First Annual ALPFA Seattle Women of ALPFA Event
An inspiring night! - By Jenny Guevara
At the top of the Space Needle, the ALPFA Seattle chapter hosted its first Women of ALPFA event on Thursday, October 25, 2007. Over 60 guests enjoyed the magic view of the city, the selected theme of the night, and the exquisite selection of food and drinks catered by the Space Needle.
The evening began with a networking reception and followed by welcome remarks from the chapter president, Maria O. Villa and the introduction of the mistress of ceremonies, Lourdes Sampera, Loan Officer at Flagstar Bank & Home Lending. Lourdes has over 20 years of experience in International business and real state and is a Latina role model in the community.
Alicia Adams, Co-chair for the Event Planning Committee, gave a background on the Women of ALPA program. "The purpose for this program is to create opportunities for professional Latinas and empower Latinas through leadership skills, training, mentoring and career advancement." Joneil Custodio, West Region Relationship Manager for Prudential, explained the importance of addressing women initiatives and shared with us Prudential's commitment to the Women of ALPFA program, locally and nationally.
Keynote speaker Patty Anglin, Ethics and Compliance Specialist at Weyerhaeuser, addressed the theme for the evening "Inspiring Leadership through Courage, Values and Ethics." She spoke on the importance of leading by example and being ethical in your everyday life." It is said that the best leaders show both their values and their ethics in their relationship style and actions. Strong ethical leadership influences and shapes the culture of an organization. The headline-making corporate scandals of the recent past highlighted the need for ethical decision making at all levels."
Special thanks to our Keynote speaker, Prudential Financial for sponsoring this event, Space Needle for donating the venue and the ALPFA Seattle board for their hard work and dedication.