EEOC CHAIRWOMAN CASTRO TO RECEIVE PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD FROM NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN COALITION

  WASHINGTON - Ida L. Castro, the first Latina to serve as Chairwoman of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), is scheduled to receive the esteemed Biennial Life Achievement Award for Public Service from the National Puerto Rican Coalition Inc. (NPRC) on Friday, September 22, at 6:00 p.m., during an awards ceremony at the Library of Congress, First Street and Independence Avenue, S.E.

    NPRC, a national advocacy and policy organization, established the Life Achievement Awards in 1987 to identify distinguished Puerto Ricans who have worked to improve the quality of life of the Puerto Rican community and society as a whole.  Through their contributions and achievements, the honorees serve as role models for Puerto Rican and Latino youth and emphasize the importance of attaining a higher education.

  Manuel Mirabal, President and CEO of NPRC, said, "The commitment to the well-being of the Puerto Rican community shown by Ida Castro and the other award recipients serves as an inspiring example of the significant contributions that Puerto Ricans are making at every level of American society."  

  In addition to Ms. Castro, other recipients who will be honored at the event will be Geraldo Rivera for Social and Community Service, Ednita Nazario for Arts and Entertainment, and Dr. Nilda Soto-Ruiz for Education.  

  Further information about the EEOC is available on the Commission's web site at www.eeoc.gov.  Further information about NPRC is available on its web site at www.bateylink.org.

NOTE TO NEWS MEDIA: Due to space limitations, reporters who wish to
                        cover the event should R.S.V.P. to Connie Valiente
                        of NPRC at (202) 223-3915, ext. 306.