Maryland’s Deputy Secretary of State Luis E. Borunda, the first Hispanic to serve in that role, provided remarks on behalf of the Governor at an event celebrating graduates in a new workforce program. “It was amazing to watch this American quilt of emerging leaders,” he said. Horizon Foundation program director Rosi Melendez was also present at the jobs ceremony and PNC’s Lourdes Montes-Greenan gave the keynote address.
“Partnerships like this one with the Featherstone Foundation allow us to diversify our workforce and be better equipped to serve our communities,” said Lourdes Montes-Greenan, vice president for community development banking, PNC. “Nowadays diversity is key for success in any industry; that’s why we have been very proud to support the Reaching New Heights program since its inception.”
Reaching New Heights, a workforce initiative led by the William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation is described as an economic engine that has provided underemployed and unemployed multicultural trainees with professional careers. Nearly 20 percent of all occupations may “require STEM knowledge and skill in at least one field,” says a report from the National Science Board.
“We serve as an incubator of bilingual talent and pipeline for employers to tap qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds,” said Lanaea C. Featherstone, CEO, Featherstone Foundation. “Employment is one of the most powerful economic vehicles that bolster communities.”
According to the foundation’s website, Featherstone College Scholarships have also been awarded to talented students through a partnership with Consular Section of Embassy of Mexico and the University of Baltimore.
The scholarship fund works to help increase Baltimore’s Latino enrollment and promote higher education. In September 2018, ten Latino students received $2,000 merit-based awards to attend the University of Baltimore. To date, 13 students have received $32,000 in awards.
The foundation’s workforce development partners include BB&T, Bank of America, Baltimore County Public Library, Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, PNC, State Farm and Wells Fargo.
The Reaching New Heights program is open to bilingual candidates who would like to pursue professional careers. Candidates were selected through a competitive application process for a 14-week workforce program; they received their certificates of completion February 23, 2019.
Commissioner of Financial Regulation Antonio P. Salazar, Maryland’s top financial regulator who oversees the 45 state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies with assets totaling over $300 billion, also provided congratulatory remarks to the Reach New Heights graduates.
Dwayne Redd, State Farm’s public affairs field specialist, unveiled its support of the foundation and announced a $20,000 grant to continue and further its community work.
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