LULAC Holds 2013 National Women's Conference

The Women’s Conference, “Mujer: Ayer, Hoy y Siempre - Raising Our Nation,” Will Address the Challenges Women Face from the Workplace to Technology

April 12, 2013

Contact: Paloma Zuleta, 202-833-6130, PZuleta (at) LULAC . org

Washington, D.C. - On Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13 the Women’s Commission of the League of United Latin American Citizens will host its annual National Women’s Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This year’s conference entitled, “Mujer: Ayer, Hoy y Siempre – Raising Our Nation,” will focus on bringing awareness to key issues that impact women’s lives. The workshops and seminars are all open and free to the public. LULAC is grateful for the support of Walmart, Tyson Foods, Inc., The Sherwin-Williams Company, Univision, Macy’s, P&G, McDonald’s, The Coca-Cola Company and The Ford Motor Company. During the two-day event, the citizens of Guaynabo are invited to attend workshops and seminars covering issues such as education, health and nutrition, professional development, employment, immigration, civil rights, domestic violence, and the military.

“The mission of the National Women’s Conference has always been to engage women from across the country to raise their consciousness and enhance their ability to become leaders,” said LULAC National President Margaret Moran. “The conference offers a woman’s perspective on issues that result in achievement gaps, health challenges, and unequal wages across the country. We are very proud of the success this conference has achieved due to the commitment of the Women’s Commission and the generosity of our corporate partners.”

Challenges persist for women in many critical areas. With regard to employment, there are 23.8 million women in the U.S who identify themselves as Latinas and 8.1 million of those Latinas are in the U.S. labor force. Unfortunately, Latinas have the lowest employment-to-population ratio and the highest poverty rates. Latinas are also over-represented in low-wage job sectors. For example, 33.2% are concentrated in service and 31.7% in sales, office, and administrative support. In fact, only 24.1% of Latinas in the labor force are in management, professional and related occupations. Another significant issue continues to be the gender wage gap. Specifically, Latina workers only make 60 cents for every dollar that a white male earns.

Challenges also continue for Latinas in the area of education. In fact, more than one-third of Latinas have less than a high school education. This problem severely limits access and advancement in the workplace. Perhaps most disturbingly, women make up a little over half of the world's population, yet are more likely to go hungry than men and suffer from food shortages.

As part of LULAC’s commitment to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, LULAC, Tyson Foods, and Walmart have joined efforts to distribute approximately 30,400 pounds of chicken breast filet fritters, rib meat, and tenders to non-profit organizations throughout Puerto Rico. Through LULAC programs, services and advocacy, LULAC will continue to tackle important issues by making information and resources available to the community. This donation is part of a one million pound, three-year commitment to fight hunger between Tyson Foods and LULAC.

“At Walmart, we’re focused on how we can make positive change in the communities where we operate and we’re working to lead on social issues,” says Mark Espinoza, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at Walmart. “Walmart has made a significant commitment to fighting hunger and we’re excited to be able to help deliver this healthy, nutritious and needed food as an extension of our hunger commitment.”

In the past 13 years, Tyson Foods has donated more than 90 million pounds of protein in the United States. “We realize that our fight to end hunger is a huge undertaking, both in the United States and worldwide,” said Nora Venegas, Director of Federal Governmental Relations for Tyson Foods. “We are truly committed to hunger relief and we are proud that this is Tyson’s first food donation to Puerto Rico.”

Finally, as part of the 2013 LULAC National Women’s Conference, LULAC will work to make a difference in the neighborhoods of Puerto Rico. The beauty of the island of Puerto Rico is unmatched, but there are some areas with neighborhoods that need a helping hand to maintain the picturesque and colorful houses that are a staple of Puerto Rico. Most of the people who reside in these homes are senior citizens and the neighborhoods have limited resources. LULAC believes that helping to improve the homes in these high-need areas is a positive first step towards inspiring the revitalization of these important neighborhoods.

To that end, LULAC and Sherwin Williams have collaborated to paint 25 units located in the Sector Juan Domingo located in the City of Guaynabo. The first section of homes will be painted the week of April 12 and will include volunteers from Sherwin Williams who will be donating their time, manpower, and supplies to help restore these once beautiful homes.

Jason Riveiro, Multicultural Marketing Manager of Sherwin Williams, reinforced the company’s promise of community dedication. “The people represent the foundation and the future of our success. At Sherwin Williams, we are proud of our people, of our family of loyal employees. We promise to offer a safe and healthy workplace with opportunities to learn, grow, and be rewarded and recognized for outstanding achievements. We promise to value the diversity of individuals, cultures, points of view, and to improve the quality of life to the communities that we serve,” stated Riveiro.

###

About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the largest and oldest volunteer-based civil rights organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org. www.facebook.com/lulac.national.dc. www.twitter.com/lulac .

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than one billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 90 countries. The company has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.