DCA Graduates Class of 2009 Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program and Latino Leaders Fellowship Institute


TRENTON - The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) held its graduation ceremony today for the Class of 2009 Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program and the Latino Leaders Fellowship Institute at NJN studios.

"The dedication that these young men and women have shown to taking an active role in their community is a great example to New Jersey's young residents," said DCA Acting Commissioner Charles A. Richman. "I look forward to hearing about the success of the Class of 2009 and congratulate them on their accomplishments."

Two of the graduating interns, Noel Borges of Jersey City and Nayeli Salazar of Flanders, spoke on behalf of the graduating class.

The Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program and Latino Leaders Fellowship Institute is a ten-week summer program geared toward leadership and professional development. The program, which began in 1988, offers Hispanic college students the opportunity to work in a government, corporate or non-profit setting and participate in leadership training conducted by Rutgers University's Center for Strategic Urban Community Leadership.

"This summer's class are enrolled within 19 colleges and universities across the country and represent the diversity of the Hispanic community," said Angie Armand, Director of the DCA's Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD). "They are bright, motivated, skilled, and very talented."

Over the course of the program, interns are required to complete a project analyzing a policy topic of interest and its effect on the Latino community. This year's graduating class had 35 participants.

This year through the program, Isaac Lara and Sandra Nanita, both of Fair Lawn, each received $5,000 scholarships, sponsored by PSE&G. Additionally, Lauren Cruz of Bergenfield, Nallely Hiciano of North Bergen, Erika Rameriz of North Plainfield, Hector Villalobos of Guttenberg and Noel Borges of Jersey City, all received $3,000 scholarships, sponsored by Foundation for the CHPRD which is made up of various corporate entities.

More information on the Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program and Latino Leaders Fellowship Institute can be obtained by calling 609-984-3223, or by visiting   www.nj.gov/dca/chprd.

Hispanic Interns in Community Service Program and Latino Leaders Fellowship Institute

Class of 2009

Anthony Alicea

Milagro Alvarez-Ali

Kathrine Avila

Yanira Bello

Diana Blanco

Noel Borges

Irene Chacon

Carolina Chica

Lauren Cruz

Erica Diaz

Maria Estanislao

Nitza Gallardo-Rodriguez

Nallely Hiciano

Laura Hoyos

Gabriela Lachapel

Issac Lara

Mirelle Mariano

Sandra Nanita

Lucia Quiles

Neil Ramer

Erika Ramirez

Ricardo Reyes

Luz Rios

Bryan Rivera

Ismael Rivera

Alexander Rodriguez

Emily Rodriguez

Cindy Romero

Nayeli Salazar

Roger Salazar

Sully Soto

Stephanie Torres

Vanessa Trinidad

Stephanie Valladares

Hector Villalobos


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