Pan American Day: Expanding Economic Opportunities with Latin America

NOTICE: Due to the popularity of this event, we anticipate that it will be sold out in advance. Therefore, please purchase any additional tickets no later than 9 AM, Monday, April 22 to confirm your attendance. Thank you.

Since its founding in 1940, the Pan American Association of Philadelphia has been dedicated to “promoting cultural, educational and economic activities designed to increase understanding and cooperation among the peoples of the Americas.” Today, the Philadelphia region is home to more than 600,000 residents who are proud to trace their roots to Latin America. Under these circumstances, the need for cultural understanding expressed by our Association founders has become much more relevant.

Pan American Day is celebrated annually as a "commemorative symbol of the American nations and the voluntary union of all in one continental community" marking the anniversary of the day in 1890 when this union was established. It is important to understand the interdependence of the American nations and how the organization which unites them -- the Organizations of American States-- works for the peace, security, welfare, and human rights of all our peoples.

The Luncheon also highlights educational excellence in Latin American studies among area universities. The Alejandro Reyes Award is presented annually to a student selected from among nominees attending Latin American studies at a Philadelphia area university or college. Additionally, Pan American Scholar plaques and cash prizes are awarded to university seniors graduating from Latin American Studies programs.

This year our annual conference will focus on expanding economic opportunities with Latin America. In addition, our Keynote Speaker, Ambassador Carmen Lomellin, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, has spent a major part of her career working on women’s issues, particularly those affecting the U.S. Hispanic community. The Association is honored to have Ambassador Lomellin address the continuing relevance of the OAS and “Panamericanismo” among the peoples of the American nations.

Keynote Speaker

Ambassador Carmen Lomellin
U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States

Carmen Lomellin was confirmed by the United States Senate as Permanent U.S. Representative to the Organization of American States, with the rank of Ambassador, on November 20, 2009.

Ambassador Lomellin was appointed in May, 1998 to the position as Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) for the Organization of American States (OAS) by Secretary General Cesar Gaviria. She served as CIM Executive Secretary until March of 2009. In that position, she provided guidance and direction to the OAS member states and Permanent Secretariat on hemispheric policy advancing issues affecting women, particularly in the areas of human rights and gender equality. As head of the CIM Permanent Secretariat, Ambassador Lomellin oversaw the activities of the Commission’s delegates representing the 34 democracies of the Western Hemisphere and managed the daily operations of the Permanent Secretariat. She most recently served as Director for Outreach within the OAS Department of External Relations.

During the Clinton Administration, Ambassador Lomellin held the positions of White House Liaison for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and Director of that agency’s Office of International Affairs. She was an Advisor on Hispanic Affairs to the White House Office for Women’s Initiatives and Outreach, as well as Search Manager in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel during the 1996 presidential transition, where she worked on sub-cabinet appointments in the area of international trade.

Ambassador Lomellin has experience in local government (Chicago, Illinois). She worked for Mayor Richard M. Daley as Director of the Private Industry Council of Chicago and also implemented and managed one of the nation’s most successful graffiti abatement programs. Ambassador Lomellin has worked for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund where she was the Director of Leadership Development, and for Chicago United, a civic think tank, as Director of Economic Development.

Ambassador Lomellin holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from St. Joseph’s Calumet College and a Masters in Business Administration in International Business from De Paul University, Chicago, Illinois. Ambassador Lomellin has spent a major part of her professional career and personal life working on women’s issues, particularly those in the United States Hispanic community.

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Table Sponsorship

$ 500
Reserved luncheon table for ten - Sponsors are requested to consider seating a student honoree and a faculty mentor at their tables.

Sponsors will be mentioned in all advertising of the event including the Luncheon Program.

For more sponsorship opportunities please contact contact Denise Kuczweski at denise.kuczweski@exeloncorp.com or 215-841-6844