Edward James Olmos

American actor and social activist

Born February 24, 1947, East Los Angeles, at The First Japanese Hospital to Pedro Olmos and Eleanor Huizar. Raised on Cheesebrough's Lane, he attended Greenwood Elementary and Montebello Junior High. He then graduated from Montebello High School in 1964. After which he received an Associative Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice at East Los Angeles College in 1966. Olmos since then has gone on to receive many accolades from the City of Montebello, including the Alumni of The Year from Montebello High School in 2014, and Man of the Year Award from The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation in 2015.

He has achieved extraordinary success as an actor, producer and humanitarian. The Tony, Emmy and Academy Award® Nominated actor, is probably best known to young audiences for his work on the SYFY television series "Battlestar Galatica" as Admiral William Adama. Although the series kept the actor busy during its run from 2003 through 2009, it didn't stop him from directing the HBO movie "Walkout" in 2007, for which he earned a DGA Nomination in the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television category.

Olmos' career in entertainment spans over 30 years. In that time he created a signature style and aesthetic that he applies to every artist endeavor, often grounding his characters in reality and gravitas. His dedication to his craft has brought him attention across the industry, and with audiences worldwide.

Panel Information

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024

9:15 AM EST

Education Session: "Bridging The Gap In Latino Education" Focus On Educational Disparities And Solutions

Educational disparities faced by Latino students in the United States encompass various dimensions, including access to quality education, cultural relevance, and socio-economic factors. These disparities significantly impact the academic performance and future opportunities for Latino students

3:15 PM EST

MEDIA REPRESENTATION AND DISINFORMATION SESSION "SHAPING LATINO NARRATIVES" TACKLING CHALLENGES IN MEDIA REPRESENTATION AND THE IMPACT OF DISINFORMATION.

The accurate and fair representation of Latinos in media is crucial for shaping public perception and empowering the Latino community. Media portrayals play a significant role in how communities are viewed and treated in society. When the media portrays Latinos negatively or inaccurately, it can lead to widespread misinformation and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.