Colombia RPCV Dr. Refugio I. Rochin promotes Cultural Understanding of U.S. Latinos
International Speaker and Leader in Education promotes Cultural Understanding of U.S. Latinos
Redondo Beach, CA (PRWEB) March 17, 2004 –Dr. Refugio I. Rochin, the prestigious author, scholar, administrator, fundraiser, social scientist, and leader in higher education has been inducted to the Latino Speakers Bureau. Dr. Rochin is currently the Executive Director of SACNAS, the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Latinos and Native Americans in Science.
Described by his audiences with terms such as dynamic, personable and imaginative, Dr. Rochin has been a trailblazer in U.S. Latino studies and cultural affairs, with a career that clearly speaks of leadership in research and policy issues affecting Latinos. He was the first Director of the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives, among many other achievements. He oversaw a variety of projects at the Smithsonian designed to increase awareness of the role and contributions of Latinos to the history and culture of the United States.
The biggest problem affecting the Latino community is the prevalence of bad information on Latino issues that cause negative stereotyping, he says. "I hope to bring awareness of the Latino community. I focus on the contributions, legacies and profiles of people in the Latino community in an effort to bring the issues more to the public. I think that just by doing that, stereotypes are broken down," Rochin explains.
Dr. Rochin is well known for his publications and lectures on Latino contributions to U.S. history, economic development, culture, arts, music and science. He has also worked abroad on projects for rural reform and economic development. He was part of the Nobel Laureate Team of Dr. Norman Borlaug, recognized for the so-called "Green Revolution" in Asia. Dr. Rochin’s international experience includes the Peace Corps in Colombia, the Ford Foundation in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Colombia, and consulting in the West Bank and Gaza, Egypt, South Korea, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and the Caribbean. His list of publications includes more than 100 articles in books, magazines, and professional journals. Recent books include: The Mexicanization of Rural California, 1998, (with Allensworth), and Voices of a New Chicana/o History, 2000, (Edited with D. Valdes).
His keynote conferences in English will include: "U.S. Chicanos and Latinos in U.S. Society: A Historical Perspective", "The Economics of Chicanos & Latinos in the U.S.", "The Role and Contribution of Latinos to U.S. Culture", "U.S. Latinos in the Arts & Culture", "Latinos in Science: Opportunities & Challenges for the Future" and the much awaited conference that deals with the topic of his new book, "Latino Patriots in Defense of America: From the American Revolution to Afghanistan and Iraq."
Dr. Rochin has been designated as one of "America's Top 100 Influential Hispanics," by Hispanic Business, Inc., and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Northeastern University, Boston in 2000. He is often quoted by the press on Latino issues and in 2002, was featured in the Latin American Times as Hispanic of the Week.
"The Latino Speakers Bureau continues its mission to unite internationally recognized Hispanic speakers who can share their knowledge through unique programs. We are honored to present Dr. Refugio Rochin as a Hispanic keynote speaker," says Leonor McCall-Rodriguez, President of the Bureau.
For additional information, bookings, demo videos and speaker kits, contact Leonor McCall-Rodriguez.
Latino Speakers Bureau is a division of Mira Promo, a California Hispanic Marketing agency with 20 years experience in marketing in the US and Mexico. Latino Speakers Bureau is a trademark property of Mira Promo, Inc.
