency and gain the occupational skills needed to access jobs in
rapidly growing industries. She applauded the success of Latina women in the
Bush Administration, and noted that the Bush Administration has appointed a
record number of Americans of Hispanic heritage to top positions. She also
encouraged the women to consider career opportunities in public service.
"In the next five years, the federal government is facing a wave or
retirements in the civil service ranks," Chao said. "Hispanics are an
under-represented group in the federal workforce. This upcoming wave of
retirements presents a tremendous opportunity for those who are looking at
career options."
The National League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Women's
Commission is the advocacy arm of National LULAC that promotes opportunities
for Latina women. LULAC is the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the
United States with over 700 Councils and 100,000 members.
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