ALPFA-DC Board Member Helps Project GiveBack Exceed Goals

Photographed Above:
Left to right, rear: Adam Jimenez, Joey Jimenez, Allan Jimenez (my brother), Ransom Miller, Brian Jimenez
Left to right, front: Mike Coutu (family friend), Edgar Jimenez

Early, in the morning of Saturday, November 21, 2009, over 600 volunteers converged on Bell Multicultural High School in Washington, DC to share their blessings with those less fortunate in our community. ALPFA-DC and Project GiveBack Board Member Edgar Jimenez was among the first ones to be there at 4am along with his children, brother, and friends. For several months prior Edgar, a manager in KPMG’s Advisory Practice, had been working along with a core team of organizers and volunteers in the planning and organization of this event.

Project GiveBack, a community service organization based in Washington, DC, held its 15th Annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution. People, from all walks of life, gathered to distribute over 900 food baskets to families in the Washington, DC Metro Area. The 900 baskets represent an increase of 80% over the number of families assisted in 2008. "The stark need for assistance to underprivileged and common citizens feeling the pinch of the worst economy of our lifetime prompted the organization to attempt to double the amount of families it assisted" said Project GiveBack founder, Ransom Miller, III. He also told volunteers that "The current economic conditions have turned some long term Project GiveBack donors into recipients.”

In addition to the volunteers at Bell Multicultural High School, Project GiveBack coordinated satellite distribution sites including La Clinica del Pueblo in Northwest DC; Barry Farms in Southeast DC; Culpepper Gardens Assisted Living Center in Arlington, VA; Bright Beginnings Northeast DC, National Center for Children and Families, Gaithersburg, MD, Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, Northeast DC Housing Unit, Project GiveBack Baltimore Branch, and The Boys and Girls Club of Kentland/Glen Arden, MD.

This year, through a relationship with former and current military personnel Project GiveBack was able to identify 125 active military families (25 in each branch including the Coast Guard) who have been negatively affected by the economy. Edgar Jimenez, a former Marine, said "Charity organizations tend to think that the military people are taken care of by the military. In a lot of cases the military tries to work with them but is unable to meet a lot of their needs so charity organizations really need to reach out to them, now more than ever." Also for the first time, baskets were distributed in Baltimore, Maryland by members of the newly formed Project GiveBack Baltimore Branch.

This project would not be possible without individual and Corporate Sponsors. There is still the opportunity to support this and other Project GiveBack endeavors.

Please visit http://www.projectgiveback.org/ to donate online and see how you can get involved.

The Honorable Juan F. Vasquez of the United States Tax Court to Address ALPFA-DC

Join us for a presentation by The Honorable Juan F. Vasquez of the United States Tax Court. Judge Vasquez will speak about the practice and procedures before the Tax Court followed by a discussion of his career path, which led him to become a CPA, lawyer, and ultimately the first (and currently only) Hispanic judge on the U.S. Tax Court. Please come and join ALPFA-DC members, members of the Hispanic Bar Association of DC, and other professionals from various backgrounds for this unique opportunity. There will be refreshments and time for networking before and after Judge Vasquez’s presentation.

Date: November 19, 2009
Location: Third floor of Ernst & Young LLP offices. 1101 New York Avenue, NW (“Eye” Street between 11th & 12th Streets) Washington, DC 20005 (Metro: Metro Center or McPherson Square)
Start: 6 pm
Presentation: 7 pm

For further details, please contact Carlos Probus at Carlos.Probus@ey.com.
Please RSVP at Events@washingtondc.alpfa.org.
To join ALPFA, please visit http://www.alpfawashingtondc.org/.

Mentoring in the 21st Century World

ALPFA and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) invite you to Mentoring in the 21st Century World, a professional development event sponsored by Beers & Cutler on October 27th 2009.

The event will consist of a networking reception from 5 to 6pm, followed by a panel discussion from 6 to 7:30pm, and a wrap-up networking session from 7:30 to 8pm.

Appetizers, soft drinks, coffee, and water will be available.

The event will take place at the Sheraton Premiere Hotel in Tyson’s Corner
8661 Leesburg PikeVienna, VA 22182.

Multicultural Perspectives in Business Speaker Series Acknowledging our Impact in Business

What: Join The George Washington University School of Business, the Multicultural Business Student Association and the Multicultural Student Services Center for the first ever Latino Heritage Celebration Business Speaker event.

When: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 7pm
Where: GW University, Duques Hall Room 651
Reception to follow in Duques Hall, Crain Center (ROOM 150)

Who: The speaker, Frances Garcia, is the Inspector
General of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Ms. Garcia at a glance:

2009 Woman of the Year Award by Hispanic Business Magazine
• Lifetime member of MANA, a Latina Organization, where she
received the Las Primeras Award for Public Service in 2002 and
the Hermana Award in 1997
• First Hispanic woman CPA in the state of Texas
• First female national president for the Association of Latino
Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) organization
• First woman and Hispanic audit manager hired by
Arthur Andersen in Dallas, TX


For more information contact Jessica Ortiz,
GWSB Undergraduate Advising, 202.994.8314

Marriott International- Corporate International Tax Manager Position

Corporate Tax - International is looking for an International Tax Manager to coordinate and manage all aspects of the local income tax compliance for the Caribbean/Latin America region and reports to the Regional Senior Manager.

We are looking for someone with:
· Approximately 8 years of experience in tax and accounting
· International tax experience
· Bilingual Spanish/ English required
· Finance or Accounting degree. CPA or Masters of Taxation desirable

Interested parties should contact Emilio Bogado directly at (301) 380-2352 or Emilio.Bogado@marriott.com

Job Posting: Dept. of Transportation- Director, Office of Budget and Program Performance.

There is an executive leadership vacancy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs. The office would like to attract a broad pool of diverse candidates from within and outside government who can bring strong executive skills to the position of Director, Office of Budget and Program Performance.

The Director, Office of Budget and Program Performance, is responsible for developing the Department’s more than $70 billion annual President’s budget submission, monitoring the execution of the Operating Administrations’ budgets, executing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and providing advice to senior executives on program and budget matters. In addition, this office is responsible for the Departmental program performance and reporting.

If you are interested and would like to be considered for this challenging position, you are encouraged to apply under the vacancy announcement which can be found on USAJOBS here

Senior Tax Analyst Opportunity in Detriot, Michigan

GLOBAL CONSULTING HAS AN OPEN INTERVIEW SCHEDULE ON SITE WITH OUR CLIENT TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2009 FOR A SENIOR TAX ANALYST.

This opportunity is with a premier global supplier in the metro Detroit area. The ideal candidate will have 3 to 5 years of experience with FIN48, federal, state and local income/franchise tax returns. A CPA is preferred but not mandatory. This person will be groomed for a tax manager role within the domestic tax group in 3 years.

This opportunity pays 75 – 80K and my client will immediately interview appropriate candidates this Tuesday. ONLY 3 TIME SLOTS REMAIN, ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONSIDERED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS!!!

