DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY’S OAK RIDGE OFFICE

HISPANIC HERITAGE KEYNOTE PROGRAM

ON OCTOBER 15

26^th Annual Program Celebration

Keynote Speaker:  Mr. Armando E. Rodriguez, Diversity Manager for the Office of Environmental Management, Department of Energy, Washington D.C.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – The U.S. Department of Energy''''s Oak Ridge Office (ORO) kicked off its 2009 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration recently with a variety of activities recognizing the contributions of Hispanic Americans in society.

One of the activities planned for the celebration period, September 15–October 15, includes a presentation, which will be held on Thursday, October 15, 11:30 a.m., at the DOE ORO 2714 G conference complex, Lea Way Road in Oak Ridge (behind the DOE Federal Building).  Mr. Rodriguez, who is the Diversity Manager for the Office of Environmental Management, Department of Energy in Washington D.C., will serve as keynote speaker and will speak on "National Hispanic Heritage Month: Embracing the Fierce Urgency of Now!"

"We were extremely pleased that Mr. Rodriguez accepted the invitation to speak at our annual keynote program," said Jorge Ferrer, ORO’s Hispanic Employment Program Manager.  "Mr. Rodriguez''''s vast experience in working for the government coupled with his commitment to diversity throughout the federal government makes him an ideal speaker for this program."

Mr. Rodriguez is the new Chair of the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers.  He is a proven advocate and change agent with expertise in defining organizational responsibilities in addressing the workplace needs of Hispanic Americans and a Champion of Diversity throughout the federal government.  Mr. Rodriguez was also a member of the planning committee for the National Hispanic Federal Employees Summit, recently held in Washington D.C., for the second straight year.  Mr. Rodriguez was instrumental in assembling a prominent speaker gallery, as well as developing an effective training workshop for Summit participants.  The Summit has quickly become the “must attend” event for the Hispanic community in the federal employment sector.

Lunch will be served during this event at a cost of $10.00.  The menu will include a buffet variety of Mexican foods.  The event is open to the public, and tickets may be purchased by contacting Elizabeth Phillips or Melisa Hart at (865) 241-6172 and (865) 576-8983, respectively.

For more information on the program, please contact Jorge Ferrer at (865) 310-6663.

-DOE-

A photo of Mr. Rodriguez is available by calling the ORO Public Affairs Office at (865) 576-0885. 

R-09-60