Washington, DC - The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) would like to announce that its President and CEO, Angela Franco has joined the board of trustees of the powerful organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1962, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF).

"We are delighted to welcome Angela to PADF's board. Her extensive experience building cooperation between Hispanic businesses in Washington and those in Latin America and the Caribbean will help to further strengthen our work with the private sector in the region. As a proven leader, she will also be great asset to the Foundation as we work to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and excluded people in our hemisphere," said John Sanbrailo, PADF Executive Director.

The mission of PADF is to assist vulnerable and excluded people and communities in the Americas to achieve sustainable economic and social progress, strengthen their communities and civil society, promote democratic participation and inclusion, and prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other humanitarian crises and creating a Hemisphere of Opportunity for All.

“I feel privileged to be joining such distinguished organization and group of leaders,” said Angela Franco. “The Chamber and I continue to be committed to helping our communities and businesses in need locally, and now with our international initiative, in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

About GWHCC

The GWHCC is a 501(C) 6 membership driven organization, founded in 1976, that supports the economic development of the greater Washington metropolitan area. The Chamber facilitates the success of Latino and other minority-owned businesses and the communities they serve through networking, advocacy, education and access to capital. For additional information visit our website www.gwhcc.org.

About PADF

The Pan American Development Foundation is anonprofit 501 (c) (3) which brings together many stakeholders to improve livelihoods, empower communities, strengthen civil society, support human rights, protect the environment organization and respond to natural disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean. PADF was established by the Organization of American States in 1962, and has worked in every country in the hemisphere.

PADF has impacted the lives of over 50 70 million people in all countries of the hemisphere through programs valued at over abillion dollars, working with the public and private sector. Today, PADF is a leading organization the Interamerican Inter-American System. During fiscal year 2013 2014, its programs reached over 10 15 million people, investing more than $ 69 92 million in resources for development and disaster management in 22 27 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. PADF has field offices in Haiti, Colombia, Suriname, and Belize, Honduras and programs throughout the region. www.padf.org