On October 12, I will welcome more than 2,000 people to the 21st Annual Hispanic Women's Conference at the Phoenix Convention Center. This national conference is home grown. Organizers of the first conference in Phoenix expected only about 100 participants, but when they opened the doors that first year, more than 300 women were ready to sign up.

The Conference promotes education, community involvement, professional advancement and leadership development. I am privileged to be part of it this year.

The Conference will mark the final week of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which began September 15 and will end October 15. The starting date was chosen because five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – celebrate their independence on September 15. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

There are almost 40 million Hispanic Americans in the United States today. Throughout our nation’s history, Hispanic Americans have made important contributions. In Arizona, those we honor include labor leader Cesar Chavez, Congressional Medal of Honor winner Silvestre Herrera, former Governor and Ambassador Raul Castro and former Arizona Diamondbacks star Luis Gonzales.

We also honor all Latinos and Latinas who have shown their loyalty to Arizona and the U.S. in many ways that include defending our country in the military, starting new businesses and contributing to our economy, and working hard to take care of their families.

The United States draws strength from its diversity. As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, let’s take the time to recognize the many contributions Hispanics have made to Arizona’s heritage.

Terry Goddard