Please respond immediately if you would like more information or if you would like to be considered for this opportunity.

Sincerely,

Rob Suffredini (rob@globalrecruiters.com)
Director of Recruitment and Business Development
Direct Line - 248-489-1900
Mobile Number - 248-909-5508 (call on weekends or after 6 pm)

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) seeks Chief Financial and Administration Officer

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation's leading Hispanic non-profit and non-partisan 501(c)(3), leadership development and education organization, is recruiting for a Chief Financial and Administration Officer to join our organization.

To fulfill its mission, CHCI offers nationally recognized leadership development programs and educational services that empower Latino youth to successfully meet the challenges of tomorrow. CHCI's Fellowship Program and Summer Internship Program, established in 1981 and 1988 respectively, have been at the forefront in providing Hispanic youth the opportunity to explore their interests in public policy while living in Washington, DC. These leadership development programs have graduated over 900 Hispanic youth who have gone on to bigger and greater things.

CHCI's comprehensive programs and services have grown to include a scholarship program, an alumni association, a youth website, and educational publications that benefit more than 150,000 Hispanic students, parents, and educators on an annual basis. As the premier Hispanic educational organization in the country, CHCI has created a pipeline for Latino youth from high school through college, graduate school, and on to the workforce. CHCI's extensive array of programs and services has an extremely successful record of creating effective American leaders.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Chief Financial and Administration Officer is responsible for directing the fiscal functions of the organization in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, other regulatory and advisory organizations and in accordance with financial management policies set by the CHCI Board of Directors. She/he serves as the lead advisor on compliance issues related to IRS, Sarbanes-Oxley and in partnership with the organization's legal advisor, all matters related to Congressional ethics and HLGOA. She/he directs and oversees all the financial activities of the organization, including preparation of current financial reports as well as summaries and forecasts for future business growth and general economic outlook, banking and insurance relationships. In addition, under the leadership of the President & CEO, the Chief Financial and Administration Officer will define the processes and implement the infrastructure/systems needed to support substantial growth. S/he is responsible for building and managing effective and streamlined administrative/financial systems, including financial, accounting, legal, information technology (IT), human resources (HR), and physical infrastructure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs and evaluates the organization's fiscal function and performance.
• Evaluates and advises on the impact of long range planning, introduction of new investment programs/strategies and regulatory action.
• Develops credibility by providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports and financial trends in order to assist the President and CEO, Board of Directors and other senior leadership in performing their responsibilities.
• Establishes credibility throughout the organization and with the Board of Directors as an effective developer of solutions to financial business challenges.
• Provides technical financial advice and knowledge to others within the organization.
• Continual improvement of the budgeting process through education of department managers on financial issues impacting their budgets.
• Provides strategic financial input and leadership on decision making issues affecting the organization; i.e., evaluation of potential alliances acquisitions and/or mergers, contracts and investments.
• Optimizes the handling of bank and deposit relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash position.
• Develops a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism which includes maintaining minimum cash threshold to meet operating needs.
• Acts as an advisor from the financial perspective on any contracts into which the Corporation may enter.
• Enhances and/or develops implements and enforces policies and procedures of the organization that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the organization.
• Serves as key leader on the organization's administrative processes including HR, payroll and benefits functions for all levels of staff.
• Evaluates the finance and HR team plan for continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group as well as providing individuals with professional and personal growth.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations about CHCI's insurance coverage.
• Develops plans to implement and monitor information technology systems and infrastructure to ensure compliance and feasibility.
• Develops plans to ensure facility safety, security and soundness; Secures and directs maintenance services for the facility as required.
• Participates in the development of the organization's plans and programs as a strategic partner.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Educational and Professional Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting and/or Finance required. An advanced degree in Finance highly desirable.
• Current CPA designation.
• At least 10 to 15 years of related financial management and accounting experience in nonprofit, public, or private sectors. Experience should include legal, audit, compliance, budget and resource development.
• Minimum of five years progressive management experience in facilities administration and human resources.
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft office products and general ledger programs for non-profits.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish-English) desirable but not required.Analytical/Interpersonal Skills:
• A strategic visionary with sound technical skills, analytical ability, business judgment and strong operational focus.
• High ethical standards and an appropriate professional image
• A well organized, self-directed and team oriented individual
• Strong experience in contract negotiation with a variety of vendors.
• Must be able to work independently and cooperatively, promoting teamwork and individual responsibility as appropriate.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a clear balance between organizational needs (expenses) and fund development resources (revenues).

Please send cover letter and resume to:

Holley Waldron
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
911 2nd Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
Fax (202) 546-2143 or hwaldron@chci.org

NBMBAA-DC & ALPFA-DC Career Expo- 9/2

What: NBMBAA-DC & ALPFA-DC Career Expo

Why: Learn how to enhance your resume and personal image in order to stand out with recruiters! Find out what recruiters and interviewers won't tell you!

When: Wednesday, September 2, 2009 3-7pm

Where: Embassy Suites-Convention Center, 900 10th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001

Confirmed companies include:
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Cox Communication
- Prudential Financial
- Volkswagen
- and more !!!!

Fee: Registration for the event is free until Aug 22nd for ALPFA Members. To take advantage of free registration you must email John James from PWC at careernet@dcbmbaa.org with the subject "Career Expo Registration - ALPFA". Registration after the 22nd will be $10; $20 for on-site registration.

2nd Annual NOVA Hispanic Network BBQ- Hosted by Capital One!

When: Friday, August, 21, 2009 @ 4:30pm
Where: 1680 Capital One Drive, McLean, VA 22201- by the Softball Diamond

What: Come network with other Hispanic Leaders from the area and enjoy delicious BBQ compliments of our friends at Capital One!

Please RSVP to Marie Ruiz, marie_ruiz@freddiemac.com by Wednesday, August, 19, 2009.

Senior Accountant and Financial Reporting Manager position available for Spanish speaking (and writing) candidate.

The Senior Accountant has shared responsibility for the support and preparation of internal and external consolidated financial statements for the Company. Assist with monthly intercompany reconciliations, reconciliations of accounts and balances for the Company’s portfolio of properties.

Specific responsibilities include:
• Monitor the compliance on requirements to receive from properties for the monthly and quarterly close.
• Follow-up with different people involved in Playa’s list of activities related to the financial reporting process.
• Assist on the preparation of trends and variance analysis.
• Assist in the preparation of year–end audit schedules and provide explanations to external auditors.
• Maintain database and final versions on spreadsheets files related to financial reporting function.
• Generate reports and conduct specific research projects.
• Serve as one of the liaisons with the external auditors.
• Assist in the preparation of year-end audit schedules

Job Requirements:
• BS/BA in Accounting.
• Three to five years of professional experience.
• Bilingual: English – Spanish required, written and spoken.
• Hospitality industry experience desired.
• Strong understanding and skills in Excel and Office suite.
• Outstanding organizational skills.
• Big four experience.
• Detail oriented.




