(Greetings to All)

The Greater Bridgeport Latino Network (GBLN) is delighted to update you on the work we have been doing these last 6 months.

From November 2007 through February 2008, the Board of Directors held strategic planning meetings to solidify GBLN’s areas of focus. During these sessions, activities were planned supporting our focus areas which are: to provide educational programs, enhance networking, continued organizational growth, strengthen collaborations, and serve as a resource in the community. These activities fall within the boundaries of our mission statement.

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Greater Bridgeport Latino Network is to educate the public, private and nonprofit sector about the various social and economic issues affecting Latinos and to participate in activities that foster a sense of support and unity among the Latino community.

For the last 4 years, GBLN has been providing events and other perks to its supporters at no cost. However, in order to build capacity and grow as an organization that does not rely solely on grants and sponsorship, it needs to implement membership fees to sustain the operational cost of the organization.

Therefore, in April 2008, the individual and business membership drive will begin.

What do I get for becoming a member and why should I become one? To find the answer, go to www.gbln.net and click on the Sponsorships & Membership button at the top of the page.

GBLN has partnered with ASPIRA of CT to deliver the 10-week Civic Engagement for Latino Youth Program to 25 students at Central High School. The program will begin on March 17, 2008.We hope you find this newsletter informative. To learn more about the Civic Engagement for Latino Youth Program, view the 2008 strategic plan and find out about upcoming events, visit us at www.gbln.net. As always, thank you for your loyal support.

Warmest Regards,

Eileen Lopez-Cordone,
GBLN President

On November 19, 2007, The Greater Bridgeport Latino Network (GBLN) in collaboration with ASPIRA of Connecticut, Fairfield University, Connecticut Association of Latinos in Higher Education (CALAHE) and the Bridgeport Public Education Fund (BPEF) hosted an educational forum on “Latinos in Higher Education” at the Kelley Center at Fairfield University. This free educational forum provided fact finding data and continued with a very vivid discussion about Latinos in higher education within the State of Connecticut and throughout the country.

Eddie Cajigas, Bridgeport native and graduate student at Springfield College presented research data and strategies on how to identify and improve the achievement gap for Latinos in Higher Education. Vincent Siberon, executive director for ASPIRA, whose mission is to promote the development of the Puerto Rican and Latino community through the education and leadership development of its youth, presented data on the initiatives they are working on to educate the students that will be entering college. Vincent stressed the need for Latino mentors and quality afterschool programs.

Myrna Garcia- Bowen, President of CALAHE, whose mission is dedicated to promoting and advocating full access, retention, and participation of Latinos and Latinas throughout Connecticut, presented many of the opportunities available through their organizations current recruitment efforts. She also discussed current initiatives that CALAHE is currently undertaking to ensure that the colleges and universities are recruiting Latinos and other ethnicities into higher education while also working toward diversifying institutions.

For more information about ASPIRA and CALAHE, visit their websites at www.ct-aspira.org and www.calahe.org.

GBLN hosted its second college & post secondary education fair for high school teens and their parents at the University of Bridgeport on January 8. The purpose of the fair was to inform families and students how to access funding for higher education and what to expect when transitioning from high school to college. In addition, there were 23 colleges and universities from Connecticut at the fair to inform attendees about their institutions. A representative from The Sallie Mae Foundation conducted a workshop on financial aid and scholarships. Two area students, Ryan Estrella and Adrian Villa were each awarded $500 scholarships from Sallie Mae for participating in the workshop. Thanks to the University of Bridgeport for hosting this event.

Frank Borres, GBLN Member

Could you please tell us a little bit about your background? Born from Puerto Rican parents who met in Bridgeport while trying to find a better life while working in the factories in the early 50s. Educated in Catholic Schools, graduated from Kolbe HS, and went to the University of Toledo with a full scholarship recruited as a quarterback, probably the first PR QB recruited to a Division 1 school. Transferred out and won a National small college championship while at Westchester Community College and finished football and academic career at CCSU. After breaking my throwing hand, I gave up the dream of being Joe Namath and then aspired to be Geraldo Rivera. I was a radio reporter in Westport and at WEZN in Bridgeport. Became a TV reporter at Cablevision News 12 then a PR guy at The Bank Mart followed by an Independent Producer which I still am to this date. I have 1 son from my first marriage, Francisco and my wife Sali's son, Eric.

What is your current occupation? Business man in the Communications Industry. American View Productions is the Marketing Company, Yougotweb. com the web design business and Borres Productions the TV Business.

What are the main characteristics of your job? Listening, understanding and communicating.

What would you suggest to people who are tying to get into the same field? Don't do it unless you have a desire burning a hole in your stomach, heart and brain. Also, you're willing to get a college education, work for cheap to start with, learn the trade, work late hours, dedicate yourself to your skill development. Too often because of advances in technology I see young folks who say they are producers because they have a camera and a computer. There is much more to it!

What Community Organizations are you involved in? Bridgeport Caribe Youth League, (BCYL), Bridgeport Public Library Board, Klein Memorial Auditorium Board of Directors, West Side NRZ, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (New England).

What is your biggest challenge you had to overcome? Realities of raising a family vs. risks of running a TV Production business.

The best advice you ever received? Love what you do.

Person who inspires you? Roberto Clemente, how cliche but true.

What is a goal that you are working on right now? Developing Borres Productions as a National entity.

Last or Favorite Book: Clemente Last CD you listened to: Amy Winehouse.

What is your favorite Latin American Dish? Arroz con Costillas.

What is your favorite Spanish restaurant? Isla in Fairfield (Upscale), Ramirez - Delivery, Flamboyan local atmosphere.

What changes would you like to see for Latinos in the Greater Bridgeport Area? Higher Education and Business Development

During the Fall of 2007, The office of the Secretary of State organized a Latino Voting Summit last fall that was held at Southern Connecticut State University. Based on recommendations from participants at the Summit, the Latino Voting Steering Committee was created to develop an on-going action plan to further engage the Latino community in the political process. Central to that action plan was the establishment of a nonpartisan voter outreach and education effort in Connecticut. The primary goal of this voter outreach effort - the Connecticut Latino Voting Campaign - is to enroll 10,000 new Latino voters between March 1 and October 27, 2008. Given the sizeable Latino population, the twelve cities that are targeted for this campaign are: Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Britain, Middletown, New London, Meriden, Willimantic, Stamford, Danbury, and Norwalk. On Thursday March 6, 2008 the Bridgeport Latino Votes Count Initiative visited Bridgeport at the City Hall Annex.

The goal for the City of Bridgeport is to register 2000 new voters by October 27. If you would like to register to vote or help with this initiative, contact Daniel Martinez, the Bridgeport C o o r d i n a t o r a t dm4bpt@aol.com or call 203-345-3328. GBLN is the anchor organization for BPT, so let’s spread the word!