FRIENDS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO MAKES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDATION TO SMITHSONIAN REGENTS 

WASHINGTON—The Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino (FRIENDS) has made an important step in advancing its mission by making formal recommendations for the future National American Latino Museum’s Board of Trustees to the Smithsonian Board of Regents, the governing body of the Smithsonian Institution.

The 19 member Board of Trustees will be an integral part of the leadership, development and planning of the museum. The Trustees will advise the Smithsonian Regents on the planning, location, design and construction of the museum. With the formal announcement of the full slate of Trustees expected in June, the Trustees will also oversee the administration of the museum, fundraising and provide guidance on the acquisition of objects for the museum’s collections.

FRIENDS Chairwoman Lili Gil Valleta and President & CEO Estruardo Rodriguez made the submission to the Smithsonian Board of Regents.

“I envision a Board of Trustees that vividly reflects the fabric of America, a group made up of people who are Latino American and allies who have an affinity and respect for Latino heritage and culture. These esteemed individuals are trailblazers and business people, artists and artisans, history makers and activists, and men and women who live and breathe the core values of the American dream through their words and actions,” said Rodriguez.

The Smithsonian Board of Regents will make the final selection this spring. Specific persons recommended by FRIENDS have not been made public.

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