---More employers showcase diversity programs---
More U.S. employers are promoting their diversity outreach efforts as a competitive advantage in the marketplace, according to survey of 1,780 companies by Boston consulting and training firm Novations/J. Howard & Associates. Nearly half of employers (49 percent) publicize their attempts to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, the survey indicated. But 34 percent are low key about promoting their programs, although expressing strong support for diversity. Only 7 percent refrain from discussing diversity programs publicly. "A decade ago, diversity was considered a 'sensitive' subject by most employers," according to Novations/J. Howard President and CEO Mike Hyter. "Diversity has been an organizational objective since the 1970s, but until the past decade few employers made it a selling point. Today, however, diversity is promoted not just for recruitment and retention, but also for a company's image among customers."

---National Hispanic Heritage Month---
Following is an excerpt from Congresswoman Hilda Solms (CA-32) remarks offered during a recent radio address: "This week we begin the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. As we reflect on the many contributions that Hispanics have made to our nation, we must also confront the challenges that our community is facing on the economic, social and political fronts. Hispanics are coming together as never before with a sense of pride and purpose to improve the quality of life for our people. This is an important year in which our voices can make a historic impact on public policy and expand the influence of Hispanics. We must ask ourselves: has the government responded to our needs? Well, as the saying goes, the facts speak louder than words. Unemployment among Hispanics has skyrocketed to 6.9 percent and is now 19 percent higher than when President Bush took office. Poverty rates and levels of uninsured among Hispanics have gone up -- 1 out of 3 Hispanics lacking health insurance.

---Nancy Pelosi on Hispanic Heritage Month---
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi recently commented on Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts today and lasts until October 15: "As we celebrate the enormous accomplishments of the Hispanic community this month, we rededicate ourselves to the fight for prosperity and security for Hispanic Americans and for all Americans. Economically, culturally, and politically, Latinos are an integral part of our nation. Hispanic purchasing power is more than $600 billion. Hispanic influence on popular culture is immediately evident in music, film, food, and other areas. Meanwhile, 10 million Hispanics will be registered to vote this year, and the Hispanic community will have an enormous influence on this election. Hispanics know that civil rights pioneer Willie Velazquez was right: 'Su voto es su voz.' Your vote is your voice. As we honor these achievements, we know that celebrating the Hispanic community for one month a year or learning to speak Spanish is not enough.

---Strategic Partnership to provide resources targeting Hispanic students---
The Princeton Review, an educational services company, and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), the nation's leading organization supporting Hispanic education, announced the availability of a free Spanish-English Roadmap to College. The two organizations partnered to provide the free, bilingual resource to demystify the college admissions process among Spanish-speaking students and their families. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's National Center for Education Statistics, Hispanics have the highest high school dropout rates -- 28 percent -- of any major racial or ethnic group (ages 16 to 24). In addition to the lack of financial resources, many Latinos lack the necessary information on student aid and college preparedness. While 44 percent of non-Hispanic White parents said that they did not have enough information about paying for college, 62 percent of Hispanic parents felt that way. "We want to make sure that Spanish-speaking parents have access to the same information that English-speaking parents have," commented Young Shin, Executive Vice President and General Manager of The Princeton Review's Admissions Services Division. "It's one piece of our overall outreach effort to serve diverse audiences."

---Harlem YMCA presents Ebony Fashion Fair show, "Living it Up" on October 3---The Harlem YMCA will co-host the 47th Annual EBONY FASHION FAIR show when it arrives in New York City on Sunday, October 3rd, 2004 at the New York Hilton Hotel. Ebony Fashion Fair, the world's largest traveling fashion show celebrates 47 years with "Living it Up"! EBONY FASHION FAIR is a staple in the world of fashion and is the epitome of glamour, elegance and beauty. The Harlem YMCA is thrilled to have been asked to co-host this exciting and entertaining event and are excited that EBONY FASHION FAIR supports the health, educational and cultural endeavors of our youth. "Living it Up", will feature styles from some of the world's hottest designers such as Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta, Bob Mackie, Christian LaCroix, Hanae Mori, and Black designers, Beaulah Cooley, Fusha, Antonio Wingfield, L'Amour and Kate Mack. The twelve spectacular models include ten outstandingly beautiful women including the full-figured model and two handsome men walking down the runway in fashions from some of the best design houses in the world. For tickets and further information, please call Gigi Davis at 212-281-4100 ext. 201or ext. 203.

---Women's Entrepreneurs Capital Access Networking Business Conference---
The Brooklyn Women's Business Center at the Local Development Corporation of East New York is holding its second annual WE CAN! Business Conference on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm. The conference is being held at St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, New York in partnership with JP Morgan Chase, U.S. Small Business Administration, HSBC, GreenPoint Foundation and Citibank. The conference is $30 for members & $40 for non- members in advance ($50 cash only at the door). This event is for anyone interested in acquiring a loan to start up or expand a small business. To register, call 718-385-6700 x108.