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E-newsletter #7 - June 2008
Latest News from Robert Renteria

Congressman Foster endorses Barrio's message.
U.S. Congressman Bill Foster recently read From the Barrio to the Board Room, and also joined us at the Barrio Book Launch on April 25th in Aurora. Foster, a Democrat representing the 14th district of Illinois, was truly moved by the outpouring of warmth and support at the event and offered his own heartfelt endorsement of the book: “From the Barrio to the Board Room is an inspiring tale, bringing the quintessentially American story of triumph over economic and social adversity to a new generation.” Click here to see photos of Congressman Foster with me and my other guests at the launch.

Keynote invitation comes from Latino Caucus Foundation.
I’m excited to report that the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation has invited me to deliver the keynote address to between three and four thousand people at its 2008 Scholarship Dinner on December 4 in Rosemont. ILLCF was established to provide a strong voice and resource for the Illinois Latino population. This year’s theme is “La Presencia Latina: Influencing Change”. And THAT’s an idea I can wrap my heart and soul around!


Spanish language edition coming in September
We’ve had growing demand to translate From the Barrio to the Board Room into Spanish. Makes sense, right? Well, for those of you looking to read the book in Spanish, the good news is your wait will be over soon. The translation is in the works and we expect to have the Spanish edition available this September. Stay tuned for details or click here to receive an email notice from the publisher, Writers of the Round Table Press.

Hispanic Executive Quarterly gives me a feature.
I was excited when Hispanic Executive Quarterly contacted me to do a story about my business success. I’ve spent many years building WashPro USA, after climbing that broken ladder of corporate America. When the May issue came out recently, I was thrilled to see a four-page feature that also gave substantial coverage to From the Barrio to the Board Room! This magazine premiered last year, a testament to the growth of Hispanic business people achieving executive level positions!

See my Univision debut!
Thanks to my friends at Writers of the Round Table, I’ve got a new video. Catch it on my website and Univision now!



 

Check out my Facebook and MySpace pages.
My networks on MySpace and Facebook are growing daily. I’ve been making regular posts and sharing updates with my community. Stop by when you get a chance!

 



Community Connections
When I began writing my story, I had no idea the impact it would have on the people around me. I am getting daily requests to speak at, visit, and participate in a wide range of events. We all need to reach out and help as many people as we can. This is our legacy! Here are a few things I’m doing right now:

  • Opening introduction at the Family Focus at East Aurora High School. More than 350 people attended this uplifting event for all ages.
  • I spoke to students, parents, and teachers at the Waldo and Simmons Middle Schools in East Aurora. I’m told it was the largest turnout ever for such an event.
  • The Housing Authority of Elgin is hosting a Youth Rally on August 9th. The goal is to raise money to provide low-income youth with the necessary tools for school: supplies, eyeglasses, shoes, hygiene products, and backpacks. I’ve donated a laptop computer and 50 copies of my book, but will also be there to support this important cause!
  • Shout Out for Schools Student Rally took place in Chicago on June 10th. I joined area speakers, poets, and performers to take an anti-violence pledge with students. More than two dozen Chicago Public Schools students have been killed by gunfire in each of the past two years! We also want to encourage the Illinois legislature to step up and do more. Currently, state funding of schools in Illinois is far below the national average.
  • East Aurora High School junior Roberto Saenz is an honor student, musician, performer, and active community service volunteer. He set his sights on attending the 2008 Junior Statesman Summer Scholars Program at Princeton University, but needed $5,000 to attend. He had raised $3,000 but time was running out to get the balance. This young man has so much potential! I saw the fire in him and felt an immediate connection. I championed his cause to my colleagues at the Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation to contribute the remaining $2,000 to get Roberto to Princeton this summer!
  • B’s Boxing Club celebrated the grand opening of its new location. I’m a proud sponsor of this organization that is focused on building strength and teaching self-defense.

 

Let me say that there is not always enough money to go around for all of the requests, but we have to at least take the time and make an effort! I am trying to reach out to our teens and our at-risk youth, as well as anyone and everyone who is chasing the American dream! And it can happen, one child at a time. If you are interested in contributing to my efforts contact me here.

Do you have your copy yet???
From the Barrio to the Board Room is a must-have for all groups, schools, and businesses that need a tool to inspire and motivate anyone in need of guidance in finding their way. The story of my journey delivers a tool to battle young people at risk of alcohol and drug abuse, violence, abuse, gang involvement, and school drop-outs. I am using this book to change lives. Go to www.fromthebarrio.com for more information and to order books for yourself, your organization, school, or community. Help us change the world.

Buy From the Barrio to the Board Room now.

Our youth are facing tremendous struggles and difficult odds. School shootings and gang violence are affecting all of us. But this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to take a new path for the children we love in this country we love. Everyone deserves a fair shot at chasing the American Dream! I am prepared for this challenge. I am prepared to make a difference. Together we can change the world!

SPREAD THE WORD!
Please forward this email to your friends,
family, and colleagues so we can continue