Dr. Colon speaks to audience during her presentation for National Hispanic Heritage Month

On Tuesday, October 2, 2012, U.S. Customs and Border Protection along with the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Agency for International Development, also known as the Federal Triangle Partnership, celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month, with a program held at the Department of Commerce Auditorium. The mistress of ceremonies was Maria Cardona from CNN en Espanol and the keynote speaker was Dr. Frances A. Colon, Deputy Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary of State at the U.S. Department of State.

Mistress of Ceremonies Maria Cardona welcomes the audience to the National Hispanic Heritage Month Program

Dr. Colon’s catch phrase during her speech was “Latinos need to step up their game,” in which she indicated that Latinos across the world should leverage educational enrichment and remain an active voice in the decisions that impact not just them, but the local, national and global community.

The national anthem was beautifully sung by Johnathan Walker from the Office of Diversity and Civil Rights. Of note, Mr. Walker’s musical contributions are often featured in venues around the Nation’s capitol and he was also a finalist in the B. Smith “B. Discovered Talent Search for DC’S Next Great Singer” singing competition.