Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Latina serves as COO of the NTI Administration

With experience as an attorney and with the FCC, Anna Gomez is ideal for her position as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information

Anna M. Gomez
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Anna Gomez is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and the Deputy Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

As Deputy Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, I serve essentially as the Chief Operating Officer of the agency. Though much of my time is spent on management, I also work on public policy, especially the challenges of expanding broadband Internet use in underserved communities and improving communications for the nation’s first responders. I am honored to play a role in addressing issues that are so vital to our nation’s safety and economic future.

My career path began early. I was born in the United States but spent most of my childhood in Bogota, Colombia, where my father’s family lives. I knew since childhood that I would one day become a lawyer because my mother always told me so. (I would like to think that she recognized in me a precocious talent for logic and deduction, but she was actually commenting on my willingness to argue a point!) I returned to the United States as a teen and did indeed go to law school. I am glad that I did because the law is a good foundation for a career in public service, though it is certainly not mandatory.

My first full-time job was in the litigation group of a law firm. I enjoyed it but wanted to practice communications law instead. While at the firm, I ran the D.C. Hispanic Bar Association’s mentoring program for Hispanic law students. It brought me to the attention of a partner at the firm, who soon went to work at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 


I joined her at the FCC, where my communications policy work began.

I worked at the FCC for 12 years, serving in various management positions, including Senior Legal Advisor to former FCC Chairman William Kennard. In between positions at the FCC, I served as a staffer on Capitol Hill and at the National Economic Council. Before returning to government in 2009, I also worked several years in the telecommunications industry.

The communications policy field is interesting because it is dynamic and it affects so many aspects of daily life. When I started at the FCC, I handled issues involving payphones, new area codes, and toll-free numbers. Now I deal with broadband and Internet policy. In another decade, we may be grappling with a new set of challenges.

One challenge that I am determined we overcome is the Internet adoption gap, which persists along historic demographic lines. It has been roughly 15 years since the term “digital divide” gained national attention, but more than 28 percent of people in the United States still do not use the Internet. The situation is even worse for Latinos, who significantly lag the national broadband adoption rate. NTIA is active on various fronts to address this problem, and that is one of the most rewarding aspects of working here. The Obama Administration is committed to increasing broadband access and adoption in the U.S., which is a key ingredient for job creation and sustainable economic growth.

My career advice to young Hispanics is to pursue your passion and work hard. Volunteer for assignments, and perform them well. Join professional associations where you can help others. If you roll up your sleeves and do a good job with a positive attitude, you will be noticed.

Last, when facing an obstacle at work, I often think of advice that former Attorney General Janet Reno gave in remarks before the D.C. Hispanic Bar Association. She told us, “Don't lose your idealism.” That is especially good advice for anyone in public service. What we do can be challenging, and we must remind ourselves of why we are here. But no matter what path you choose, I hope it is one that has meaning for you.



Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Macy's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Macy's partners with Latina Magazine and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund for special events, incredible internships and model searches nationwide to celebrate Latino culture and accomplishments

NEW YORK, NY -- This fall, Macy's celebrates Latino-Americans with partners Latina magazine, the nation's leading beauty/fashion and lifestyle brand for acculturated Latinas, and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. From special events nationwide to once-in-a-lifetime internship opportunities, Macy's joins Latinos across the country in celebration of Hispanic heritage, culture and achievement.


"Macy's is delighted to once again celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a host of in-store special events and partnerships," said Dineen Garcia, Macy's vice-president of Diversity Strategies. "In celebration of Latina magazine's 15th anniversary and in support of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Generation 1st Degree initiative, we hope to entertain, empower and build upon the legacy of success in the Latino community."

"For 15 years, our mission has been to promote the advancement of U.S.-born Hispanic women," says Galina Espinoza, co-president and editorial director of Latina Media Ventures. "And so we are thrilled to partner with Macy's on a program that provides such exciting opportunities for Latinas, particularly in the area of education."

