Latinos are the nation ’ s largest and fastest growing minority group in the United States , and we make up about 15 % of the total U . S . population . It is being estimated that at least 9 million Latinos are expected to cast ballots this November , but that number could realistically go as high as 11 million .
I have heard it said that the Latino community in Florida is the “ key ” to this year ’ s presidential election . I have also heard it said that the I-4 corridor in specific which includes the areas of Tampa Bay , Lakeland and Metro Orlando are the actual key .
If any of the above is true , then we must take every opportunity that presents itself to educate ourselves with the person behind the slick political ads .
This is the biggest and most important presidential election of our time , and the issues for Hispanics are for the most part similar to that of the general population , but in addition , many Latinos are also concerned with immigration , the war , the housing crisis , unemployment , taxes , the economy , rising gas prices , health care and of course education .
Latin Times is proud to feature two very passionate Latinas , Angelette Aviles and Ana Cruz . These women have dedicated their time to educating the community on their political party AND encouraging Latinos to VOTE !
In addition to these one on one print interview ’ s , we will also be presenting a weekly video interview which you can view via our website or newsletter .
Ana Cruz
Principal Leaders Edge , LLC
Who is Ana Cruz ?
A
Tampa native , Ana Cruz , principal and founder of Leaders Edge , is no stranger to the demands of the fast-paced business and political worlds . For the past decade , Ms . Cruz has been extraordinarily successful in shaping the political landscape of the state and the nation .
Her career began in Tampa politics where her hometown roots date back four generations . Her local ties led her to manage a campaign for a state representative , which her expertise led to an overwhelming victory against an incumbent - not an easy task . Shortly thereafter , Ms . Cruz accepted a senior staff position with U . S . Senator Bill Nelson managing West Central Florida . Her tenure with Senator Nelson helped nurture her vast knowledge of the Central Florida and the state , as well as nurture lasting relationships with many local leaders .
She was handpicked in 2002 by Party Leaders to become the Executive Director of the Florida Democratic Party . Two years later , Ms . Cruz formed her own company , Leaders Edge , in her hometown of Tampa .
As the Principal of Leaders Edge , Ms . Cruz has a wide array of clients , including Fortune 500 companies , telecommunications , pharmaceutical and professional sports corporations . Ms . Cruz also serves as a consultant to political and issue campaigns across the state and nation and focuses much of her efforts in the Tampa , Tallahassee and Orlando metropolitan regions . Ms . Cruz and her team of professionals apply the fast-paced momentum of political campaign management to the demands of your dynamic corporate needs .
November 4th is just around the corner – PLEASE VOTE !
Angellete C . Aviles
Lead Genius Americas Marketing
Who is Angelette Aviles ?
Angelette Aviles , of Puerto Rican descent , was raised in Washington D . C . by a father who served as an Army officer working in the Pentagon and a mother who was an Editor of a trade association .
Aviles has provided much insight to what motivates Hispanics through her communications firm , Americas Marketing & Graphics , and through her various community and political affiliations . She is currently serving on the Hispanic Leadership Council of the Republican Party of Florida and County Chair for the McCain Hispanic Coalition . The Hispanic print and television media calls her upon as a respected source for commentary in regards to elections from a Republican perspective and has served the party or non-partisan efforts as a panelist .
In 2007 , Angelette was selected as one of six women and the first Hispanic to participate in a statewide yearlong leadership program called the Tillie Fowler Series ( a part of the national Excellence in Public Service Series ). She graduated from the scholarship-based program , once sponsored by the RNC , which encourages and prepares selected women leaders to seek new levels of involvement in government and politics . This program also provided a network source with access to political leaders responsible for candidate recruitment and appointments .
Angelette is able to put her partisan hat aside and participates in several organizations such as the HPWA and HYPE as well as a selected Board Member of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County . Her recent accomplishment is a bi-partisan joint effort , along with Evelyn Hale , called Hispanic Vision Forum , which provides encouragement and empowerment to the Hispanic community . continue next pages