On Friday, April 8th at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, CA, more than 1,200 Latina professionals, college students, and high school students came to hear career, business and financial advice from the experts at the 34th Annual Hispanic Women's Conference.  This year's conference was co-chaired by board members, Maria Amarillas Degilliland and Judge Teresa Sanchez-Gordon.

  

J.P.Morgan Chase joined MAOF as the Title Sponsor of the event and shared their financial expertise at their exhibitor's booth and workshop panel.  Other workshop topics included: Real Estate Careers by Dilbeck Real Estate; Latinas in Broadcasting by ABC 7; Fashion Business Careers by Stop Staring Fashion; State Farm Insurance Careers; 10 Reasons to be an Engineer by Northrop Grumman; and Latinas and their Legal Rights by Community Lawyers.  Special workshop highlights included a poetry reading by National Poet, Lorna Dee Cervantes. 

  

At the luncheon,emceed by ABC 7's Alysha Del Valle, the following women were honored for their professional accomplishments: Dr. Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education; Attorney Judy Perez; Lic. Beatriz Elena Paredes Rangel, Federal Assemblywoman of the Republic of Mexico; and world renown mezzo soprano opera singer, Suzanna Guzman. The inspirational keynote address was delivered by Giselle Acevedo, CEO/President of Para Los Ninos and the luncheon closed with an exciting fashion show showcasing MACY's fashion.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Title Sponsor

JP Morgan Chase

 

Gold Sponsor

The Coca Cola Company

 

Silver Sponsor

State Farm Insurance

Macy's

The Gas Company

Jafra Cosmetics

 

Media Sponsor

ABC 7

  

  

  

 

After 4 years of tremendous sucess as a Financial Literacy provider in Los Angeles, MAOF expanded its service area to include North Las Vegas. Nevada.  MAOF held its first Financial Literacy class at the Valley Center Opportunity Zone located at 300 North 13th Street in Las Vegas in March, 2011.  Of the 33 individuals that registered for the class, 100% of them came back for the second class and stayed. Topics covered were Budgeting; Saving; Debt Reduction; Tax-filing and Preparation. At the end of the six-week class, Mr. Martin Castro, CEO/President  was on hand to present each  MAOF Financial Literacy Class Graduate with a Certificate of Achievement.

  

For more information on how to register for the next Financial Literacy classes in Las Vegas, please call Paul Quiroz, (702) 384-8269.  For Financial Literacy class information in Los Angeles, please call, Carolina Rodriguez, (323) 313-1636.

  

MAOF Financial Literacy Program in Los Angeles and North Las Vegas is supported by the following: HSBC; Citibank and NeighborWorks America.  If you would like more information on how you can support this program that teaches self-sustainability and responsibility and/or would like to visit one of our Financial Literacy sites, please call the Development Office at (323) 278-3605 or email mreyes@maof.org for an appointment.

  

In April, 2011 MAOF saw a life-long dream fulfilled as MAOF opened the doors to the MAOF Cesar Chavez Preschool in Delano, CA.  "The opening of a preschool in Delano means that 160 children will receive a quality early education experience and be prepared to succeed in school and in life," said Martin Castro, CEO/President. 

The preschool is located at  410 Chana Dr. and has four separate classrooms of 25 children classes.  The OpenCourt curriculum is taught in both Spanish and English and meets state requirements.  Heralded as a leader in early child development, MAOF takes pride in knowing that each one of the 8,000 children cared for and taught at one if its school sites is school ready and fully bi-lingual and bi-literate.

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To support this preschool site or any other of MAOF's school sites in the state of California or to schedule a visit, please contact the Development Office at (323) 278-3605 or email, mreyes@maof.org.

  

  

  

  

How long have you been with MAOF?

 

I was a volunteer since 1962.  I met Mr. Morales while I was working for the Attorney General's office. He had a friend who was a deputy attorney (Carlos Borja). I was introduced to him and he later invited me to assist him and several other community and professional members to create and design MAOF. All the volunteers helped raise enough money to incorporate and open an office in Pico Rivera... I remained a volunteer for 10 years and was hired in 1973 as Assistant to the President .

 

 

What do you remember about your first day on the job?

 

My first day of work was very hard trying to remember everybody's name and title.  I had to learn many new things and think of non profits as they are a totally different type of business and I had no one to learn from, but I soon learned. Many of us did a variety of things, on weekends we would paint the new centers, fundraise with pancake breakfasts and had fun while being part of something very new to the community which was childcare centers.

 

How have you seen MAOF change for the better in the past 10 years?

 

In the past 10 years, under the leadership of Martin Castro, we have grown by many millions and expansions in programs due to MAOF 's leadership, great board members, good reputation and accountability .

 

Share a happy MAOF memory?

 

The  happy memory I have is being able to see Mr. Morales continue to contribute by way of wisdom and experience and his dream seeing MAOF grow after his retirement, He then knew that MAOF was built of a solid foundation

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What is your favorite food from the MAOF store?

 

My favorite food of the MAOF retail training center is chile Colorado with meat and enchiladas.

 

Additional Words.....

In closing, I have met and had great relationships with the MAOF family.. I love them all and will always cherish their friendship.

  

Since 1963, MAOF's mission has been, " To provide for the socio-economic betterment of the greater Latino community of California, while preserving the pride, values and heritage of the Mexican American culture.  This is accomplished through programs in early childhood education and family services, job training and senior lifestyle development throughout the multi-cultural communities served by MAOF. "

  

Serving in 7 counties across the state with 38 service sites, MAOF's early child development, job training, adult education, and senior resource referrals create self-sufficiency for all Californians.  

  

401 N. Garfield Ave.
Montebello, California 90640
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation

  

  

J.P Morgan Chase : $15,000/NHWC

Coca-Cola: $10,000/NHWC

Jafra Cosmetics: $5,000/NHWC

State Farm Insurance: $5,000/NHWC

National Alliance for Hispanic Health: $80,000/Capacity Building

First Five Monterey: $116,000/Parent Development

Citibank:$30,000/ Peer to Peer MicroLending Program

  

Merage Foundation/Children's First, Alejandro Tovar

Aetna, Clemente Gonzalez

Grifols, Willie Zuniga

ABC7, Diane Medina

Citibank, Victor Ramirez

The Aztec Award takes its name and symbolism from the ancient Aztec civilization.  The Aztec culture is famous for its astonishing achievements, embracing arts, architecture, astronomy, and engineering.

 

The Aztec Award, presented by the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF), honors those civic, corporate, and community leaders who have contributed significantly to the progress of Hispanic in the United States.

 

Sponsorships Opportunities

Available Now!

 

Presenting: $25,000

Silver: $15,000

Bronze:$10,000

Executive: $5,000

Table Sponsor: $ 2,500

 

Please contact Mona Reyes, Chief Development Officer at mreyes@maof.org for more information.

 

For individual Ticket and Ad Booklet  Information, please contact Tatiana Villanueva at tvillanueva@maof.org