The Financial Reporting Manager has shared responsibility for the preparation of internal and external consolidated financial statements for the Company. Perform technical accounting research, complex analytical reviews of accounts and balances for the Company and financial models.

Specific responsibilities include:
• Perform the preparation of the Company’s monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports. Main responsible on the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and year-end internal financial statements for senior management.
• Regularly interface with management’s properties during the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process.
• Analyze and document consolidation and elimination entries.• Review reconciliation of intercompany balances.
• Prepare disclosures related to business transactions, and consolidated financial statements for audit reports.
• Serve as one of the key liaisons with the external auditors.

Job Requirements
• BS/BA in Accounting.
• Eight to ten years of professional experience.
• Bilingual: English – Spanish required.
• Experience in previous implementation of business performance management systems.
• Hospitality industry experience desired.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Strong understanding of Excel and fundamental accounting (knowledge of IFRS, US GAAP) as well as financial statement preparation.
• Big four experience
• Detail oriented
• CPA, optional.

Pay is $80 - $100K + bonus opportunity

Interested parties please contact Jason Howell at jhowell@accontantsintl.com.

Business Operations Internal Audit. - Immediate opportunity available with Freddie Mac

Job Description: Identify and analyze risk surrounding multifamily counterparty initial and continued performance against eligibility standards. Plan, coordinate, and perform all external multifamily audit functions including preparation and issuance of audit reports. Analyze and assess risk in proposed transactions and customer requests including approval for counterparty franchise rights, transfers of portfolio servicing and eligibility waiver requests. Job requires a Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be acquired; two to five years of experience including auditing experience and general real estate experience. This position will require 25% travel.

Primary Responsibilities:

1) Site visits:

a) Preparation of documents, travel planning, organization of audit program
b) Communication with internal/external contacts
c) Organization of audit materials, internal research/reports
d) Field testwork, follow-up with contacts, audit file coordination of workpapers, and audit close-out.
e) Report writing

2) Annual Certifications:

a) Insurance policies
b) Financial statements
c) Update of MultiSuite for Correspondent Management

3) Special Projects:

a) Policy revisions
b) Data collection
c) Research

Skill Sets: Ability to prioritize and shift gears Clear, concise communication Versatility Great organizational aptitude Analytical skills, Detail-minded, thorough

*This opportunity is available immediately. If you meet the above qualifications, please e-mail your resume to kia_silver@freddiemac.com. Thank you!

The Sports Club/LA (DC Location) offers preferred rates to ALPFA members

Sports Club/LA is a sponsor of the 2009 ALPFA Convention and is located at

1170 22nd Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037

ALPFA members can now take advantage of preferred membership rates when joining The Sports Club/LA! To help you get acquainted with the Club, you and a friend are invited to enjoy a complimentary five-day Membership. Become a Member by July 31st and receive:

• August dues on us
• Complimentary Polar Body Age Assessment

As a member of the club you can look forward to:

• 100,000 sq. foot fitness complex
• Sun-filled indoor swimming pool
• Basketball, Squash and Boxing
• Fun and professional childcare
• Over 105 Classes per week

Call 202-974-6609 to take advantage of this special offer before it ends.

Community First Financial Center Director position available

Community First Financial Center
Position open: Director
Location: Washington, DC metropolitan area
Start date: August 20, 2009
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Interested candidates should send resume and coverletter to Annie Betancourt Lord at alord01@yahoo.com

The Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) has created a social enterprise designed to meet the financial liquidity needs of low- and moderate-income families: Community First Financial Center (CFFC). CFFC’s mission is to provide low- and moderate-income customers with transparent, reliable financial services that they need to support themselves and their families, at home and abroad. CFFC will achieve that mission by offering quality check-cashing, remittances, and other related services. As a for-profit subsidiary of LEDC[1], and located in the storefront adjacent to LEDC’s office in Wheaton, CFFC will also provide its customers with immediate access to LEDC’s comprehensive wealth-building services (including financial literacy education, homeownership counseling, and small business loans and technical assistance), which can help them meet their longer-term financial needs.

CFFC will meet low-income consumers where they conduct their financial business; it will provide transparent and reliable liquidity-based services valued by customers; and, in partnership with LEDC, it will provide customers with access to longer-term wealth-building services.

CFFC’s Management Board seeks a Director to lead the business toward profitability and the successful achievement of its mission.

For the CFFC Director, customer satisfaction will be one of the most important goals of the job. We are looking for a friendly, outgoing person who likes meeting and talking with new people in Spanish and English. Marketing through direct connection with the community will be critical to this job. In addition, the Director will have to be flexible. Running this business will be a dynamic task, and each day will be filled with a variety of duties, including talking with customers and making them feel comfortable, managing a staff, completing company reports, training and assisting the tellers with their duties, and supervising the day-to-day store operations. You will likely spend time outside of the store visiting business and community partners and seeking input from the community on needed products and services. The Director will be responsible for increasing the business’s profitability through growth while insuring customer satisfaction and fulfillment of the mission.

This is an exciting opportunity to participate in the cutting-edge field of social entrepreneurship in the equally evolving financial services industry. The Director should think from his/her first day about innovative products and services to provide in addition to check cashing and remittances, provided they further its profitability as well as its mission. The Director will also be responsible for setting the tone in the store, so that customers feel comfortable and trust that they are receiving transparent, secure, and efficient services.

Responsibilities
The Director will be responsible for:
· Marketing the CFFC to attract customers and earn community goodwill
· Implementing the grand opening of the CFFC
· Managing the day-to-day operations of the CFFC, creating a friendly atmosphere while providing transparent, secure, efficient service.
· Managing at least one full-time teller and possibly several part-time tellers
· Completing in a timely fashion all corporate and financial record-keeping
· Ensuring the proper legal and ethical provision of services
· Consulting and reporting to the Management Board regularly and whenever concerns arise

Required Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree from accredited 4-year college, with degree in business, finance, or related field
· 1 year experience with check cashing or remittances services industry
· Experience in customer service
· Experience in marketing and advertising
· Prior management or supervisory experience
· Strong organizational skills
· Fluent speaker and writer in Spanish and English
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Strong knowledge of business accounting and financial statements
· Ability to work weekends and accommodate a fluctuating schedule
· Must be able to multi-task in a fast paced professional environment
· Excellent work ethic
· Good computer skills
· Reliable transportation to be used daily
· Professional experience and conduct

Preferred Qualifications
· Masters in Business Administration or related graduate degree
· Commitment to financial stability and growth of low-income communities
· Familiarity with political and socio-economic dynamics of low-income communities, particularly immigrants, in Maryland and the US
· Familiarity with Wheaton, MD, its residents, and its businesses.
[1] LEDC’s mission is to improve the wealth-building capacity of low- and moderate-income Latinos and other underserved communities in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Federal Procurement Forum on 6/30/09

NAMGC Partners With CACI To Present "Federal Procurernent Forum"

Program Description:
The National Association of Minority Government Contractors (NAMGC) in conjunction with
the CACI Corporation will facilitate a panel discussion related to management and acquisition
policy trends.

