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Charm City's Top Latino Financial Conference Announces All-Star Line-up

BALTIMORE, May 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation and the Consular Section of the Mexican Embassy present a free, financial empowerment conference "Mi Dinero, Mi Destino" Saturday May 20 at the University of Baltimore.

Cónsul Rafael Laveaga and Deputy Cónsul Mariana Diaz of the Mexican Embassy's Consular Section will headline the event. Cónsul Laveaga will provide the keynote address.

The region's top financial event provides the Latino community with practical skills - in Spanish - that help shape critical personal finance decisions. Attendees will learn about budgeting and financial goal-setting, attaining homeownership, paying for college, entrepreneurship: making start-ups thrive and more! "Education and access to financial resources are critical tools needed to help eradicate poverty, said Cónsul Rafael Laveaga, Consular Section of the Mexican Embassy. "We've been delighted to partner with the Featherstone Foundation for three consecutive years."

Catalina Rodriguez-Lima, director of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs (MIMA), will discuss the creation of a special immigrant education and defense fund called Safe City Baltimore in collaboration with the Open Society Institute-Baltimore.

During a special awards ceremony, six talented Latino students will receive the inaugural Featherstone Latino College Scholarships, $2,000 merit-based awards as an incentive to increase Latino enrollment in higher education. "I created these scholarships to help eliminate financial barriers to higher education," said Lanaea C. Featherstone, president, William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation and OSI-Baltimore Fellow Alumna. "I'm thrilled to recognize Baltimore's young Latino talent." "The University of Baltimore was so pleased by the quality of scholarship applicants for this year's awards and is excited to assist the recipients on their way to a college degree," said Victoria Reid, vice president of enrollment management and marketing at the University of Baltimore.

The family-friendly event offers financial workshops organized by State Farm™. "State Farm is honored to support such a vital event that helps Baltimore's Hispanic families thrive," said State Farm Agent David Rosario. "Financial education is a critical component to a robust workforce and a vibrant economy; we are pleased to sponsor the event again this year."

"BGE is proud to work in partnership with the Featherstone Foundation to help develop and advance the skills and knowledge of adult learners. An educated workforce not only benefits the individual but also contributes to preparing them to compete in and contribute to the local and global economy," said Chimaobi Chijioke, manager of external affairs, BGE.

The conference is expected to attract 100 families; Girl Scouts of Central Maryland will also provide activities for children. Sponsors include: State Farm, BGE, the Consular Section of the Mexican Embassy, University of Baltimore and Howard Bank. The conference kicks off 10am on May 20 at the University of Baltimore's H. Mebane Turner Learning Commons:1415 Maryland Ave. Baltimore, MD 21201. 

SOURCE The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation

For further information: Lanaea Featherstone, 410-294-4055, lanaea@thefeatherstonefoundation.org