Washington, DC – The HACU National Internship Program (HNIP) continues to be an invaluable career development experience that has seen many of its alumni go on to successful professional positions.  Eduardo Martinez and Belinda Garza are no exceptions.

Eduardo Martinez, a summer 1997 HNIP intern, recently joined the staff of Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), the region’s premier business leadership organization, established in 1981 with a mission to attract, retain, and grow business and jobs in Los Angeles County.

Prior to joining the LAEDC, Martinez worked at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC where he was an international economist in the Office of Economic Policy & Summit Coordination, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.  Prior to that, Martinez worked at the U.S. Department of Labor, also in Washington, as an economist/industry analyst in the International Price Program.  Additionally, Martinez worked for the Texas Department of Economic Development where he was a research analyst.  (Click here to view the LAEDC press release.)

Belinda Garza, a spring 2002 HNIP intern, was recently highlighted in Hispanic Trends magazine’s May 2006 edition under the “Trendsetters” section.  Belinda’s HACU internship in Washington, DC, turned into a regular position in Congressman Ciro Rodriguez’s office.  She was eventually recruited by Wal-Mart’s D.C. offices, where she now lobbies for Wal-Mart.  (Click here to read the article.)

Antonio Flores, President and CEO of HACU stated, “We are proud to have been a part of Eduardo’s and Belinda’s professional development and to hear that they have been making the most out of their HACU internship experience in the positions they have today.  HNIP’s goal is to “Open Door of Opportunity.” It’s obvious that these two outstanding individuals not only walked through the doors, but ran through them.  We wish them well in all of their future endeavors.”

The HNIP program stared in 1992 with 24 students.  Since then the program has placed over 6,000 students in challenging 10 and 15 week internship positions with federal agencies and corporations.  In 2007 the HNIP program will celebrate 15 years of accomplishments. 

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