Ahead of the in-store Hispanic Heritage Month events, Macy's, in conjunction with Latina magazine, will hold a special model search in 10 cities nationwide. For budding runway models, this will be a fantastic opportunity to be chosen to strut the catwalk in front of their peers and special guests wearing the latest in back-to-school and fall fashion attire. The 10 model searches will take place on Saturday, Sept. 17 from Noon -- 5 p.m. at Macy's Dadeland (Miami), Fashion Valley (San Diego), Houston Galleria at Hidalgo (Houston), Lenox Square (Atlanta), North Star (San Antonio), Queens Center (New York), State Street (Chicago), Valley Fair (San Francisco), West Covina (Los Angeles), and Wheaton (Baltimore/Washington, DC area). At each model casting 8-10 Hispanic models will be selected to participate in the store's upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month event in addition to receiving a $100 Macy's gift card. Of the models chosen in all 10 markets, four of them will be selected as the top models and will collect an additional Macy's gift card, worth up to $1000, to begin school in style.

In support of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's goal of dramatically increasing the number of Hispanic college graduates, Macy's is teaming up with the Fund to award one scholarship recipient with a nine-week paid summer internship within Macy's Marketing department in 2012. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund's national initiative, Generation 1st Degree, has an exemplary goal to ensure that every Latino household has at least one college degree by 2025. Macy's and the HSF will select the internship winner from those who apply nationwide and will also offer a $1000 Wardrobe Scholarship to kick-off the summer job with appropriate business attire.

"We are pleased with this effort to give Latinos the opportunity to pursue their dreams and succeed professionally," said Frank D. Alvarez, Hispanic Scholarship Fund president and CEO. "We appreciate Macy's commitment to improve the lives of future generations of Hispanic Americans."

Latina magazine will also offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one lucky student to win an all-expense paid trip to New York City to intern at the magazine for one week. During the exciting internship, the winner will learn the basics of magazine publishing, lunch with Latina magazine's editorial director and/or publisher and enjoy a $1000 shopping spree provided by Macy's with the publication's fashion and beauty editors.

To mark Latina magazine's 15th anniversary, Macy's will host a series of special events in-store that will reinforce the transformative power of education. The celebratory cocktail events in 10 cities will be hosted at select locations by Latina editors Kate Sandoval and Verky Arcos, as well as contributors Lauren Consenza and Jackie Gomez. Each will feature Latina magazine's fashion and style expertise, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's innovative programs and of course, fun back-to-school and fall fashions as modeled by our Latina Model Search winners. In addition, Lancome will offer attendees quick touch-ups and tutorials on the latest makeup offerings.
  • Macy's Hispanic Heritage Month events will take place at:
  • Macy's Wheaton (Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area) -- Sept. 24, 2 p.m.
  • Macy's Lenox Square (Atlanta) -- Oct. 1, 2 p.m.
  • Macy's Queens Center (New York) -- Oct. 1, 2 p.m.
  • Macy's Fashion Valley (San Diego) -- Oct. 6, 6 p.m.
  • Macy's North Star (San Antonio) -- Oct. 8, 2 p.m.
  • Macy's West Covina (Los Angeles) -- Oct. 8, 2 p.m.
  • Macy's Houston Galleria at Hidalgo (Houston) -- Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m.
  • Macy's State Street (Chicago) -- Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m.
  • Macy's Dadeland (Miami) -- Oct. 15, 2 p.m.
  • Macy's Valley Fair (San Francisco) -- Oct. 15, 2 p.m.
Full details on applying for the Macy's and Latina internships and other fun activities in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month can be found online at www.macys.com/celebrate .

About Macy's

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc. M -0.94% , delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks(R) and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R), as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

About Latina Media Ventures


Latina is the leading monthly lifestyle, entertainment, beauty and fashion magazine for acculturated Hispanic women. Along with its daily online destination Latina.com, Latina has a combined audience of 3 million. The magazine and website are the flagship properties of Latina Media Ventures LLC, a multimedia company that has been a voice of authority for this fast-growing audience for 15 years. Latina was named to Adweek's "Hot List" in 2000 & 2001 and named Best Magazine by Advertising Age in 2000.

About Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund believes that the country prospers when all Americans have access to the opportunities a college education can afford. As the nation's leading Hispanic higher education fund, HSF works to address the barriers that keep many Latinos from earning a college degree. HSF has awarded over $330 million in scholarships over the past 36 years and has supported a broad range of outreach and education programs to help students and their families navigate collegiate life, from gaining admission and securing financial aid to finding employment after graduation. HSF envisions a future where every Latino household will have at least one college graduate, creating an enduring impact on the college outlook of Latino families nationwide, and strengthening the American economy for generations to come. For more information about the Hispanic Scholarship Fund please visit: www.HSF.net .

SOURCE: Macy's, Inc.