Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

October 28, 2011

Dear Members, Friends, Sponsors and Guests of the HBA-NJ:

Bienvenidos!! I am very humbled to be sworn-in tonight as the 32nd President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ). I am also thrilled to welcome you to the Annual Installation and Swearing-In Ceremony of the organization’s 2011/2012 Officers and Trustees. I am particularly proud to be hosting this event in Camden for the first time in our organization’s history. The selection of the Camden Aquarium as tonight’s venue not only holds personal significance given my family’s ties to the city but also helps demonstrate the HBA-NJ’s commitment to representing and reaching out to members in every corner of this great State. Camden is also the perfect city to kick-off our theme for the year: UNIDOS - One Mission, One Voice, One State.

My principal charge as President is to continue furthering the mission of the HBA-NJ by addressing the many issues that affect New Jersey’s Hispanic lawyers and the Hispanic community at large. Thankfully, as a result of the good stewardship of our past presidents, including Immediate Past President Suzette Rodriguez, the foundation for the HBA-NJ’s advocacy and educational work is strong and well established. To build on that foundation, I intend to draw upon the talent and wisdom of our past presidents by creating a President’s Advisory Committee composed of all past presidents of the HBA-NJ who are able to provide the organization with input and strategic support. In addition, to further the UNIDOS theme, I have also created a membership task force that will focus on not only increasing membership, but also identifying and better addressing the needs of our members throughout the State.  Further, the HBA-NJ will solidify its relationship with the Hispanic National Bar Association by playing an important supporting role in the HNBA’s March 2012 Mid-Year Corporate Counsel Conference, which will be held in Jersey City, NJ. The HBA-NJ will also continue to advocate for judicial, prosecutorial and executive appointments in each of the State’s twenty-one counties and work tirelessly to ensure continued Hispanic representation on the New Jersey Supreme Court. Last, but certainly not least, we will continue to provide great networking and social events so that we can come together, build stronger relationships, celebrate member achievements, and learn from our many common cultural and professional experiences.

Although this is a tall order, I know that all of these goals – and more – are achievable with your collaboration and the continued, unwavering support of our dedicated sponsors and friends. I thank you again for joining me and all of the 2011/2012 Officers and Trustees on this historic evening as we begin a new chapter in the HBA-NJ’s distinguished history.

With very warm regards,

Daniel Mateo

32nd President - Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey