Peruvian Parade - Harrison/Kearny New Jersey 2013

On Sunday, July 21, 2013 I was honored by the Peruvian Civic Association of New Jersey by being named Grand Marshall of the Peruvian Parade Harrison/Kearny, New Jersey.

The parade was filled with the colorful sights and sounds that is customary with any Peruvian parade. It was wonderful to see so many different generations of Peruvians.

July 28th isn't only a celebration of Peru's independence, history, culture and people. It is also a celebration of the Peruvians who left their country and made a life for themselves in the United States.

with my father, Hugo Sr.

 These Peruvian immigrants are hard workers, business owners and responsible members of the community who are fueling the economy and diversity of the U.S.

As a second generation Peruvian-American, I am happy to see many of my contemporaries taking an interest in our family roots....we have much to be proud of! It is important for us (and our children) to learn and maintain our customs and language.

Somos Peru! Te Amo Peru! Que Viva El Peru!!

Panel Discussion: Illegals/Illegal Immigrant

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) held a panel discussion on the use/misuse of the term illegals/illegal immigrant at the Washington, DC headquarters of the GMMB on Friday, July 19th.

Interim Region 3 Director Ken Molestina organized the event. The panelists included USA Today's David Callaway, EFE's Maria Pena and yours truly.

There has been much debate since the Associated Press (AP) changed its stylebook and dropped the illegal and illegal immigrant in describing people in the United States who do not have the proper documentation.

Many media companies followed the AP's lead; others have not.

NAHJ for years have urged media companies to stop using the term that is factually inaccurate, demeaning and unfair.

Here's a report from Telemundo's local Washington, DC affiliate TV station:
http://www.holaciudad.com/polemica-uso-palabrailegal-n335274

with NAHJ ED Anna Lopez Buck and Region 3 Director Ken Molestina

Forging The Future, NAHJ Region 4 Conference

Networking reception

Congratulations to the NAHJ South Florida chapter for producing the wonderful Region 4 conference, Forging the Future. The event drew nearly 250 registrants! The highest number of attendees for any regional conference to date.

Forging the Future reminded me of my late abuelita. Like many of our grandmothers she was a master chef en la cocina. One of her specialties was what she called “sopa de familia.” The secret recipe wasn’t the ingredients, but the people who contributed to the cooking. My sister and I would be responsible for chopping carrots and potatoes. My mother and aunts would add the chicken or meat, onions and of course spices. Mi abuelita would never make soup unless everyone in the house did their part. You know, it always tasted better when we worked at it together.

On-site registration

The South Florida conference is a soup of success the local chapter working with the national leadership and staff. The partnership with the Society of Professional Journalists, South Florida chapter. The panelists, sponsors and of course the many members and guests who participated.

Sessions underway

I was happy to receive all of the great feedback from grateful members who shared how productive the conference was for their careers. A special thank you to our partners from the Society of Professional Journalists, South Florida chapter and sponsors General Motors, Toyota, Sprint, WSVN and The Miami Herald.

NAHJ - Yes, We Are!!


CNN's Ramon Escobar and NBC Latino's Chris Pena provide career advice