tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21263593054352977132024-03-14T05:45:43.339-07:00Juan Carlos Benitez on BloggerExperienced International AttorneyJuan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-19179695544598722662023-09-10T23:51:00.005-07:002023-09-10T23:51:40.725-07:00AILA-GMS Annual Global Migration Forum<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavgcd9nVcuI7FHzI7c__jadD0vz4TJ10sJnggukCjelQ2xFn8MktWgare8PmVz8WADe_mjJR4tJwvOtwt_rMoH0LlkzZXxOC_uYWNrzqUwlZxJoHZfqdLsB7T0-HQheA76I0QWFYEsHXEpe_pUExZOQ1HczBeh8UolmbgYVUpiwtQH0TNoLQH37hSbO4/s5000/pexels-august-de-richelieu-4427430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3337" data-original-width="5000" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavgcd9nVcuI7FHzI7c__jadD0vz4TJ10sJnggukCjelQ2xFn8MktWgare8PmVz8WADe_mjJR4tJwvOtwt_rMoH0LlkzZXxOC_uYWNrzqUwlZxJoHZfqdLsB7T0-HQheA76I0QWFYEsHXEpe_pUExZOQ1HczBeh8UolmbgYVUpiwtQH0TNoLQH37hSbO4/w529-h354/pexels-august-de-richelieu-4427430.jpg" width="529" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Juan Carlos Benitez has held various legal and executive positions in different institutions over the past 30 years. Currently, he serves as the alternate director at the Guam Chamber of Commerce and as the president of Washington Pacific Economic Development in Hagatna. Juan Carlos Benitez is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).</p><p><br /></p><p>Established in 1946, AILA is a non-profit bar association comprised of attorneys and law professors specializing in immigration law. The association offers its members continuing legal education, professional services, information, and expertise. It also advocates for the immigration-related interests of its clients and society. Each year, AILA and its Global Migration Section (GMS) organize а global migration forum at various locations in the United States.</p><p><br /></p><p>The AILA/GMS Global Migration Forum addresses different aspects of global migration, covering topics like the current state of migration, global corporate transactions, managing migration practices, ethical considerations, the impact of technology on migration, and ways practitioners can improve their global citizenship. It also allows attendees and immigration practitioners to meet and connect with peers and form new networks.</p><p><br /></p><p>Moreover, the forum offers tuition assistance for continuing legal education programs to employed and unemployed attorneys and law students. Assistance is granted based on need and availability, with priority given to first-time applicants.</p>Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-88030910982003247392023-02-23T02:33:00.003-08:002023-02-23T02:33:19.442-08:00US Defense Department Launches Office of Strategic Capital<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdaPlsW8LfL33UmOqbd-WODgns50dem6yDtkVozM8L6WMmX9FiX9Qa4a7tjJVP9BaKd15VHDS4anCbXZjcqQ4p2ZzSOGzBRmHgrNuvJS2eniHm3Eh7dncSxpRhTFoX8SxJZCQbZ1cPOe8n5ge9QuEfgo2k0-P1ah19Yjvykiv4GyuI_4MenRpua-x/s2560/pexels-trace-hudson-5886518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="2048" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdaPlsW8LfL33UmOqbd-WODgns50dem6yDtkVozM8L6WMmX9FiX9Qa4a7tjJVP9BaKd15VHDS4anCbXZjcqQ4p2ZzSOGzBRmHgrNuvJS2eniHm3Eh7dncSxpRhTFoX8SxJZCQbZ1cPOe8n5ge9QuEfgo2k0-P1ah19Yjvykiv4GyuI_4MenRpua-x/w396-h496/pexels-trace-hudson-5886518.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><p></p><p>An alternate director at the Guam Chamber of Commerce, Juan Carlos Benitez is the president of Washington Pacific Economic Development Group, LLC. An attorney by training, Juan Carlos Benitez served as an advisor in US President George W. Bush’s administration and has expertise in territorial matters and US national defense.</p><p>On Dec. 1, 2022, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III announced the establishment of the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) at the Department of Defense (DOD). The new office will strengthen the country’s technological advantage in defense by focusing private capital into the development of critical technologies.</p><p>The United States’ technological advancement has long been the foundation of the country’s military superiority. To maintain this advantage, the Department of Defense must continuously develop and scale important technologies in quantum science, biotech, and advanced materials. However, it takes considerable investment to move such technologies from ideation in the laboratory to mass production. The Defense Secretary is building OSC to bridge that financing gap.</p><p>OSC has a mandate to identify promising technology areas in academia and industry and prioritize funding for these areas. The office will promote funding either internally, through the DOD, or externally through partnerships with the private sector. OSC will also contribute to developing and implementing policies that advance private sector industrial capabilities.</p>Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-72421789708066458532019-04-15T15:16:00.000-07:002019-04-15T15:16:11.621-07:00The Professional Certifications Offered by the Latte Training Academy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CA9u9La3IIcaSd-GeajeJnKZEEBRm6eUvRlT2EetRPs3RQkPsgA05p_DwV8MxUGpJr-Tqd8_xLbw6ez-acbgIQ54trh7lhW15BQ_vtsrXynD0hws5hLRs3B5Djdd7fxouk4qVuwKjus/s1600/latte.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CA9u9La3IIcaSd-GeajeJnKZEEBRm6eUvRlT2EetRPs3RQkPsgA05p_DwV8MxUGpJr-Tqd8_xLbw6ez-acbgIQ54trh7lhW15BQ_vtsrXynD0hws5hLRs3B5Djdd7fxouk4qVuwKjus/s1600/latte.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The president of the Latte Training Academy, Juan Carlos Benitez helps individuals in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) advance their careers through credentialed skill-based training. Having worked on behalf of Hispanic populations around the world as an attorney, Juan Carlos Benitez focuses the Academy’s programs and services on several in-demand business sectors within the CMNI. The organization maintains a certification rate of about 90 percent and has trained 750 students to date.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Through multiple partnerships, the <a href="http://www.lattetrainingacademy.com/" target="_blank">Latte Training Academy</a> offers professional certifications in the fields of hotel and hospitality, healthcare, information technology, and business administration, as well as additional career-advancement opportunities. Its hotel-and-hospitality certification is recognized around the globe, and students who receive the certification will typically find opportunities in the CNMI’s robust tourism industry. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), students train to become nursing assistants and medical billing specialists by taking Allied Health courses. CompTIA, a leading IT credentialing body, assists students with a variety of careers in the IT industry, and students may also achieve accreditation in business administration through the Accounting Training Unlimited (ATU) and the National Bookkeepers Association (NBA). Beyond these specialties, interested parties may receive additional professional training at the Latte Training Academy through an affiliation with the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.</span>Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-45412399357773094112018-10-23T11:17:00.001-07:002018-10-23T11:17:43.929-07:00Diversity a Priority at the 2018 HNBA Convention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1E2T3vpW7kV9qQZkSF11Rkor3ZQvdxp8uPYjO1DYLXPF2GtpRAxrEmwQNRIqUuoU2ZJHwRvDvwSGwZb9QyKfeH_kTp-NwzNr84UPpDbWfCYFLShQnNySpbqO8wlTmLhAeVkFahw38lI/s1600/Hispanic+National+Bar+Association.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="207" data-original-width="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1E2T3vpW7kV9qQZkSF11Rkor3ZQvdxp8uPYjO1DYLXPF2GtpRAxrEmwQNRIqUuoU2ZJHwRvDvwSGwZb9QyKfeH_kTp-NwzNr84UPpDbWfCYFLShQnNySpbqO8wlTmLhAeVkFahw38lI/s1600/Hispanic+National+Bar+Association.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">With a juris doctor from the Inter-American School of Law, Juan Carlos Benitez is an attorney and legal advisor whose past roles include acting as special counsel for immigration-related unfair employment practices at the US Department of Justice. In conjunction with his experience as an attorney, Juan Carlos Benitez is also a member of the <a href="https://hnba.com/" target="_blank">Hispanic National Bar Association </a>(HNBA).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In September 2018, the Annual HNBA Convention took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Professionals from all across the legal sector, including judges, general counsel for private companies, and political figures attended the event, the 43rd of its kind.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">One of the most important takeaways from the convention was a point driven home through one of the event’s keynote speeches, given by the Oracle Corporation’s general counsel and executive vice president Dorian Daley. In her speech, Daley spoke of the importance of diversity in both the legal workplace and in greater society. Per an article from Al Dia News, Daley was quoted as saying “This is still a diverse country, and . . . it will remain a diverse country. If we don’t recognize that, if we don’t embrace that, we will lose.”</span>Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-47938515815259582552018-07-08T22:12:00.001-07:002018-07-08T22:12:52.227-07:00The 2018 AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRggP4dYXFwMefVBZpmcmNxLmZRP0Th1ltZMBjVuZ-dyWLJxsjvvFDyix6sBaWy2TmRZffNVgU2fAgpI_YXygLlsYlDv9aCvx85X0AW8lAt7qECG9vyxYNJTcvFkD4A8fsplzFXlGXII/s1600/AILA+Annual+Conference+on+Immigration+Law.