| Lydia Camarillo is making history.
As Chief Executive Officer for the Democratic National Convention, she’s the first Latino or Latina ever to be charged with organizing such a momentous event for either party.
She’s also quite aware of the privilege and responsibility that entails, not only for her, but for Hispanics in general.
But judging from her long list of accomplishments and dedication to her work, there seems to be no doubt that the Democrat’s big party will be, as Camarillo confidently put it, "a convention that is first rate." The event is set for August 14-17 at Los Angeles’ Staple Center.
In fact, Camarillo’s grass roots organizing skills was one of the major reasons the Democrats chose the 41-year-old Texan for the job.
According to Camarillo, her primary responsibility is to implement the vision of Vice President Al Gore and to keep a Democrat in the White House.
That vision includes a commitment to have all communities and minorities represented at the convention in order to facilitate an open dialogue with all Americans.
Camarillo said the idea is already evident in her staff which "is going to be the most diverse team in American history," she said. So far, 52 percent are women and 25 percent Latinos.
Camarillo hopes this next election shows the nation how the Latino electorate has come of age. And indeed her job as CEO of the Democratic Convention illustrates the increasing importance and visibility of Hispanics in the political process.
But getting to this point has meant a lot of hard work for the El Paso native. Camarillo is the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico.She left her home state to attend the University of California, Santa Cruz and later received a law degree from Hastings College of Law in San Francisco.
Through her work at Latino Issues Forum and MALDEF, Camarillo worked tirelessly organizing leadership programs for Latinos and advocated on behalf of all minorities on issues such as health care, affirmative action and civil rights.
But perhaps she left her greatest mark as Executive Director of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project. During her tenure, the organization implemented the largest voter registration and "Get Out the Vote" campaign of its kind.
In partnership with the Midwest Voter Registration Education Project and Hispanic Education and Legal Fund, they registered an astounding 1.4 million voters and their efforts ensured the turn out of over 5 million Latino voters nationwide.
Just recently, Camarillo took some time from her demanding schedule to talk to Latino.com about how the preparations for the convention are going and how she plans to make it the best Democratic convention to date.
Latino.com: Do you have any concerns about security around the Staples Center given the violence that took place after the Lakers won the NBA championship?
Camarillo: I’m glad you asked that question. I hope you also took note of the fact that yesterday [June 21] there were a quarter of a million to a million individuals that celebrated right outside the Staples Center, both in terms of a parade and then an actual celebration.
You saw two things. One was people coming together to celebrate history in the making by having the Lakers win again. Frankly for us, it’s sort of the Irish lucky charm. We’re going to be in the Staples Center, and that was where the Lakers became the NBA champions. And that’s where we’re going to send our nominee to the White House.
But I’m glad you asked the question about security because it’s clear from the celebration yesterday that Los Angeles is ready to celebrate, and the police will make sure that communities are safe.
As part of the convention, our job is to work with the police department as well as all entities, including the Secret Service, the state and local law enforcement entities, and to make sure that at the end of the day all you remember is the issues we’re about. Those issues include education, Social Security and the economy.
We want to celebrate the last seven and a half years and set an agenda that is really a vision of the vice president that includes all communities. On August 18, you will remember that Democrats not only know how to put on a party, but know how to celebrate.
Latino.com: How do you feel as a woman and a Latina being in charge of the Convention?
Camarillo: The idea of having this opportunity is not only humbling and exciting, but it’s energizing. It’s history in the making. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.
I think I have two responsibilities. First as a woman and as a Latina, I need to make sure that I implement the vision of the vice president. Vice President Al Gore’s vision is to make sure that all communities are included. It’s clear by the fact he selected someone like myself. Not only am I Latina and come from humble beginnings as the daughter of immigrant parents, but I’ve been an advocate all my life for issues that are relevant not only to Latinos, but across the line. You’re talking about issues like affirmative action and civil rights.
Second, as the first Latina who holds this post, I have a responsibility to make sure that others like myself have similar or better opportunities by the very essence that we’re able to in effect, implement and organize a convention that is first class, first rate and that sends our nominee Vice President Al Gore as the next president of the United States to the White House.
Latino.com How much will the Latino vote be the deciding factor in this election?
Camarillo: Let me say that as a Latina, I’m very proud that Latinos have come of age as an electorate. As a former executive director of the Southwest Voter Registration Project, registering Latinos to vote and being part of the political process, it’s very exciting to see that they’re going to be an integral part deciding the future of American politics.
But like any other election, without all the communities coming together, the Latino vote cannot be the swing vote. We need to put it in perspective. Latinos will be a deciding vote because women are going to come out — they 52 percent of the electorate. Labor is going to come out and support Gore because they understand that his vision is about working families.
Women will come out and work for Gore because they understand that family values are about making sure that children have real choices. Education is one of the ways we’re going to move forward. The African-American community understands that it’s the only party that includes all communities and the same is true for Latinos.
Latino.com: Do you think Gore will have a hard time with Cuban Americans in Miami given the resentment with the Clinton administration over Elián González?
Camarillo: The vote will be ours because Latinos in Florida are excited about what Gore has to offer. If you take a close look at the record, what the vice president had proposed was that Elian’s father and family be given an opportunity to make a choice.
Latino.com: What will make this convention special or exciting?
Camarillo: First you’re going to see a lot of Latinos. First starting with the staff. I’m very excited and proud that this is going to be the most diverse team in American history compared to the other party.
That is one exciting thing. It will distinctly show how we’re really the party of inclusion. This party is going to make sure that all communities are at the table helping to resolve the issues that are relevant to families in America, today and for the next eight years.
Latino.com: How is the funding for the convention going?
Camarillo: Having a convention of this nature come to the city means an incredible economic boost. We expect that Los Angeles will receive $132 million.
The host committee is going to raise every single penny that we need in order to host a first-rate convention that showcases both Los Angeles as well as the values and principles of our party. The host committee will have raised everything by the time I need the money. I have no doubt about that. |