Program Obiective:
In light of a new Administration, Government Contractors are eager to stay abreast of changes in policy and programs impacted by the stimulus dollars. As a result, a meaningful discussion will
be centered on the management and acquisition policy forecast for 2009 and beyond. Key topics
discussed will include the federal acquisition workforce, the danger of over-regulating the
govemment market and what we can expect from the current Administration. This discussion
will also include GSA's plans to leverage its contracts and acquisition services to assist agencies
in meeting their stimulus goals. Find out what this means for you as a GSA contractor or
customer.

Guest Speakers:
Shaunta P. Johnson, Director, Small Business Utilization Center, GSA
Tyree Varnado, Deputy commissioner, Federal Acquisition service, GSA
Eugene Cornelius, Deputy Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

Program Logistics:
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2009
Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Location: CACI Headquarters, 4ll4 Legatto Road, Fairfax, VA

Registration Fees:
-Corporate Table (10 attendees, Corporate logo will be placed in Program Brochure) $ 600
-Individual Re gistration $ 75
-NAMGC Members $ 20

NAMGC Contact Information:
Alpha Roberts, President NAMGC,
(202) 510-6431 alpharoberts@namgc.org

“RIDE IT OUT - Assessing Your Career During An Economic Crisis Discussion”

Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA), National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) and Network of South Asian Professional (NETSap) present:

“RIDE IT OUT - Assessing Your Career During An Economic Crisis Discussion”

This panel discussion will give you the opportunity to assess your career during these tough economic times. Questions that will be addressed: "What do I need to do to preserve my current position?""What skills are critical to prepare me for my next role?""What type of companies are hiring?"Panelists will represent a broad range of industries and companies. Following the panel discussion, join representatives from local companies at a reception to learn about opportunities at their corporations. Thursday, July 9th, 2009, 6 pm – 9 pmGWU Marvin Center – Room 307
801 21st Street, NW
Washington DC 20052
Event is Metro Accessible: Foggy Bottom (orange line)

Cost: FREE

6-7pm - Registration/Networking7-8pm - Presentation8-9pm - Recruiting/Networking
Light hors d'oeurves and beverages will be provided.
Please RSVP at events@washingtondc.alpfa.org

To become an ALPFA member please click here: www.alpfa.org

Women Rock! Event

Prudential presents the Women Rock! Event

What: A WomenRock! event shows you easy and practical ways to help improve your financial well-being and your health. Sponsored by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, get the knowledge and tools you need to help make smart decisions using insurance and financial products, in a supportive and interactive environment. Special guest speaker will be Dr. Pamela Peeke- "The Doc who walks the talk".

When: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 5:30pm- 9:00pm

Where: Sewall-Belmont House & Museum,
144 Constitution Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002

To RSVP: Call 703-336-5310 Ext. 3004 or e-mail stephanie.rivas@prudential.com

Congratulations 2009 Washington DC Women of ALPFA Committee!

On May 27th, 2009, ALPFA-DC hosted our 5th Annual ALPFA Women of ALPFA (WOA) event Getting Noticed and Making the Right Connections: Tools for the Current Crisis at the Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel. A panel of successful women composed by Inez Gonzalez, Vice President of Media Policy for the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC); Maria Elena Campisteguy, Executive Vice President/Principal at Metropolitan Group; Raina Rose Tagle, Partner at Beers & Cutler; Tujuanna Williams, Senior Director of Diversity at Freddie Mac; and Julia Howell Barros Chief Development Officer at CentroNía provided their insights on the arts of networking and building and maintaining relationships to an audience of approximately 100 attendees.

Feedback from attendees was extremely positive. Attendees were able to obtain very valuable tools while enjoying listening to excellent speakers that made the event fun while sharing honestly their experiences.

The lead organizers included Chapter President, Luisa Fernandez (Alvarez and Marsal Taxand), Marie Ruiz (Freddie Mac), Gabriela Silva (Freddie Mac), Maria Landesman (PWC), Rita Ayllon (Freddie Mac), and Camila Lorca (Gurman). They were supported by the other members of the ALPFA-DC Board of Directors. Special thanks to Mike Munoz (First Citizen’s Bank), who summarized the take-away messages and provided closing remarks. Some of the take-away messages included:

• Networking occurs at any time and all the time, not just at business functions.


• Get involved in an organization (professional, community service, etc) with a mission that you are passionate about.


• Bring someone with you to networking events.


• Asking people about themselves or for advice are good conversation starters.


• At networking events, listen to conversations to determine when to join-in.


• Prepare yourself before an event. Think about "POP" (Purpose, Outcome, Process). What's the purpose of going to the event? What's the outcome you want? How are you going to do it?


• Write when and where you meet a person and any facts that you learned through the conversation on the back of the business cards. It will be useful when contacting the person to remind him/ her about you.


• Follow-up with new contacts and maintain the ones you have.


• Leverage social online media.


• Find mentors that can help you in your career. Value their time and their experience.


• Above all, have fun.

Intel Corporation seeks a Sr. Media Relations Manager

Hello,

Please see the job posting compliments of Geni Zesati-Hill, ALPFA Phoenix Chapter President. Thanks Geni!!

Job Title: Sr. Media Relations Manager

Intel's Global Communications Group's Reputation & Policy team has a charter of creating a climate of opinion favorable to Intel and lifting our corporate reputation and profile with opinion leaders and policy elites.

We are currently seeking highly qualified candidates for a Senior Media Relations Manager opportunity to be located in our Washington DC office. They will be responsible for executing the media strategy of this corporate reputation and thought-leadership plan for the Washington DC media target audience. With this position you will have the opportunity to interact with the Washington DC media environment as well have high visibility with Intel's senior leadership.

Responsibilities include:

* Gain thorough understanding of Washington DC media environment and forge relationships with senior editors and reporters. Influence positive features and coverage for Intel.
* Employ social media strategies to encourage a regular dialogue on important policy issues between Intel, media influencers and policy elites.
* Build relationships with critical internal policy partners and Intel executives and maximize positive exposure of our executive spokespersons with key DC media.
* Work successfully with cross-site team of Intel Global Communications managers, agency and media partners and Intel DC policy office.

ONLY CANDIDATES WITH THE STATED "MUST HAVE SKILLS" OUTLINE BELOW WILL BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED

MUST HAVE SKILLS:
* MS (preferred)/BS in Public or Media Relations, Communications or Journalism.
* 7+ years of Public/Media Relations experience and someone who has built and established relationship with Sr Editor, Sr Writers/Reporters with the reputable and major media outlet players in the Washington DC area.

NICE TO HAVE SKILLS:
* Experience with policy or issue related PR/Media

If interested send resume to contact below.

