CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation launched today its newest program, At the Table: Women in Business and Leadership. At The Table is an initiative that ensures Latina entrepreneurs, business professionals and leaders have access to necessary resources and skills that propel them forward to higher levels of success and influence. At the Table is a multifaceted platform that leverages existing resources and the influential leadership of the USHCC network to foster the growth of Latinas in business.
"Latinas are leading the charge in the growth of America's business community, starting enterprises at six times the national rate," said Javier Palomarez, President & CEO of the USHCC, "We are honored and delighted by Kauffman's pledge to support our nation's Hispanic business women and emerging entrepreneurs. The USHCC has been a longtime admirer of Kauffman's philanthropic initiatives, and we look forward to working with their organization for the many years to come."
"The success of our Latina business leaders is integral to our economic success and the future of our country. However, the USHCC acknowledges that there remain many gaps we need to close," said Marc Rodriguez, Chairman of the USHCC, "I am proud that the USHCC Foundation's new program provides access to important resources that will support the entrepreneurial spirit of our community's women."
"It is critical that our nation's women are 'at the table,' " said Nina Vaca, Chairman Emeritus of the USHCC, "Too often, our Latina businesswomen face hurdles that prevent them from being in decision making positions. I am proud of the Kauffman Foundation's leadership and treasure their support on this much needed initiative."
"The Kauffman Foundation is pleased to help support the development of a plan that will foster an increased number of Latinas to both start and grow more businesses in the United States," said Lesa Mitchell, vice president of Innovation and Networks at the Kauffman Foundation.
At the Table creates a dynamic online community and in-person networking and relationship building opportunities. The online platform includes profiles of Latina entrepreneurs, business professionals and leaders that allow women to more easily connect and collaborate with others in their industry and geographic location. A one-stop-shop calendar aggregates the data of events from multiple business, women, Hispanic and Latina organizations. Working with national and local leadership, At the Table also brings together Latina entrepreneurs and corporate professionals for networking events, a speaker series and mentorship program.
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of over 3 million Hispanic owned businesses across the United States that contribute in excess of $465 billion to the American economy each year. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.USHCC.com
About the USHCC Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to giving Hispanic entrepreneurs life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and educational campaigns to awaken and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. The Foundation leverages corporate and public support to ensure that existing and aspiring Latino entrepreneurs gain access and achieve success in the world of business. Please visit www.ushccfoundation.org for more information on the USHCC Foundation.
About the Kauffman Foundation
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation was established by the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman. The Kauffman Foundation's vision is to foster "a society of economically independent individuals who are engaged citizens, contributing to the improvement of their communities." In service of this vision, and in keeping with our founder's wishes, we focus our grant making and operations on two areas: advancing entrepreneurship and improving the education of children and youth.
About the Kauffman Foundation
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that aims to foster economic independence by advancing educational achievement and entrepreneurial success. Founded by late entrepreneur and philanthropist EwingMarion Kauffman, the Foundation is based in Kansas City, Mo., and has approximately $2 billion in assets. For more information, visit www.kauffman.org , and follow the Foundation on www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn