Keynote Speakers
General Session - Morning
"Una Plática" – Denise Chávez
The morning general session will feature a visit with nationally recognized New Mexican author, Denise Chávez, on themes of diversity, the power of language, culture and traditions. Chávez will share some savory bites from her new book, "A Taco Testimony: Meditations on Family, Food and Culture" published by Río Nuevo Publishers. She will also be discussing and selling her books on the hotel promenade following her presentation.
Denise Chávez was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on August 15, 1948. After graduating from Madonna High School in Mesillao, Chávez went on to receive a bachelor’s and master’s degree in drama from Trinity University in 1974. Upon graduating, she worked in the Dallas Theater Center and continued her studies in drama and writing, graduating from the University of New Mexico in 1984 with a master's degree in creative writing. It was during her years as a college student that Chávez began writing plays. In 1986, she published a collection of her short stories as a novel, The Last of the Menu Girls, for which she won the Puerto del Sol Fiction Award. With the publication of Face of an Angel in 1994, Chávez received much critical acclaim, receiving the American Book Award, the Premio Axtlan, and Mesilla Valley Author of the Year Award. In all of her works one finds an authentic portrayal of her Chicano culture, bilingualism, and humor. Currently, Chávez teaches creative writing at New Mexico State University and is completing her third novel, Loving Pedro Infante. Read more about Denise Chávez.
General Session - Midday
"The Role of Museums in Commerce, Community and Culture" – Gena Howard
Cultural institutions and museums play a significant role in our communities. From motivators of economic development to keepers of culture, museums have emerged as recognizable factors in the growth and success of creative communities. This general session will provide an update on the development of the American Indian Cultural Center in Oklahoma and discuss the role it and other institutions play in connecting the community and cultures of the region as well as promoting positive commerce in tourism and job creation.
Gena Howard is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in May 1999 and is a member of the Oklahoma Bar and the Federal Bar of the Western District of Oklahoma. She was appointed the deputy director of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority in December 1999, and is the founding president of the OSU American Indian Alumni Association. She is a member of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce and a designee to the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission. Howard served as a member of the leadership team of the OKC Chamber Human Capital & Diversity Project and is a member of the City of Oklahoma City Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community Governance Committee.