Regards, Geni Zesati-Hill
Geni.zesati-hill@intel.com
Intel Corporation- HR-Staffing
President of ALPFA Phoenix Chapter - Assoc. of Latino Professionals in Finance & Accounting
Office# 480-554-5681
Cell# 602-317-7179

ICE Financial Manager (Deputy Director) Position

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency is searching a qualified individual to fill a Financial Manager (Deputy Director) position in its Office of the Chief Financial Officer in Burlington, VT. If you are qualified, act now! The position closes on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. You may search and apply for this and other positions using the links below:

If you are a current / former Federal employee or qualifying veteran
Job announcement number: DAL-CFO-249629-MP-JJJ
Job ID number: 1522509

If you are a U.S. citizen
Job announcement number: DAL-CFO-249630-DEU-JJJ
Job ID Number: 1522546


* You will be required to login to your account on USAJobs. If you do not have a USAJobs account, you will be required to create one and post your online resume before you can apply for this position.

Women of ALPFA Deloitte Essay Challenge

Students of ALPFA:

The goal of the Women of ALPFA Student Essay Contest is to increase awareness among female students on the professional nature of accounting, finance, and business fields. It is aimed to encourage research and critical thinking skills and recognition of the need for strong communication skills.

I encourage you to participate in this program as it serves to advance and publicize ALPFA and Deloitte's mission of continuing to develop new women minority leaders through programs that nurture and promote individual, academic, and professional growth as well as improve communities nationally.

WOA Deloitte Essay Challenge
Adversity to Advantage: Roadmap To Success You have been given the opportunity to lead on a new team project to develop a strategic plan for more diversity in the company. Before you can even begin, some team members express doubt that a younger person can handle the lead position. How do you handle your team, and demonstrate your leadership skills in the way you tackle the project? As a Latina, are there experiences from your background that might help or hinder you?
Total Scholarship Fund: $1250Winner will be announced in early May.Winner will also receive complimentary convention registration, airfare, and accommodations to the ALPFA Annual Convention in Boston.Scholarship award will be presented at the Deloitte Women of ALPFA luncheon on August 9th, 2009.
Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an ALPFA Member
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in the United States or Puerto Rico
• Must be currently attending full-time an accredited four-year university/college in the U.S. or Puerto Rico or a community college with intent to transfer to a four-year university/college for the 2009-2010 academic year
• Must be pursuing an undergraduate or master's degree in business, finance or accounting
• Must have earned and maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Response Essay Required as part of application
  

Completed application should be postmarked by Thursday, April 30th, 2009 and sent directly to:
ALPFA
Attn: Women of ALPFA Student Essay Contest
801 S. Grand Ave, Suite 650
Los Angeles, CA 90017

See further criteria and information at http://www.alpfa.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=2134

ALPFA-DC represented at Latino Economic Summit

Mr. Michael Muñoz is a member of ALPFA-DC's Law & Advocacy Committee and summarized the event as follows:

March 31, 2009 marked an historic day for Latino leadership as Hispanic leaders from across the country were invited to participate in The Latino Economic Summit; an event spearheaded by a collaboration of Wal-Mart, Impacto, and Latino Magazine. With over 175 attendees, the event featured representation from corporate America as well as media, business and former and current government leaders. Featured speakers included former Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Augustine Martinez- CEO USHCC, Ms. Aida Alvarez – Former Administrator of the US SBA, and Gene Sperling – Counselor to Treasury Sec. Timothy Geithner, to name a few. In addition, a host of Latino entrepreneurs successfully navigating through the recession introduced their companies and discussed their strategies for success.

The prevailing themes from the conference included:

• Stimulating the flow of credit for small businesses representing the largest employers in the US and in particular in the Latino community.


• Being innovative and willing to collaborate in today’s challenging environment. Former Sec. Gutierrez described the state of the economy as “fragile” but also noted that out of adversity has always spawned opportunity for new relationships and partnerships.


• Maria Cardona of Latinovations noted the need for Latinos to be united in reference to much of the partisan politics taking place on Capitol Hill.


• Continue to promote the education initiative for Latino children

Change the the Federal Tax Administration System. Become a Taxpayer Advocacy Panelist

The mission of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) is to listen to taxpayers, identify taxpayers’ issues, and make suggestions to improve IRS service and customer satisfaction.

TAP is looking to identify prospective volunteer Panel members. The Panel needs a diverse group of civic-minded individuals who can make a personal commitment to volunteer approximately 300 to 500 hours a year, and have a desire to help improve IRS customer service. To ensure a successful Panel, it is also essential to achieve good representation from the various professional, ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds across the nation.

You are encouraged to apply for Panel membership by submitting a TAP application through April 30, 2009 deadline. Note that the application must be received by April 30, 2009 to qualify. If you know someone interested in applying for a TAP opening, please refer that individual to the website www.improveirs.org <http://www.improveirs.org/> or the TAP toll-free line at 1-888-912-1227 to request an application.

The Department of the Treasury, the IRS, and the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel are committed to creating the most user-friendly, customer-oriented tax administration system possible. We are looking forward to fulfilling the TAP vision: “Citizen volunteers valued for improving IRS services”. With your help, we can make that happen. Please call the TAP toll-free line for additional information.

The ALPFA/HCF Scholarship Program Begins continues to accept Applications.

To accommodate schools’ spring schedules, ALPFA has extended the deadline until April 15, 2009.

ALPFA offers scholarships to students, in the US or Puerto Rico, who are pursuing studies in Accounting, Finance, or Business related fields.
The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage those students who have demonstrated academic excellence to continue pursuing their professional careers. Over the past 3 years,

ALPFA has awarded students over $457,000 in scholarship money

Application:

While membership is not required, please note that preference is given to those applicants who are current ALPFA student members.ALPFA offers scholarships to students, in the US or Puerto Rico, who are pursuing studies in Accounting, Finance, or Business related fields. The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage those students who have demonstrated academic excellence to continue pursuing their professional careers.

Freshman through senior students are eligible. However, please note that freshmen who apply need to be already enrolled in college and have college curriculum (transcript-verifiable GPA) under their belts. This program is not open to students who are currently in high school and will be entering college next Fall. Community college students that plan to transfer to a 4 yr. college/university for Fall ‘09 are also eligible.

Please note that the top 50 students selected will be invited to attend ALPFA’s National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts (August 8-12, 2009) with convention registration, airfare, and lodging expenses paid for by ALPFA.

For more information and to access the scholarship application go to http://www.alpfa.org/, http://www.alpfawashingtondc.org/, or email Communications@washingtondc.alpfa.org.

Frances Garcia Named HispanicBusiness Manazine 2009 Woman of the Year

ALPFA-DC congratulates our founding member Frances Garcia on being named 2009 Woman of the Year by HispanicBusiness Manazine! This recognition of her leadership and dedication to our community was announced on April 2, 2009 and featured prominently in the April 2009 edition of the magazine. The magazine contains a nice article on Frances and her accomplishments. Visit http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/2009/4/2/alpfa_member_and_cofounder_of_the.htm for the announcement and http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/2009/4/1/2009_woman_of_the_year_frances.htm for the accompanying article.

