Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Entrepreneurial Training in Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands


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.

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.

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 www.lattetrainingacademy.com.

Thursday, August 31, 2017

College Students Benefit from HNBA’s Su Futuro Initiative



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.

Since its founding in 1972, the Hispanic National Bar Association (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. 

One of the initiative’s major programs is Law School Sin LĂ­mites (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. 

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.