The HNBA Announces the Creation of The HNBA Legal Education Fund

WASHINGTON, May 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Hispanic National Bar Association ("HNBA"), the national voice of the Hispanic legal community, announces the creation of The HNBA Legal Education Fund ("the Fund"), a nonprofit foundation that will support the educational and charitable mission of the HNBA.  The Fund's creation is a significant milestone for the HNBA because it is the only foundation that is dedicated to assisting the HNBA with accomplishing its charitable and educational mission.

"The HNBA Board of Governors joins me in acknowledging this important occasion for our bar association, as we now have a foundation dedicated to raising funds to support the charitable and educational outreach contemplated by the HNBA," said Mr. Roman D. Hernandez, HNBA National President.  "This outreach includes programs that enhance education about the law within the U.S. Hispanic community and the legal profession.  The Fund's creation demonstrates the HNBA's commitment in this regard," continued Mr. Hernandez.

The Fund's programming will facilitate the education of Hispanics, underrepresented students, and youth about the legal profession and areas of the law generally.  It will provide programs designed to expose youth to the legal profession in an effort to break down barriers and stereotypes so that disadvantaged and underrepresented youth may realize that a legal education is within their grasp.  The Fund will provide scholarships and other financial support to Hispanics and other individuals from underrepresented communities to pursue legal careers.  

The Fund's initial Board of Directors is currently comprised of Mr. Roman D. Hernandez (Portland, OR); Mr. Omar A. Vargas (Washington, DC); and Mr. Benny Agosto, Jr. (Houston, TX).  However, the Fund's Board is actively recruiting individuals who have philanthropic fundraising experience, and who are committed to advancing the ideals inherent in the Fund's creation, such as the development of programming that promotes education and the law within the U.S. Hispanic community and the legal profession.

"The Fund's creation opens a bright new chapter for our community and the HNBA. Several years ago, I helped create the Mexican-American Bar Association of Texas Foundation, and I plan to put those skills to use on behalf of the Fund because it is my hope that the Fund will help make true the dreams of many who may think that being a lawyer or jurist is out of their reach," said Mr. Agosto.  

Mr. Vargas stated, "I look forward to the Fund's close collaboration with the HNBA. Our partnership will result in meaningful programming that will inspire future generations of legal professionals to the benefit of our community as a whole.  Each member of the Fund's leadership team is committed to something greater than oneself—our community and the charitable and educational mission of the HNBA."  

In the coming weeks, the Fund will announce educational and scholarship opportunities for students attending the HNBA's 35th Annual Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota to participate in the Youth Symposium, a program designed to educate and inspire Hispanic youth and other underrepresented minorities about careers in the law.  In addition, several receptions are being planned in major U.S. cities to highlight the important work of the Fund.  Currently, receptions are being scheduled in Washington D.C., Houston, and Minneapolis.  

About The HNBA Legal Education Fund

The HNBA Legal Education Fund (the "Fund"), incorporated in April 2010, is a not-for-profit, charitable and educational organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating educational programs, exposing underrepresented students and professionals to the benefits and opportunities in the legal profession, providing scholarship and financial support to individuals from underrepresented communities to pursue legal careers, and supporting the charitable and education mission of the Hispanic National Bar Association. The Fund is based in Washington, DC.  To learn more, visit the Fund's website at www.hnbafund.com.

The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is an incorporated, nonpartisan, not-for-profit, national membership organization that represents the interests of the more than 100,000 Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistants, and law students in the United States. Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories. For more information, please visit www.hnba.com.

SOURCE Hispanic National Bar Association