2009 Women of ALPFA Event Announced

Educational Workshop Hosted by NSHMBA

In response to current economic challenges, many professionals are considering going back to school to acquire new skills and enhance their competitive edge. The National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) is hosting an MBA workshop on April 2, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. All the major business schools of the DC metropolitan area will be represented at this workshop to showcase their educational programs.

The workshop will take place at The Johns Hopkins University’s Dupont Circle Campus. ALPFA-DC members and friends are invited to attend. For more details, a flier is available at: http://www.nshmba.org/email/washingtondc/040209event.htm

ALPFA-DC Represented in Tax Assistance Event

On Saturday, March 21, 2009, Noel Nazario, ALPFA-DC Director of Communications, represented our Chapter at the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at the Falls Church, VA SkillSource Center. Mr. Nazario helped by translating for Spanish speakers having trouble communicating with volunteer tax preparers. This event coincided with the IRS’s Super Saturday tax assistance event where approximately 250 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC) and hundreds of community-based free tax help sites nationwide opened their doors to assist people who earn $42,000 or less and others having problems paying their taxes.

Tax assistance is provided at the Falls Church SkillSource Center on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is great need for Spanish speakers that can assist with translation. ALPFA-DC is organizing a group of volunteers that will come to the Falls Church SkillSource Center on April 4 from 9am to 11:30 am. Both translators and IRS-certified tax preparers are needed. If you are interested in participating please write to Communications@washingtondc.alpfa.org and write VITA on the subject line.

During the event, we also learned about the following:
-- The Fifth Annual MEGA Job Fair & Entrepreneurship Expo will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Fairfax County Government Center. The Center is located at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035. For more information, please call 703-533-5754.
-- The organization Our Daily Bread is offering a 6-week financial education program. This program takes place during 6 Tuesday evenings, from on April 14 through May 19, 2009. The location is the Falls Church Human Services Building at 6245 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. There is a nominal charge of $10.00 to cover administrative costs and materials. If interested, please contact Our Daily Bread at 703-273-8829.

ALPFA Career Center

ALPFA and iHispano.com are working together to provide Hispanic professionals with career opportunities from the nation's premier employers. In the last week, ALPFA's Career Center has received over 2,300 new job postings. With almost 600,000 newly unemployed people last month, competition for new job opportunities is strong. Part of ALPFA's mission is to provide members with access to new job opportunities and robust career enhancement tools. As Fortune 1000 companies come out of this economic downturn, they are posting their career opportunities on ALPFA's Career Center because of the quality of our members and the fine quality of the candidates on our site.

Don't let these opportunities pass you by, login to the Career Center and click on Job Search now to find your next great career opportunity. If you're not actively seeking employment right now, you can prepare for uncertain times by setting up a Job Agent now. A Job Agent is a personalized, automated job hunting tool that searches ALPFA's database every day for new postings that meet your desired location and industry criteria. When matches are found, our Job Agent forwards you those job announcements by e-mail. To enable your Job Agent, click on Manage Job Agent on your Job Seeker homepage.

CNC Honors Velazquez and Diaz-Balart

On March 11, 2009 ALPFA-DC Board members Angela De Jesus and Noel Nazario (KPMG) attended the Cuban-American National Council’s (CNC) Hispanic Leadership Celebration honoring Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL). The Cuban American National Council (CNC) is a non-profit organization providing human services to persons in need from all racial and ethnic groups. CNC assists individuals to become self reliant, and builds bridges among America’s diverse communities. (http://www.cnc.org/)

Guarione M. Diaz, President and CEO Cuban-American National Council and Alicia Díaz, Director Legislative Policy & Government Relations welcomed everyone and introduced the honorees. Congresswoman Velázquez and Congressman Diaz-Balart recognized the CNC’s achievements, particularly in providing affordable housing and supporting the education of
Hispanic students at risk.

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (pictured here with Mr. Nazario) has represented New York's 12th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives since 1993. Congresswoman Velázquez, the first Puerto Rican woman to be elected to Congress, is the first Hispanic woman to serve as Ranking Democratic Member of the House Small Business Committee. She oversees federal programs and contracts totaling $200 billion dollars annually. She also serves on the House Financial Services Committee and is the current chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. (http://www.house.gov/velazquez/)

In her remarks, Congresswoman Velázquez said that there has been "no better time to be a Latino in this country" and added that there is now a record of 24 Hispanics in Congress and that 10 million Hispanics voted in the last election. In the midst of these positive developments many problems still remain. Of the 47 million uninsured in the US, one third are Hispanics and the school drop-out rate of Hispanics is twice that of the general population. She also said our immigration system is broken and called for reform and an end to the immigration raids.

Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart has represented Florida's 21st Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives since 1993. In 1994, Congressman Diaz-Balart became the first Hispanic to be named to the powerful House Rules Committee, which decides what legislation may reach the House Floor and what amendments may be debated. Congressman Diaz-Balart is a senior member of the House Rules Committee and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process. (http://diaz-balart.house.gov/)

In his remarks, the Congressman praised the work of the CNC and thanked them for their impact in areas such as Little Havana and Hialeah. He also noted he had visited the low-income housing developed by the CNC and seen first hand the impact it has made in many lives.

Just Announced "Women of ALPFA" Event

ALPFA-DC announces our 2009 Women of ALPFA (WOA) event. This event is part of the National WOA program and is one of our Chapter's premier events. As in previous years, Prudential will be the lead sponsor of this event. While WOA is oriented towards the development of women as leaders, this is an inclusive event and all are welcome. Save the date and stay tuned for further details. If you are not an ALPFA-DC member and are not on our Friends of ALPFA mailing list, please send your contact information to Communications@washingtondc.alpfa.org with "WOA Mailing List" in the subject line.

Getting Noticed and Making the Right Connections: Tools For The Current Crisis
Date: Wednesday, May 27th
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Renaissance Washington DC Hotel
Address: 999 9th St NW / Washington, DC 20001
Metro: Chinatown/Gallery Place

ALPFA-DC Represented at Congressional Hispanic Caucus Roundtable

Luisa Fernandez, ALPFA-DC President, participated in a roundtable meeting hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) on March 10, 2009 on Capitol Hill. At this roundtable over 50 national Latino advocacy groups presented their concerns and legislative priorities for the 111th Congress. The morning’s discussion provided an opportunity to discuss how the Hispanic advocacy community can best address the challenges facing this country’s 47 million Latinos and further strengthen Hispanics nationwide. Today’s event is the first and most comprehensive roundtable, preparing for a series of more narrow roundtables centered around particular topics varying from the census, healthcare, and veterans’ issues to ensuring Latinos are included in the emerging green economy.

For more details, you can read the full text of the CNC’s press release at http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ca38_napolitano/morenews/pr031009.html

Joint NABA – BMBA Meeting

In February, our Chapter Vice President, Jason Howell attended the 4th Annual joint General Body Meeting of the National Association of Black Accountants (http://www.nabametrodc.org/) and National Black MBAs (http://www.dcbmbaa.org/home.htm). The event was held at the Vienna, VA offices of PricewaterhouseCoopers (http://www.pwc.com/) and hosted over 100 attendees for the panel discussion "In My New America: Am I Living the Dream?" Panelists that included recruiters, a congressional staffer, a lawyer and PwC Director lead a discussion that centered on what President Barack Obama's election means to minorities. It was a spirited discussion that led to controversial topics surrounding race and professionalism in America. This topic elicited a lively and enlightened discussion involving the presenters and audience members in an environment where all opinions were valued and respected.

