Campaign to create Smithsonian National American Latino Museum honors leading figure in U.S. Latino community

(Washington, DC) – Friends of the American Latino Museum (FRIENDS) announced today that among the honorees at the 2018 annual American Latino Influencer Awards (ALIAs) ceremony will be former United States Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez.

Secretary Gutierrez will be honored at the ceremony on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. The ceremony recognizes Latinos and Latinas who have had a lasting impact on our nation and whose stories are representative of the contributions of Latinos and Latinas throughout our history.

Secretary Gutierrez, born in Havana, Cuba, served as Secretary of Commerce from 2005 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. As secretary, he was instrumental in pushing for immigration reform and was a steadfast advocate for the importance of immigrants’ contributions to the economy. Prior to his confirmation, Secretary Gutierrez served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Kellogg Company – the youngest CEO in the company’s hundred-year history. He currently serves as the Chair of the National Foreign Trade Council and of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Cuba Business Council, and sits on the Boards of the Chamber’s U.S.-India Business Council, the Boao Forum for Asia, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, MetLife, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Viridis Learning, the George W. Bush Institute’s Human Freedom Advisory Council, and Republicans for Immigration Reform. He is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Meridian International Center and the co-Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategic advisory firm.

“Secretary Gutierrez has long been a champion and voice for the American Latino community,” said Estuardo Rodriguez, Executive Director at FRIENDS. “His story illustrates the lasting impact of Latino leaders in business and politics; we are grateful for his ongoing commitment and service to the nation. Stories of trailblazers like Secretary Gutierrez need a permanent home on the National Mall to educate and showcase Latino contributions in American history.”

“Carlos Gutierrez has been a leader in business, government, and the community,” said Danny Vargas, Chairman of the FRIENDS board. “He has been a personal role model to me and many others, and his life serves as an inspiration to all Americans.”

FRIENDS will be honoring Secretary Gutierrez at the ALIAs on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at The Intercontinental Hotel, 801 Wharf St., SW, Washington, D.C. 20024. To attend, purchase tickets for the event here.