Sponsored by the International Hispanic Network (IHN), the Padrinos/Madrinas Coaching Program builds on the Padrinos/Madrinas tradition in Hispanic/Latino culture.   Padrinos and Madrinas are an extension of family and provide a strong support system for family members.  Extending this concept to the professional realm, the IHN Padrinos/Madrinas Program creates the same support system for Hispanic/Latino emerging leaders working in local government.  

 

The IHN Padrinos and Madrinas are seasoned Latino leaders in local government who are committed to assisting emerging leaders who serve diverse populations.  These one-to-one coaches are available without charge in order to offer career advancement strategies,  assist in addressing local challenges when serving Hispanic/Latino communities, and/or share their experience and expertise on specific issues.  

 

To access a Padrino or Madrina, simply:

1.  GO to the IHN Website at  www.ihnonline.org  

2.  REVIEW the Coaches Profiles located on the Padrinos/Madrinas Coaching Program Button or under the Resources drop-down menu

3.  SELECT 1, 2 or 3 coaches

4.  CONTACT a Padrino or Madrina by email or phone.

 

 

  

Dr. Frank Benest

Dr. Frank Benest, a noted consultant and trainer on rightsizing public organizations, entrepreneurial government, civic engagement, leadership development and succession planning, served as City Manager of Palo Alto, CA. Previously, Frank served as City Manager in Brea and Colton, California. He is a Credentialed ICMA Manager and serves as the Senior Advisor to ICMA on Next Generation Initiatives. Frank also chairs the Cal-ICMA Coaching Program. Frank teaches at Stanford University and has been inducted into the National Academy of Public Admin. In 2011, Frank was recognized by ICMA with its Distinguished Career Service Award. Dr. Frank Benest has a doctorate in management from Brigham Young University; a Masters in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach; and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University. (Email: frank@frankbenest.com) one. 

Highlights of IHN Symposium in Miami, FL

 

Keytnote Speaker Alberto Carvalho Miami-Dade County Public School District Superintendent

The International Hispanic Network (IHN) held a day-long

symposium in Miami November 7, 2014 that explored the topic of "Evolving Diversity in the Hispanic Community and its Effects, Impacts, and Challenges to South Florida's Local Governments" as part of its continuing efforts to provide professional development opportunities to Hispanic public administrators and non-Hispanic public administrators serving Hispanic populations in local governments.  The IHN Florida Regional Symposium which hosted over 60 participants, was co-sponsored by ICMA RC, the Miami-Dade City and County Management Association, the Florida City and County Management Association and the Miami-Dade League of Cities.

 

 

The symposium was divided into three panel discussions and one keynote speech, and was attended by public administrators from the South Florida region. IHN sponsors four regional conferences throughout the nation every year. 

 

The day commenced with a flashback of South Florida history and a discussion on the role of Hispanics and the impacts of their immigration on the region with the following panelists: Miami-Dade Clerk of the Circuit and County Court the Honorable Harvey Ruvin, former City of Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez, and South Florida Historian Paul S. George, PhD. The enlightening and interactive discussion named "The Past 50+ Years" focused on the significant challenges faced and overcome by the South Florida Region from the 1950s through the first decade in 2000 stemming from the waves of Hispanic immigration to the area. Panelists explored how immigrants changed the course of South Florida history and detailed the many lessons learned by local governments during the region's evolution. IHN Vice President for Programs Tony Ojeda moderated the discussion.

 Miami-Dade County Public School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho gave a moving and heartfelt keynote speech on the difficulties faced by children of immigrant families in the Miami-Dade public school system.  He discussed how the public school system has managed the recent influx of children from Latin American countries, how the public school system has been affected and what this means for South Florida municipalities. He shared the lessons he has learned, the difficulties that are still being addressed and the solutions proposed for our uniquely diverse community. Pinecrest Village Manager and at-large Director of IHN Yocelyn Galiano moderated the discussion.

 

The "Potholes and Sinkholes on the Road to Immigration Reform" panelist discussion followed with insightful information presented by Managing Partner of Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewry, Enrique Gonzalez; and Executive Director of the Americans for Immigrant Justice, Cheryl Little. They went over the history of immigration in the United States and how the climate has changed over time for immigrants and their perceived value to society. The discussion covered the factors that have influenced this environmental shift, the Obama Administration's Latin American Policy, and how understanding the complexity of the issues has a great deal to do with any success in achieving future immigration reform. West Miami City Manager Yolanda Aguilar moderated the discussion.

 

Telemundo Miami News Director Helga Silva, Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy Morales and Journalist and Political Cortadito Blogger Elaine Del Valle concluded the day with a lively panel discussion on "Communicating Effectively and Engaging the New Hispanic Community". The panelists expanded on the basics of "culture insight" and the collectivistic values prevalent in Hispanic cultures to successfully communicate and influence behavior. Public administrators learned more about how Latin American communities are more likely to respond to the concept of acculturation than assimilation, and how to reach the community through social service outlets, social media, TV/radio media and the political arena to successfully engage the new South Florida Hispanic Community. Panelists and attendees also discussed their unique views on what the media expects from public administrators and what municipalities expect of the media. Pinecrest Communications Manager Michelle Hammontree moderated the discussion.