The vice president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando kicks off UCF\u2019s celebration of Hispanic Heritage month on Thursday, Sept. 15, by talking about the power Latinos yield going into the presidential elections.<\/p>\n
Both parties are courting Latino voters who can play a big role in the coming elections if they get involved. Mar\u00eda S. Garc\u00eda de la Noceda will speak about the importance of being \u201cpresente,\u201d which translates to being present and engaged. Garc\u00eda de la Noceda begins her presentation at noon in the Cape Florida Ballroom of the Student Union.<\/p>\n
But voting is just one of the many ways Latinos can impact the nation. From buying power to their contributions in science and art, Latinos are a growing influence in America. Hispanic Heritage Month \u2013 recognized by Congress \u2013 was established to share and educate the community about the contributions Latinos make.<\/p>\n
UCF\u2019s Latino Faculty and Staff Association and Latin American Student Association along with several other organizations on and off campus will host a series of events from Thursday \u00a0through Oct. 15. The dates were selected as part of the federally recognized period because they reflect the independence dates of many Latin American countries.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s lineup includes workshops, presentations and panel discussions that explore everything from navigating change, the psychology of Hispanic\/Latino Culture, \u201cAm I Hispanic Enough,\u201d Latino entrepreneurship, and law and disorder.<\/p>\n
There are some art and dance events and the closing ceremony focuses on the same theme of ensuring Latinos are \u201cpresente\u201d in mainstream America.<\/p>\n
Jorge Est\u00e9vez, an anchor for WFTV will close out the month with a talk focused on \u201cLatinos Presente in Media.\u201d That talk begins at noon on Thursday, Oct. 13, in the Key West Ballroom of the Student Union.<\/p>\n