Latina Millennial & Voto Latino Trailblazer Reflects on the Power of the Latino Vote: 'Our Voices Can't Be Hidden Anymore'
Voto Latino has changed many lives since its inception 10 years ago, but there is one person in particular who was so inspired by its movement that she continued on to make it her life's mission to empower other Latino Millennials to have their voice heard -- and vote counted.
As a Voto Latino volunteer who was part of the initial team, Sabrina Suarez helped get the non-profit get off the ground by rolling up her sleeves, making phone calls and bringing celebrities to get involved in PSAs.
Suarez praised Voto Latino Co-Founder and Chairwoman Rosario Dawson's passion and drive to launch Voto Latino in an effort to get young Latinos to vote. Suarez was hooked and eventually made the mission her career by becoming the Voter Assistance Project Liaison for the New York Campaign Finance Board.
She shared her enthusiasm with Latin Post during the Voto Latino Power Summit kickoff on April 11 at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.
"So when they came to mentioned it to me, I was really gung-ho about it and I really wanted to empower young Latinos. I am young and Latina, so that is something that was really important to me," she told Latin Post.
Dawson and Voto Latino needed help and she says it was a no-brainer to lend her support.
"It's really awesome to see how they have grown," she added. "I think the conversation, it started as a little tumbleweed and it really rolled into something very meaningful. Everything counts, and if you want your voice heard, you can start a conversation on Twitter or Facebook nowadays ... voices can't hidden or be squashed anymore."
Suarez stresses that people should get involved not only on the Federal, but the local level as well, considering "your local elected officials represent where you live, literally from around the block."
Voto Latino, a nonpartisan organization which empowers Latinos to vote, voice their opinions, and fight for their rights to education, healthcare and immigration reform, etc., is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with the Voto Latino Power Summit 2014 that will expand to a four-city national tour.
Latino Millennials will participate in leadership, advocacy, and media and technology workshops with community activists, grassroots organizers, elected officials, celebrities, and business leaders. They can also participate in the VL Innovators Challenge, the organization's tech competition where Latino Millennials can design and use technology for change.
"Whatever they (Voto Latino) need I am always there."
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