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="145" data-original-width="348" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRggP4dYXFwMefVBZpmcmNxLmZRP0Th1ltZMBjVuZ-dyWLJxsjvvFDyix6sBaWy2TmRZffNVgU2fAgpI_YXygLlsYlDv9aCvx85X0AW8lAt7qECG9vyxYNJTcvFkD4A8fsplzFXlGXII/s320/AILA+Annual+Conference+on+Immigration+Law.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Having earned his law degree from the Inter-American School of Law, Juan Carlos Benitez belongs to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Established in 1946, AILA represents the interests of more than 15,000 immigration attorneys and law professors throughout the United States. In June, the AILA held its annual meeting in San Francisco. The 2018 AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law (AC18) presented immigration law professionals with ample opportunities for both networking and professional development.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Learning sessions at the conference ranged from strategy sessions led by AILA National Officers to Managing Stress and Avoiding Substance Abuse, a special program designed to help attorneys cope with the pressures of their profession. Other notable sessions at AC18 included Hot Topics in Asylum Jurisprudence, Selling an Immigration Law Practice, and Risk Assessment and Client Management in a Changing System. A more thorough recap of AC18 can be found online at <a href="https://www.aila.org/conferences/in-person/annual" target="_blank">www.aila.org</a>.</span>Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-91962455425318324942018-05-09T15:24:00.000-07:002018-05-09T15:24:53.761-07:00Expanding Opportunities with Campus Wide Extended Studies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOThwOWdMST7QNQlF62sh_Lo6xljuRpdrbyhopLYOy_piRzHpnMtpi67KbbAhJCa9Zj8EbY3kOxExgbi68Kt1ceAWZ6CXFFow4cUUzT-3HZa5d_dTYSEyGj1V9mrouPb9nzUUYa3eOhac/s1600/Latte+Training+Academy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOThwOWdMST7QNQlF62sh_Lo6xljuRpdrbyhopLYOy_piRzHpnMtpi67KbbAhJCa9Zj8EbY3kOxExgbi68Kt1ceAWZ6CXFFow4cUUzT-3HZa5d_dTYSEyGj1V9mrouPb9nzUUYa3eOhac/s1600/Latte+Training+Academy.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Juan Carlos Benitez, a prominent labor attorney, is a long-time advocate of promoting the economic development of the Pacific region. In his role as chairman, Juan Carlos Benitez coordinates the workforce development programs operated by the Latte Training Academy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The <a href="http://www.lattetrainingacademy.com/" target="_blank">Latte Training Academy</a>, headquartered on the island of Saipan, provides residents of the Northern Mariana Islands with vocational and professional training through partnerships with recognized institutions, such as the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs' Campus Wide Extended Studies (CWES). </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">CWES offers certification, professional development, and degree programs through distance learning and accelerated-format courses. The non-traditional program offers flexibility that caters to the needs of a diverse student population. Students can elect to earn credits online or attend in-person classes on a condensed schedule. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">CWES also offers a range of non-credit courses to support individuals in their life-long learning goals and professional development. All degrees and certificates are awarded by the University of Colorado. CWES is fully accredited by the North Central Association.</span>Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-75900468668255259612018-02-16T14:12:00.001-08:002018-02-16T14:12:20.661-08:00ABA Releases New Guidebook for Courtroom Visuals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMs_hSsDFikPUh9G0DxKgrjRDUoMKzrh-ZnUt73lt1Vq225fgPlppObqVQIKJq6akrrv4gJtidBLHA-zmpSTBzN99GuGRO4iWG8ACWNsyy-X0ivwELwuWq5ArB5WzmH1hDvC30EiGQ1Q4/s1600/American+Bar+Association.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMs_hSsDFikPUh9G0DxKgrjRDUoMKzrh-ZnUt73lt1Vq225fgPlppObqVQIKJq6akrrv4gJtidBLHA-zmpSTBzN99GuGRO4iWG8ACWNsyy-X0ivwELwuWq5ArB5WzmH1hDvC30EiGQ1Q4/s1600/American+Bar+Association.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A native of Puerto Rico, Juan Carlos Benitez holds a juris doctor from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico School of Law and now serves as the president of the Washington Pacific Economic Development Group (WPEDG) in Hagatna, Guam. Alongside his work with WPEDG, Juan Carlos Benitez maintains membership in the <a href="https://shop.americanbar.org/ebus/store/productdetails.aspx?productid=269947805" target="_blank">American Bar Association</a> (ABA).