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On September 13, 2005, Allstate Insurance Company and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) recognized ten Hispanic youth leaders as winners of the Líderes de Hoy national essay contest, awarding them each a $5,000 academic scholarship. Among others, California Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; Marco Davis, Director of Leadership for the Center of Emerging Latino Leadership of NCLR; and Allstate Agent Giovanni Ramirez recognized the winners for their exceptional achievements and commitment to their community.

“With the Líderes de Hoy national essay contest, we are responding to a critical need for more Latino leaders by engaging young Latinos in leadership, community, and civic action,” said Marco Davis. The goal of the Center, he shared, is “to build a national Líderes network that supports and strengthens programs and organizations that develop Hispanic youth, like the Líderes de Hoy national essay contest winners, and empowers more Latino youth to become involved in their communities.”

Applicants of the national essay contest were asked to answer the question: “As a young leader, how have you been a catalyst for positive change and contributed to inspiring your community?” The essays were judged by a panel of high-profile leaders in the Hispanic community on the basis of commitment to community, exemplary leadership, and the promise to continue involvement in community and civic affairs. The ten winners were selected from more than 290 entrants from throughout the United States.
The winners of the 2005 Líderes de Hoy national essay contest are Nelson Araujo, Las Vegas, Nevada; Erik Casynn, Longmont, Colorado; Christian Contreras, Elmsford, New York; Janet Del Real, Modesto, California; Arthur Hernandez, Paradise, Texas; Esteban Hufstedler, Santa Ana, California; Shannon Marrero, Gainesville, Florida; Steven Parra, Los Angeles, California; Derek Rodrígues, Albany, Oregon; and Magdalena Rodríguez, Watsonville, California.

COMING SOON: NCLR will feature the ten winners! Please check the articles section and http://lideres.nclr.org/opportunities/national_essay_contest_/