Voto Latino, a non-profit organization targeted to empower Latino millennials, turns 10 years old.
The organization promotes positive change in the community through youth involvement, and it's known for its efforts to get young people to vote by showing them how to register and inspiring them to solve problems in their community.
The non-partisan organization was co-founded by actress Rosario Dawson and currently is run by CEO and President Maria Teresa Kumar. Celebrities who have been a part of the organization's initiatives and projects include Wilmer Valderrama, America Ferrara and Eva Longoria.
Most recently, the “Voto Latino Innovators Challenge,” rounded participants from all over the nation to create an innovative solution to a problem affecting the Latino community.
Winners will be granted $10,000 to $100,000 to develop their project ideas and bring them to life. The nine finalist will join in Washington D.C. on March 4, where the winner’s will be announced.
Project submissions range from mobile apps to help At-Risk Latina Teenagers to a six-week online course for Latino business owners. A list of project ideas and participant biographies can be found on MSNBC.
Celebrities such as Valderrama, Longoria and Demi Lovato and Eva Longoria took to social media this week to celebrate the organization’s anniversary with the hashtag #VotoLatino10. The organization is having its 10-year gala in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night.
IN-DEPTH:
Voto Latino Innovators Challenge: Youths Use Tech for Change
Voto Latino’s Maria Teresa Kumar: Majority of Americans want a path to citizenship
-Kelly Carrion
