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## U.S. Air Force LogoUnited States Air Force

# Department of the Air Force hosts Hispanic Heritage Month conference celebrating Hispanic and Latino leaders

              - Published  Oct. 31, 2023
              -                             By Capt. Shane Ellis                                                    
              - Secretary of the Air Force Office of Diversity and Inclusion

**WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  **
The Department of the Air Force's Hispanic Empowerment and Action Team hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Month conference Oct. 13 at the Inter-American Defense College in Washington, D.C.This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Voices and Journeys of Hispanic and Latino Leaders across our Armed Forces,” aimed to empower Airmen and Guardians and showcased the spectrum of talent, experience and dedication within the DAF's ranks.
Stephanie La Rue, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility chief for the director of National Intelligence, delivers the Keynote address at the Department of the Air Force's Hispanic Empowerment and Action Team’s Hispanic Heritage Month Conference Oct. 13, 2023, at the Inter-American Defense College, Washington, D.C. The event highlighted opportunities within the DAF, celebrated the potential for all to excel, acknowledged existing challenges, and emphasized community resilience and determination. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)
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Marianne Malizia, Secretary of the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion director, poses with the Department of the Air Force's Hispanic Empowerment and Action Team’s co-leads at the team’s Hispanic Heritage Month Conference Oct. 13, 2023, at the Inter-American Defense College in Washington, D.C. The event highlighted opportunities within the DAF, celebrated the potential for all to excel, acknowledged existing challenges, and emphasized community resilience and determination. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)
Photo Details /                Download Hi-Res**Marianne Malizia**, SAF Diversity and Inclusion director, spoke at the event and emphasized the group’s broader vision.“Today’s conference is more than just a celebration of heritage,” she said. “It’s a testament to the limitless potential of our Hispanic and Latino members. In the Department of the Air Force, we're not just looking at today, but setting the stage for a more inclusive and brighter tomorrow. I see a future where every voice and all backgrounds contribute uniquely to our mission. Let this event remind us all: Together, we fly higher."

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