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In late January 2018, the ABA debuted the book Demonstratives: Definitive Treatise on Visual Persuasion, which provides guidance to lawyers and other legal professionals who want to improve their skills in using visual aids in a courtroom environment. The book looks at situations that benefit from the inclusion of visual aids such as charts, graphs, and maps, and also documents instances of when visual aids only serve to add unnecessary complexity to the ideas presented.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Topics covered in the book include defining what demonstratives actually are, how to design them, and how to use them most effectively during depositions and trials. The book also contains an “Inspiration Index” of 300-plus examples of visual concepts to help trial attorneys get a solid understanding of what has been proven to work.</span>Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-44399233910894921512018-01-27T15:12:00.000-08:002018-01-27T15:12:04.329-08:00The Benefits of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOB8otE-rAyqS6ff32IEVdPLDSI8rQpiNmHBy5BFAB-chTy79_NpQTZnKDpkJ7v7qkm51yZ4i2qYihVLolnap_nm1dqogKF4VACJL-1lWBfel5_G2iQoHsHr1hCMGZv0lHMbc11nLbUw/s1600/Low-Income+Housing+Tax+Credit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOB8otE-rAyqS6ff32IEVdPLDSI8rQpiNmHBy5BFAB-chTy79_NpQTZnKDpkJ7v7qkm51yZ4i2qYihVLolnap_nm1dqogKF4VACJL-1lWBfel5_G2iQoHsHr1hCMGZv0lHMbc11nLbUw/s1600/Low-Income+Housing+Tax+Credit.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Attorney Juan Carlos Benitez serves as the chairman of Latte Training Academy, which provides vocational training to residents of the Northern Mariana Islands. The president of Washington Pacific Economic Development Group, LLC, Juan Carlos Benitez established the first<a href="https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/lihtc.html" target="_blank"> Low-Income Housing Tax Credit</a> (LIHTC) project in the Marianas. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">LIHTC is the US government’s primary federal subsidy to promote the development and rehabilitation of affordable homes for the low-income population. The program, established in 1986 by the Tax Reform Act, gives approximately 8 billion dollars to state and local agencies annually as tax credits for developing or rehabilitating affordable housing. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">LIHTC has benefited communities in the Mariana Islands and across the United States in many ways. The main benefit is affordable housing, as close to 50 percent of LIHTC households have incomes below the federal poverty level, according to research by the NYU Furman Center. Another benefit is revitalized neighborhoods. Research has shown that LIHTC developments reduce poverty and crime and improve access to better quality education.</span>Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-80334343919891317012018-01-17T17:11:00.000-08:002018-01-17T17:11:02.141-08:00Workforce Development Programs at the Latte Training Academy<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRKfFXDKcfmE8xzyyc-kHzXJPy6-9VrNvg7KahDtqaBHKS6QcvuI1vtOmxItcqkw0GiIBkmykyXzBcNCh77eLHM8E7-6zrjzA3IkFEmocebJK3ApFYQ9pqlCT60ItPrEmqIeMCduMhME/s1600/Latte+Training+Academy+Workforce+Development+Programs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRKfFXDKcfmE8xzyyc-kHzXJPy6-9VrNvg7KahDtqaBHKS6QcvuI1vtOmxItcqkw0GiIBkmykyXzBcNCh77eLHM8E7-6zrjzA3IkFEmocebJK3ApFYQ9pqlCT60ItPrEmqIeMCduMhME/s1600/Latte+Training+Academy+Workforce+Development+Programs.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Juan Carlos Benitez is the chairman of the board of the Latte Training Academy, Inc., a workforce development company based in the Northern Mariana Islands. In his leadership role with the company, Juan Carlos Benitez provides skilled and certified vocational training for workers in a variety of industries. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In 2017, the <a href="http://www.lattetrainingacademy.com/" target="_blank">Latte Training Academy</a> received a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Enterprise Grant program. Together with the CNMI Small Business Development Center, Latte will connect entrepreneurs with the technical services and training necessary to succeed in their business ventures. Looking forward, the program hopes to support at least 10 new startup companies within its first year of operation.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In addition to its work with entrepreneurs, the Latte Training Academy offers several different types of information technology (IT) certification. As a CompTIA Authorized Academy Partner, the academy provides certifications such as A+, Security+, and Network+. The Latte Training Academy also offers training in the allied health and hospitality sectors.