Dear NALIP members, funders and supporters:
As you may have heard by now, NALIP just wrapped one of the most successful conferences in its history. As you may have also heard, NALIP recently held elections and three different board members now hold the positions of chair, vice-chair, and treasurer. It is, of course, my duty to introduce the new board members in this, my last letter to you as chair. But just before doing so, I would like to briefly reflect on my three years as the organization’s longest-running chair.
There are many ways through which I could convey the leap that we have made during this period. I could say: Amazing. Stunning. Enormous. But I'll just mention a few handy numbers that will serve just as well.
In 2003, NALIP offered only one program: the conference. Three years later, NALIP offers six programs, namely the National Conference, the Latino Writers Lab™, the Latino Producers Academy™, the Latino Media Market™, the Latino Media Resource Guide™, as well as on-going workshops throughout the country.
In 2003, our budget was $350,000. In 2006, it is closer to a million.
In 2003, our total membership was 250. In 2006, it is over a 1,000.
In 2003, NALIP had two chapters, New York and Miami . Today, there are a total of 14 chapters and chapters-in-formation, located in Albuquerque , Austin , Boston , Chicago , Los Angeles , New Mexico , Orlando , Philadelphia , Phoenix , Puerto Rico , San Antonio , San Francisco , Toronto , and Tucson .
I confess that in writing this letter, I only came across one depressing statistic: In 2003, I was 37. In 2006, well, you do the math.
Regardless of this last detail, the next chair will lead an organization that is experiencing phenomenal growth and that has the power to produce deep and long-lasting change. Which brings me to a second point: the overlooked tradition of female leadership at NALIP.
We sometimes make a big deal of my being NALIP’s longest running chair. And that's because it requires both the ability and disposition toward heavy lifting: of obstacles, of conflicts, of spirits. We can attribute a small part of this stamina to my vigorous weight lifting and jogging routine. Most of it, however, has to do with the fact that I have been lucky enough to build on the strength of the prior chairs Lillian Jiménez and Cynthia López, and NALIP's Executive Director Kathryn Galán, all formidable women who laid the foundation for anyone in my position to be able to thrive.
That NALIP's chair has always been a Puerto Rican woman, however, raises some puzzling questions. Is this the case because Puerto Ricans are such exceptional leaders? Or because it's such a thankless job that only a mildly obsessive boricua woman would consider doing it? Or does it have more to do with the fact that this post is so tough that not even a Latin boy can manage?
Think about it.
And while you're thinking about it, I would like to say a few things about the new chair. For although she hardly needs an introduction for those close to NALIP, I will do my best do provide one.
The new chair is a pioneering filmmaker from New York . Her first documentary, THE HEARD OF LOISAIDA (1979) was the first independent film to be directed by a Puerto Rican woman in the United States . Since her directing debut, she has served as an executive in several organizations, including the Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers (AIVF) based in New York . She is also a NALIP founding board member, a former NALIP coordinator and conference co-chair, a friend and a mentor to me for nearly two decades.
Without further delay, allow me then to announce the election of Beni Matias as NALIP's new chair, as well as Edwin Pagan as vice-chair, and Vangie Griego as treasurer. I leave you in good hands.
On my end, I will continue to work as part of the board’s executive committee and look forward to three more years of growth and opportunity for our members. Thank you for the privilege of serving.
Warmly,
Frances Negron-Muntaner
Chair Emeritus
NALIP Board of Directors
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