ALPFA-DC looks forward to continued participation in events such as this to further relations with other diversity groups in the Washington, DC Metro area.

Young Hispanic Leader Program In Spain!

The annual Young Hispanic Leaders Program offers an exciting opportunity for U.S. citizens of Hispanic origin with ages between 28 and 38 and good knowledge of Spanish. The program was founded in 1998 at the initiative of the U.S.-Spain Council (a private forum to enhance relations between the two countries). It is sponsored by the Fundación Carolina, the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo, and the collaboration of the Fundación José Ortega y Gasset. The objective of this program is to expose future Hispanic leaders from the United States to Spain’s political, economic, social and cultural environment. Since its founding, close to 150 young U.S. citizens of Hispanic origin have been chosen in a competitive selection process to participate in this program. This year the program will take place from June 13 – 21. If interested, please visit http://www.joveneslidereshispanos.com/.

Job Market

Hello! I hope you have enjoyed the taste of Spring we have had this last week. As you know, financial news continue to be bleak and lots of people are looking for jobs. Lucky for us the job market in the DC area is fairly resilient. From time to time ALPFA-DC sponsors, members, and friends let us know about opportunities for our members. I will try to pass along that information to the extent possible.

Here is my job tip for the day:
United States Department of State
Announcement No: FMO-09-01
Opening Date: February 09, 2009
Closing Date: March 13, 2009
Position Title: FOREIGN SERVICE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OFFICER
http://careers.state.gov/specialist/opportunities/finmgt.html

Good Luck!
--The Blogger

ALPFA’s Annual Scholarship Program

Washington, DC, January 29, 2009 -- The ALPFA Annual Scholarship Program runs from December 15, 2008 through March 15, 2009 and many scholarship opportunities are still available. While membership is not required, please note that preference is given to those applicants who are current ALPFA student members.

ALPFA offers scholarships to students, in the US or Puerto Rico, who are pursuing studies in Accounting, Finance, or Business related fields. The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage those students who have demonstrated academic excellence to continue pursuing their professional careers. Over the past 3 years, ALPFA has awarded students over $457,000 in scholarship money.

Freshman through senior students are eligible. However, please note that freshmen who apply need to be already enrolled in college and have college curriculum (transcript-verifiable GPA) under their belts. This program is not open to students who are currently in high school and will be entering college next Fall. Community college students that plan to transfer to a 4 yr. college/university for Fall ‘09 are also eligible.

Please note that the top 50 students selected will be invited to attend ALPFA’s National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts (August 8-12, 2009) with convention registration, airfare, and lodging expenses paid for by ALPFA.

For more information go to http://www.alpfa.org/, http://www.alpfawashingtondc.org/, or email Communications@washingtondc.alpfa.org.

2009 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

KPMG Building, Washington, DC, Jan 28, 2009 -- The roads were icy and in typical DC-fashion the TV News had hyped the “emergency” enough. Still, a hardy, group of ALPFA-DC members and guests gathered at the Dupont Circle offices of KPMG to network over sandwiches and cookies and hear a VITA presentation. Elsa Luis from Fairfax County spoke to the group to introduce the VITA Program.

Through a coalition of libraries, faith and community-based groups, public agencies, and businesses, the VITA Program is dedicated to helping low-income individuals and families prepare their tax returns at no cost. VITA evolved from a program run by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees to a volunteer-based program. Like most of us would, a significant number of people that qualify for this program (currently for incomes under $42,000) do not feel at ease speaking directly to an IRS employee for tax assistance. Using volunteers has proven to be a better way to reach out to the community.

Tax centers at multiple locations need volunteers to welcome and screen tax filers and for tax preparation. Bi-lingual volunteers, in particular, are in great need. Tax preparers must be certified by the IRS. Certification materials are available on the IRS website (http://www.irs.gov/; search for “Link and Learn”) along with program overview and study materials. As an incentive, Ms. Luis is willing to work with companies and groups, such as ALPFA, to bring the training to them. Less experienced tax preparation volunteers are paired with others that are more experienced and there is always a second review to verify the accuracy of the tax forms prior to filing. IRS-certified VITA volunteers receive liability protection and, if needed, the program provides follow-up assistance.

In the past, ALPFA has worked with Fairfax County and CentroNia in Washington, DC. Among those attending this event, Carlos Probus and Valerie Green had been VITA volunteers in the past and spoke of their experience. Carlos, a member of the ALPFA-DC Board of Directors, participated last year in Northern Virginia. Valerie, will be participating for the second year at the Martin Luther King Library in Washington, DC. Valerie strongly encouraged everyone to participate and added that she is not a tax professional and if she could pass the certification exam, everyone else could too.

Thanks go to Edgar Jimenez for coordinating, Ms. Elsa Luis for her presentation and her efforts in the community, and KPMG for hosting this event. For more information, please visit the IRS website or the Fairfax County VITA website (http://nvacash.org/vita/). To request training at your work place, please contact Ms. Luis at elsa.luis@fairfaxcounty.gov. ALPFA is planning to host a certification event and participation days, if you are interested, please send email to Communications@washingtondc.alpfa.org.

Thank you!

The generous donations collected among the attendees to last Friday's ALPFA-DC Post Holiday event at Freddie Mac totaled $157.00! This collection will benefit La Clinica del Pueblo in Washington, DC.

ALPFA-DC Post Holiday Event

The traditional winter holidays a came and went. The Nation installed a new President and celebrated it grandly. Last Friday was ALPFA-DC’s turn and we had a fantastic post-holiday celebration. The event was hosted by Freddie Mac at its McLean, VA facilities and over 50 ALPFA-DC members and friends participated. This was a lively event with live music, warm appetizers, and cold beverages.

Attendees included several University of Maryland students and a good number of faces I had not seen in a while. It was a great opportunity to introduce our Chapter to potential new members and catch-up with old friends. A number of attendees also had the opportunity to meet with Freddie Mac recruiters to discuss job opportunities. Best of luck to all of them!

Thank you to Kia Silver, John Stickeler, and the rest of the Freddie Mac recruiting team for the hard work and for helping us make this event a successful one. Also special thanks to ALPFA-DC Board members Marie Ruiz, Gabriela Silva, and Camila Lorca for planning the event and coordinating with Freddie Mac.

