Virtual Celebration Supports Inspirational Programs for Latino Youth

Princeton, NJ – Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement (HISPA) will hold its annual awards banquet on January 14, 2021.  For the first time, the Three Kings Banquet – A Virtual Celebration will unite HISPA supporters across the country to honor the Latino role models who support HISPA’s educational programs and raise funds for these programs.
 
A nonprofit organization, HISPA conducts programs in New Jersey, New York, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania.  Having transitioned to an all-virtual model, it is now setting its sights on expanding its programming across the country.  It has served over 15,000 students to date by mobilizing over 3,000 Latino role models.  Their message to Latino youth: you, too, can fulfill your potential and achieve your dreams through education.
 
The Three Kings Banquet coincides with the January 6 holiday of The Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, the traditional gift-giving period of the Nativity in many Spanish-speaking countries.  HISPA selected this time to thank the volunteers and patrons who share their gifts in support of educational equity and opportunity for all students.
 
Each year, awards are given to those who have excelled in their commitment to, participation in and financial support of HISPA.  HISPA will present its “Transform” Award for Sponsor of the Year to Verizon, its “Inspire” Award for Champion of the Year to JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s Adelante, and its “Share” Award for Role Model of the Year to Alex Ortiz of Associated Technology Incorporated (ATI).  Rider University – The Norm Brodsky College of Business will receive the “Corazón” Award, given to an organization that provides invaluable in-kind support for HISPA.
 
Multi-award-winning journalist María Hinojosa will be the keynote speaker.  She is the anchor and executive producer of the long-running weekly NPR show Latino USA, anchor of the Emmy Award-winning talk show María Hinojosa: One-on-One, and founder of The Futuro Media Group. She is also the author of the recently published book “Once I Was You.” In addition, the program will feature music, networking, dance lessons, a silent auction, and more.
 
“We are so grateful to HISPA volunteers who share their stories, showcase the many pathways to higher education and careers, and inspire Latino students to achieve their dreams,” said HISPA President and CEO Dr. Ivonne Díaz-Claisse. “This virtual event allows all of us to celebrate their commitment and that of our partners and funders.”
 
Joining us for this event are Gold Sponsors Bristol Myers Squibb and the Organization for Latino Advancement (OLA), Merck and Merck Hispanos Organization, and America’s Navy, and Bronze Sponsors PNC Bank, PSEG, and the Shepard/Zanders family.
 
Additional sponsors include Investors Bank, UPS Crecer, and Refinitiv; Associated Technology, Inc. (ATI), Comcast, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Prudential, Rider University – The Norm Brodsky College of Business, Miguel Porto, and Kathleen Larkin, Essential Leadership, LLC, and Frank A. Sonnenberg, MD; and Office Depot and SOMOS Depot, Manolo’s Best Farmstand Chili and Soups, Rod Colón’s family, and Ricardo Pellegrino.
 
HISPA’s annual funders include Founding Partner Verizon, Co-Founding Partners Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, and PSEG and Annual Partners Educational Testing Service, CPC Global Group, and Wells Fargo.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE, SECURE PASSES, OR DONATE TO THE THREE KINGS BANQUET.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW HISPA’S THREE KINGS BANQUET VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION (open January 1-14, 2021).