Party Recap: Voto Latino’s Our Voices Event

The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner weekend kicked off Friday evening
at the Hay-Adams hotel in downtown DC, where Voto Latino’s Our Voices: Celebrating
Diversity in Media event took place on the packed rooftop terrace. The event has grown
considerably from its inaugural event four years ago, which had only 20 attendees. 

The organization registered close to 100,000 voters in the 2012 election, and the
event brought together Voto Latino organizers, members of the media, elected officials,
and celebrities to recognize the efforts of the organization and celebrate diversity
in the media.

As guests sipped mojitos and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres of roast beef sliders, Voto Latino
CEO
Maria
Teresa Kumar thanked attendees and voiced her appreciation of making the organization such a success.
She was then joined onstage with
Hawaii Five-0 and
Lost star
Daniel Dae Kim, who was an honored guest of the evening.

“May you live in interesting times,” said Kim, quoting the Chinese proverb. He also
spoke about the current political landscape with immigration reform and the diversity
of votes in the recent election.

Kumar and Kim both introduced Los Angeles mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa, who had arrived directly from a meeting with President Obama. He echoed Kumar’s
gratitude of their supporters and encouraged all those in attendance to enjoy the
evening.

After a few quick speeches, the party continued as guests trickled in and out. Once
the alcohol slowly started to run out past 9:30, party-goers thanked the hosts and
made their exits, presumably on their way to the next party. As the room thinned out,
the dance floor became the hotspot. Kumar and the rest of Voto Latino continued to
dance and enjoy a job well done.

Daniel Dae Kim speaks about his involvement with Voto Latino. 

Maria Teresa Kumar, Kathleen Sebelius, and Melody Barnes.

Dori Zweig

Douglas Bair