Next-up: 2009 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Presentation, January 28, 2009. Location: KPMG Building (room 6000), 2001 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (Dupont Circle Metro). Please RSVP by January 26, 2009 to Events@washingtondc.alpfa.org

Presidential Inauguration Week

This has already been a very eventful week and it is just the beginning! On Sunday, January 18, 2009, several members of your ALPFA-DC Board of Directors (BoD) attended the 2009 Latino Inaugural Gala at beautiful Union Station in Washington, DC. ALPFA was one of the co-hosts of this star-studded event, which was a who’s who of Latino leadership in the United States. Politicians, celebrities, leaders in government, industry, and civil rights, and many other hard-working Latinos that call America their country came together to celebrate the success of their on-going efforts.
In addition to important messages from some of the leaders participating, there was plenty of excitement over the presence of celebrities and performers including Edward James Olmos, Rosario Dawson, Wilmer Valderrama, Rosie Perez, David Archuleta, Paulina Rubio, Alejandro Sanz, Marc Anthony, and Jennifer Lopez. (See the video clip courtesy of ALPFA-DC Friend Mary Sanderson. Latino Inaugural Gala)
The 2009 Latino Inaugural Gala was co-hosted by: the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), Democratic National Committee (DNC) Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO), National Council of La Raza (NCLR), and Voto Latino. The event was made possible through the support of twenty-four corporate sponsors led by AT&T and Western Union and twenty-four other Latino organizations.

While celebrating President Obama’s historic achievement, Edward James Olmos reminded us that our community’s renewed sense of hope arose from our own efforts and was not given to us. This event went a long way to re-energize our commitment on a week that celebrates America’s political and social change. On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, we witnessed with millions of Americans and many foreign visitors, people of all races, backgrounds, and creeds, the historic inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barak Obama. The feeling of being surrounded by so many and feeling excited and humbled by the significance of this event was extraordinary. The President’s call to action rings in our ears and motivates us to keep striving to achieve our common goals and help make America a better place.After these great events, one more stop for celebration comes along the way. On Friday, January 23, 2009, Freddie Mac is hosting the ALPFA-DC Post Holiday Party. There will be live music and refreshments; check our website (http://www.alpfawashingtondc.org/) for details. If “change” is in your mind, do not miss this opportunity. Freddie Mac is now hiring experienced professionals seeking opportunities in Internal Audit, Accounting & Finance, Internal Controls, IT Risk Management, Six Sigma, and other areas. If qualified, submit your resume now to Kia_Silver@freddiemac.com for consideration!We are on our way to a great year! The challenges are many, but Latinos have the talent and energy it will take to move the Country forward. Let’s continue to work hard to strengthen our voice.

Welcome to The ALPFA-DC Informer!

We are new at this so please bear with us while we learn the ropes. Our goal is to open up a new communications channel to maintain you, our members, current on what’s happening with our Chapter. 2008 was a remarkable year in many respects, not all of them positive. Happily, our Chapter had some great successes in 2008. These included supporting the greater community through participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and making donations to Centro NIA and La Clinica del Pueblo, providing personal and professional growth opportunities through our outstanding Women of ALPFA leadership program, hosting guest speakers and providing continued professional education (CPE) credits, co-hosting Career Night events with our corporate sponsors to bring job opportunities to our members, hosting social events to facilitate networking among our members, and representing the Chapter in national ALPFA events such as the ALPFA National Convention in Phoenix, AZ.

The Chapter’s new Board of Directors (BoD) closed 2008 with three important events: our participation in the ALPFA Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, a meeting with Chris Simmons, Managing Director for PricewaterhouseCoopers, and a meeting with Manny Espinoza, ALPFA CEO. The Leadership Conference helped the new BoD come up to speed with the responsibilities of our new roles, establish personal contacts with other ALPFA Chapters, and learn from other Chapters and recognized Hispanic leaders. Our meeting with Chris Simmons, who also sits on the ALPFA Advisory Board, included several ALPFA DC BoD members and ALPFA co-founder Frances Garcia. The meeting was held at the Simmons’ elegant residence in McLean, VA. This was a unique opportunity to brainstorm and learn from these important business and Government leaders, which left us energized and challenged to put into action several initiatives in 2009, stay tuned! Finally, our meeting with Manny Espinoza helped us establish a stronger connection with the ALPFA National leader, which we hope will help us improve relations with our sponsors and give our Chapter more visibility in National initiatives.

2009 Outlook
The BoD has three main goals for 2009: to increase representation of the membership in our events, expand leadership opportunities for members at every academic and professional level, and increase our membership numbers. The desired membership increase includes attracting area students and helping sponsor student chapters. We can only achieve this with your active participation. Please contact the Events Committee if you are interested in volunteering. Some of the events planned for the next four months include:

January - Post-holiday celebration co-hosted by Freddie Mac. In addition to music, food, and drink, at this event you will have the opportunity to meet with Freddie Mac representatives to discuss job opportunities in Audit, Accounting & Finance, Internal Control, IT Risk Management, Six Sigma, etc. We are also planning a Financial Education event presented by Prudential.

February – ALPFA DC members will be helping community members needing help with tax preparation and filing through the 2009 VITA program in various locations. ALPFA members interested in volunteering should contact Edgar Jimenez (ejimenez@kpmg.com)

March – A second opportunity to participate in the 2009 VITA program.

April – Community service event at Bell Multicultural School in Washington DC. ALPFA members interested in volunteering should contact Edgar Jimenez (ejimenez@kpmg.com).

Details on these events will be provided on our ALPFA DC website (http://www.alpfawashingtondc.org/) and Evites will be sent to everyone on our members list and our Friends of ALPFA list as appropriate. Additional events will be announced soon!

Get Involved
We invite you to visit our DC Chapter website periodically. We will feature stories on ALPFA’s impact in the personal and professional lives of our members. We will initiate this series with stories by BoD members and we hope to soon expand this feature with stories by other members. Please submit your short (half page) narratives to the Communications Committee. Tell us why you joined ALPFA and/or what impact ALPFA made in your personal and/or professional life.

We are continuously looking for other ideas for new events and new volunteers interested in expanding their leadership skills and impact in the greater community. Please contact us at Communications@WashingtonDC.alpfa.org. Volunteers are needed in various committees at the Chapter-level.

Going Forward
Make a new resolution for 2009 to get involved and stay involved with ALPFA. Your DC ALPFA Chapter is open to all who share our goals and values and not limited to Latinos or to professionals directly involved in finance and accounting. Introduce us to your friends and colleagues, we want to meet them. Stay tuned for upcoming postings.

We wish everyone a great 2009!

Welcome to The ALPFA-DC Informer!

We are new at this so please bear with us while we learn the ropes. Our goal is to open up a new communications channel to maintain you, our members, current on what’s happening with our Chapter. 2008 was a remarkable year in many respects, not all of them positive. Happily, our Chapter had some great successes in 2008. These included supporting the greater community through participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and contributions to Centro NIA and La Clinica del Pueblo, providing personal and professional growth opportunities through our outstanding Women of ALPFA leadership program, hosting guest speakers and providing continued professional education (CPE) credits, co-hosting Career Night events with our corporate sponsors to bring job opportunities to our members, hosting social events to facilitate networking among our members, and representing the Chapter in national ALPFA events such as the ALPFA National Convention in Phoenix, AZ.