Cisneros Visits Local Latino Families, Introduces American Dream Initiative

Courtesy of Jacob Perry

Henry Cisneros, Janet Murguia and Monica Lozano visit with community members.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Henry Cisneros, who as founder of the Cisneros Center for New Americans brought its first American Dream Initiative pilot program to Northwest Arkansas, returned to the area this week. The University of Arkansas is an active partner in the initiative, which works to connect local immigrants with community resources to help them successfully integrate into the local community.

Cisneros, who served as U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Clinton, met Monday evening with members of the Cisneros Center's Board of Directors as well as Latino immigrants in Northwest Arkansas. Their discussion was facilitated by Arkansas American Dream Fellows and explored local immigrants' service needs and the barriers to accessing those services.

Janet Murguía, Cisneros Center board member and president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, also spoke about the American Dream Initiative. Board members Monica Lozano and Cecilia Herrera also took part in the event.