HPGM Announces ‘Orange is the New Black’ Star Diane Guerrero as 2018 Gala Keynote Speaker
Speaker sponsor BMO Harris Bank to host the award-winning actress, activist and author at annual fundraiser
Diane Guerrero. Photo courtesy of the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee.
MILWAUKEE – (February 05, 2018) –The Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM), along with speaker sponsor BMO Harris Bank, together announce Diane Guerrero as the guest keynote speaker for the 2018 Five Star Gala. The Colombian-American actress, activist, and author is best known for her role in the award-winning Netflix series “Orange is the New Black.”
The fifth annual HPGM Five Star Gala celebrates and recognizes the organization’s 17 years of leadership, while raising awareness for its scholarship and professional development programs. Since 2004, HPGM has awarded $400,000 to 97 students pursing both undergraduate and advanced degrees.
The Five Star Gala will be held Saturday, May 12, at the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee, and is co-presented by U.S. Bank and the Brewers Community Foundation.
Growing up in the Jamaica Plain and Roxbury neighborhoods of Boston, Guerrero’s passion for the arts and acting drove her to attend Boston Arts Academy, a performing arts high school. Following graduation Guerrero decided to pursue a career in acting and moved to New York City to study acting at the Susan Batson Studios. Since then, Guerrero landed the role as Maritza Ramos on the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black” and was part of the cast that earned recognition for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series at the 21st and 22nd Screen Actors Guild Awards. Guerrero has also played the recurring role of Lina on “Jane the Virgin,” as well as a recurring role on “Are We There Yet?”
Guerrero is also an advocate for immigration policy. She volunteers with the nonprofit Immigrant Legal Resource Center, as well as with Mi Familia Vota, an organization that promotes civic involvement. In 2016, Guerrero and writer Michelle Burford published a memoir “In the Country We Love: My Divided Family” that presents her personal story of the plight of undocumented immigrants in the United States.
“Diane is a strong example of how resiliency and determination to go after your goals can propel not only you, but everyone around you to do great things,” said Raquel Filmanowicz, U.S. community affairs director, BMO Harris Bank. “We thank her for generously sharing her time, talent and inspiring story of perseverance, dedication and achievement with us.”
HPGM’s mission is to connect and unite Hispanic professionals, students and the community with rich heritage, strong leadership and impactful initiatives.
“Diane’s story is a representation of the complex issues facing the United States,” said HPGM President & CEO Griselda Aldrete. “Diane’s talent and contributions serve as a beacon for many and inspires others to become active members of their communities. We welcome the opportunity to hear her story and offer HPGM members, from students to seasoned professionals, the chance to hear, firsthand, how her talent, hard work, and faith in herself lead to her success.”
Individual tickets and tables of 10 to the 2018 HPGM Gala are available for purchase by visiting www.hpgm.org, clicking here to register, or by contacting Kim Schultz at 414-223-4614 or kim.schultz@hpgm.org.
About HPGM
For 17 years, Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM) has been dedicated to cultivating and supporting Hispanics, in order to create and sustain a diverse talent pipeline for Wisconsin. HPGM is committed to bringing together members and partners to strengthen our region and ensure that everyone has access to the tools they need to succeed professional and give back to the community.
About BMO Harris Bank
BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through nearly 600 branches and fee-free access to over 40,000 ATMs across the United States. BMO Harris Bank’s commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, go to the company fact sheet. Banking products and services are subject to bank and credit approval. BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a highly diversified financial services provider with total assets of CDN$710 billion (as of October 31, 2017), and more than 45,000 employees.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee
Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee Announces Plans for Seventh Annual Gala
Oct 9th, 2020 by Hispanic Professionals of Greater MilwaukeeThe night of celebration and fundraising features a Día de los Muertos theme
Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee Announces 2018 Leadership Award Winners
Jul 17th, 2018 by Hispanic Professionals of Greater MilwaukeeThese winners will be formally recognized at HPGM’s annual meeting held August 24, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
