Immigrant Communities of Silicon Valley Welcome Dr. Emmett D. Carson

The topic of immigration seems to be making headlines every day. The national political debate highlights the economic benefits generated by immigrants in the agricultural, construction and high-tech industries to counter anti-immigrant propaganda. Here in our own community, Asians, Africans, Latin Americans, Europeans and Middle Easterners across Silicon Valley break historical stereotypes with cultural innovations and entrepreneurial leadership.

We experienced this April 27, 2007, at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San José. Leaders and advocates of numerous Silicon Valley immigrant communities organized an exquisite welcoming reception for Dr. Emmett D. Carson, CEO and president, Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Understanding the regional experience of immigrants and the need to build critical alliances within the field of philanthropy, key leaders organize the reception. Special thanks goes to Jaime Alvarado, executive director of the Mayfair Improvement Initiative, Richard Hobbs from the Office of Human Relations, Teresa Castellanos from the Office of Human Relations, Immigrant Relations and Integration Services, and Sheryl Munoz-Bergman of the International Institute. Not only was it the first regional gathering of immigrant leaders for the community foundation, but the organization of the reception and its implementation is being called a model for how leaders organized around one issue can create a regional platform and impact many local communities at the same time.

Over 150 participants enjoyed an abundance of food, art, poetry and stories throughout the evening. The reception was followed by a Teatro Visión performance of Bodas de Sangre (Blood Weddings) by Federico García Lorca. Dr. Carson expressed his gratitude and invited community leaders and advocates to continue engaging with each other and the community foundation around immigrant issues.

Silicon Valley’s population is growing and becoming increasingly more global in character. In Santa Clara County, for example, over one third of its 1.7 million residents are foreign born. In San Mateo County, close to a third of the 700,000 residents are foreign born. The diversity of today’s immigrant communities challenges leaders in our region to not only address their needs, but to develop strategies for weaving newcomers into the fabric of society, creating opportunities for them to work with native-born residents on shared goals and interests.

We thank the planning team for the vision, energy and commitment that made the reception a historical moment for the community foundation and our region! Visit our photo gallery for photos from the event.