WASHINGTON, June 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation’s leading Hispanic leadership development and educational services organization, today announced the theme Powering Growth and Influence for its 38th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) celebration in Washington, D.C. on October 6-8, 2015.  CHCI hosts the nation’s premier events commemorating HHM, which draw more than 3,000 Latino leaders from across the country, and 12,000 live stream viewers from across the globe, to its Public Policy Conference, Reyes of Comedy, and Annual Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. 

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for all Americans to celebrate and reflect on the many contributions the Latino community has made to the nation,” said Rep. Linda T. Sánchez, CHCI Chair. “It’s also important to look ahead and understand what the growing Latino community means for the country as a whole. That’s why this year’s conference theme and events will focus on how American Latinos are translating growth in numbers into political, cultural and economic influence. Whether it’s through opening businesses, leading current social and political movements, or impacting culture – Latinos are making significant contributions to all facets of American life.” 

Complete Public Policy Conference Agenda

CHCI kicks off its 2015 Hispanic Heritage Month events with its annual Public Policy Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on October 6-7. This year, CHCI Chair Rep. Linda Sanchez will be joined by Congressional Hispanic Caucus members, administration officials, and national experts and scholars to participate in timely discussions of major policy issues affecting the Latino community. To complement the conference, CHCI’s Ready to Lead (R2L®) program educates and engages high school students in policy discussions while preparing them for college.

On October 7, CHCI will hold its 15th Annual Reyes of Comedy. This popular event features both established Latino comedians as well as emerging Latino talent for a night of exceptional entertainment.  This year’s event is a sponsor benefit only and all proceeds support CHCI’s youth leadership development programs

The closing and premier event of the conference is CHCI’s 38th Annual Awards Gala at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This prestigious dinner recognizes CHCI’s highest honorees and celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of Latino leaders who are giving back to their communities. The Gala draws more than 2,000 guests including federal and local elected officials, corporate and nonprofit leaders, and celebrities.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 – October 15.  For CHCI, it also represents an opportunity to feature its highly competitive and nationally acclaimed Latino youth leadership development programs, including two fellowship programs, a congressional internship program, scholarship awards, and college readiness programs, Ready to Lead (R2L®) and R2L® NextGen, for high school students.

Important Dates

October 6-7, 2015
Public Policy Conference

October 6
Ready to Lead (R2L) 

October 7
15th Annual Reyes of Comedy

October 8
CHCI 38th Annual Awards Gala

About CHCI
CHCI is the premier Hispanic nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) leadership development organization in the country that educates, empowers, and connects Latino youth by providing leadership development programs and educational services. CHCI directly impacts the lives of more than 1,700 students and young professionals each year through its fellowships, congressional internships, scholarships, Ready to Lead (R2L^®) college readiness program, and R2L NextGen program. CHCI NextOpp is its latest resource allowing young Latinos to save, search and share life-changing opportunities for Latinos across the United States.

The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. Visit www.chci.org, or join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.