|
 Printer-Friendly Version
Remarks Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of
Labor Elaine L. Chao
LATINA Style 50
Washington, D.C.
Thursday,
February 5, 2004
Good afternoon, and thank you for that kind introduction, Robert [Robert
Bard, President and CEO of LATINA Style].
It’s so good to see so many outstanding Latinas here from the
Administration of President George W. Bush. I’m pleased to see Marta Brito
Perez from the Office of Personnel Management, Rebecca Contreras of the
Treasury Department, and Theresa Alvillar Speake of the Energy Department. And
I want to acknowledge the presence of Shinae Chun, who is Director of the
Women’s Bureau at the Department of Labor.
It is great to be back for the third year to honor the 50 companies
providing the greatest opportunities to Latinas. The companies recognized today
are leading the way in recognizing the value that Latinas bring to the
workforce.
First, let me commend LATINA
Style magazine for sponsoring these awards. Your work has empowered
thousands of Latinas and raised the profile of working Latinas throughout this
nation.
I also want to commend the Latina workers themselves. You are showing
that the key to long-term success is the same for everyone: a strong work
ethic, a commitment to education and the ability to adapt to changing economic
conditions.
As an immigrant myself, I know that every new community has a pool of
hard-working, talented workers, eager to take advantage of the many
opportunities this great country offers. I also know the importance of
encouragement and hope in building a better life.
That’s why I am here at this luncheon to recognize the 50 companies
that are celebrated today. It’s very encouraging to see some of our
nation’s best-known companies receiving these awards.
One of the employers recognized today has education programs and a
formal mentoring program. It offers training programs that are geared toward
helping women and minorities advance into upper management. And through its
Development and Leadership Initiative, the company recruits, retains and
advances talented Hispanic candidates into leadership roles. This is critical
because education and training are the keys to advancement and prosperity.
Another employer recognized today today offers a full range of
family-friendly work options, mentoring programs, a 100 percent education
reimbursement policy, and even a mortgage down payment program. Policies like
these are vital for the Hispanic community, which values family so highly.
And a third employer on this program places a high priority on
developing relationships with leading minority organizations, establishing
mentoring programs and launching employee networks. The company actively
recruits talented workers at all levels through its relationships with
organizations like the National Society of Hispanic MBAs and the Hispanic
Alliance for Career Enhancement. As Secretary of Labor, I understand how
important it is to reach out to groups like these. My own Department has also
reached out to such organizations in recruiting for our two-year MBA Rotational
Program.
By giving Latinas equal access to opportunity, these companies are
helping them achieve their dreams and making our country stronger. Economic
empowerment is the key to success, and these 50 companies are leading the way
to empowerment for Latinas.
That’s so important to the Administration in which I’m
privileged to serve as Secretary of Labor. President George W. Bush cares
deeply about the well being of Hispanic workers. He and his Administration are
committed to ensuring that the doors to opportunity remain wide open for
Latinas.
As many of you know, President George W. Bush has a special bond with
the Hispanic community. He grew up in Texas and speaks Spanish. His first trip
abroad was to Mexico—signaling the priority he places on good relations
with Latin America. His recent proposal for immigration reform will ensure that
America continues to be a nation that welcomes newcomers, who contribute so
much to our nation.
It should come as no surprise that President George W. Bush has
appointed more Americans of Hispanic heritage to top positions in the federal
government than any other President in history. As the President is fond of
saying, he searched for the most talented and qualified people to serve and
that is just how things turned out. He knew where to look!
As Secretary of Labor, I share the President’s commitment to hope
and opportunity for Latinas.
The Hispanic community is the fastest growing segment of our
nation’s population. In less than a century, more than one-third of
America’s population will be of Hispanic heritage. So the Department of
Labor has a tremendous stake in ensuring that the Hispanic community is vibrant
and prosperous.
That’s why we’ve taken specific steps to ensure that Hispanic
workers have equal access to opportunity. We’re making the Department of
Labor’s programs and protections accessible to those with limited English
proficiency.
We have instituted a toll-free number for Spanish speakers and launched
a Web site that is available in multiple languages, including Spanish.
The Department’s enforcement agencies have increased the number of
Spanish-speaking investigators—many of them Latinas—to ensure that
all workers, especially vulnerable immigrants, are safe and are paid a full
day’s wages for a full day’s work. The Department is translating its
health and safety materials into Spanish and distributing them throughout the
workplace. Because of our outreach efforts, we have reversed the upward trend
in fatalities among Hispanic workers for the first time since 1995.
And I’m pleased to note that each year more Latinas are assuming
new leadership responsibilities at the Department. More than 52 percent of all
Hispanic employees at the Labor Department are now women. Like President Bush,
we know where to look for talent!
And so do all the companies being honored here today! Thank you, again,
for helping Latinas achieve their dreams.
And thank you to LATINA Style
for encouraging equal access to opportunity by sponsoring these awards. You
highlight the talent, drive and achievements that Latinas bring to the
workforce and to our nation.
# # #
_________________________________________________________________
| 