</span>Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-17462538443869409192017-11-07T21:34:00.000-08:002017-11-07T21:34:29.486-08:00Entrepreneurial Training in Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEbzVgtF9oIqO9UtFNBR5330bnGNttt-QhTR-SHGJOzEiyC5_UkjEb9bpHI4OFZY23Yi-j7X2BPRSHHGEm4mDSB7FGgMAjV1qAJKZs3Q8jPW5BtKrAJO7uyuKVeRioX3lV0v0Rwl4ngg/s1600/Latte+Training+Academy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEbzVgtF9oIqO9UtFNBR5330bnGNttt-QhTR-SHGJOzEiyC5_UkjEb9bpHI4OFZY23Yi-j7X2BPRSHHGEm4mDSB7FGgMAjV1qAJKZs3Q8jPW5BtKrAJO7uyuKVeRioX3lV0v0Rwl4ngg/s1600/Latte+Training+Academy.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A member of the Trump Campaign's National Hispanic Advisory Council, Juan Carlos Benitez has experience that includes serving as the legislative director for the governor of Puerto Rico and nominating and vetting judicial minority candidates. Juan Carlos Benitez serves as president and chairman of the board of the Latte Training Academy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A nonprofit organization established in 2013, the Latte Training Academy promotes development for the workforce in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. In partnership with other professional groups, the academy provides training in fields such as entrepreneurship.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Latte Training Academy's entrepreneur training program operates through funding from the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program of the US Department of Agriculture. In partnership with the CNMI Small Business Development Center, the Latte Training Academy provides training in business and technical areas vital for launching startups. For more information about the Latte Training Academy and its efforts to support entrepreneurs, visit <a href="http://www.lattetrainingacademy.com/">www.lattetrainingacademy.com</a>.</span>Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-2052296038784183822017-08-31T16:59:00.000-07:002017-08-31T16:59:10.759-07:00College Students Benefit from HNBA’s Su Futuro Initiative<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zP2YxIsoZOorgyG9DySUAB_3BA_wI4t2Oi7XFo2cDQPKPdHb8q5G2tZTBsWQ2aiIgFBTf4g-D3sP6sS1z7lINIS52bbMoCgj5bDJu6MhEr5fl_zpdkyHEjbmc6_931tAFgoYS3TPdyo/s1600/Hispanic+National+Bar+Association.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zP2YxIsoZOorgyG9DySUAB_3BA_wI4t2Oi7XFo2cDQPKPdHb8q5G2tZTBsWQ2aiIgFBTf4g-D3sP6sS1z7lINIS52bbMoCgj5bDJu6MhEr5fl_zpdkyHEjbmc6_931tAFgoYS3TPdyo/s320/Hispanic+National+Bar+Association.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Having formerly served as special counsel with the US Department of Justice, Juan Carlos Benitez currently leads several organizations, including the Latte Training Academy and the Mariana EB-5 Regional Center on Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. Active in both politics and the greater legal community, Juan Carlos Benitez holds membership in organizations such as the Hispanic National Bar Association.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Since its founding in 1972, the <a href="http://hnba.com/programs/" target="_blank">Hispanic National Bar Association </a>(HNBA) has partnered with American businesses, law firms, and nonprofit organizations to advance programs aimed at professional and business development as well as community advocacy and outreach. The HNBA also oversees a variety of education, mentoring, and internship programs as part of its Su Futuro (Your Future) initiative. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">One of the initiative’s major programs is Law School Sin Límites (LSSL). The program, whose name translates to “law school without limits,” helps college students from diverse backgrounds qualify for admission to law schools throughout the country. Those accepted into the program receive mentoring from a three-person team comprising two practicing attorneys and one law student. The team of mentors works with the student throughout his or her undergraduate career to help the student learn about the legal profession, build a support network, and prepare for law school. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In addition to providing mentoring, LSSL takes students on visits to law school campuses and connects them with programs and presentations regarding financial aid and the law school admissions process. It also provides training on resume writing, interviewing, networking, and other skills that will help participants in law school and beyond.</span>Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-62662191403486349882017-08-23T11:53:00.003-07:002017-08-23T11:53:35.087-07:00Juan Carlos Benitez | The State of the Economy<br />
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<br />Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126359305435297713.post-66778707819708305962017-08-11T11:12:00.003-07:002017-08-11T11:12:43.401-07:00Juan Carlos Benitez | Where are the Jobs?<br />
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<br />Juan Carlos Benitezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10630888710595761349noreply@blogger.com