Washington, D.C., December 9, 2002 - Alma Morales Riojas, President and CEO of MANA, a National Latina Organization, has been selected to serve on Secretary Elaine Chao's Committee on 21st Century Demographics of the President's Council on the 21st Century Workforce. In this position, Ms. Morales Riojas will have the opportunity to represent the Latina voice in the Department of Labor's committee.

The President's Council on the 21st Century Workforce was created with the intention of providing a forum for the discussion of trends and changes in the working population over the next century. This dialogue between representatives of the government, academia, non-profit organizations, and private business will allow for open communication on the issues that will surface as the population of the United States changes. It focuses on providing essential tools to the working age population, including specialized training and education, as well as providing information to employers about corporate responsibility to minority communities.

As President and CEO of MANA, A National Latina Organization, Ms. Morales Riojas represents the interests of MANA members nationwide, to whom employment issues, especially for Latina youth, are a primary concern. Ms. Morales Riojas also serves as the Treasurer of the Board for the Hispanic Association of Corporate Responsibility (HACR), an organization that strives to create a workforce that includes Hispanics at all levels of business, in proportion to the Hispanic buying power.

Ms. Morales Riojas is thrilled to be a part of the dynamic team of participants on the committee. "In this new century, Hispanics will play a pivotal role in the economic well being of our nation. I am honored to be a part of the incredible team assembled by Secretary Chao", Ms. Morales Riojas stated.

The Secretary's Committee will meet at regular intervals over the next three years.

MANA, A National Latina Organization, is a nonprofit, advocacy organization headquartered in the nation's capital, Washington, D. C. With chapters across the country, it is the oldest National Latina membership organization in the United States. MANA, whose mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy, envisions a national community of informed Latina activists working to improve the quality of life for all Hispanics. MANA also has the only national young Latina's mentoring program for girls 11 to 17, "HERMANITAS®" which brings over 100 girls to Washington DC to a summer institute that includes a briefing at the White House and a visit to the girls' Congressional representatives Information on MANA can be obtained at the web site: www.hermana.org or send an e-mail to hermana2@aol.com