History

National Association of Latino Democratic Officials is founded by U.S. Representative Edward R. Roybal who served as President until 1999.

Organization changes its name to NALEO to reflect nonpartisan status and inclusion of all Latino public officials. Articles of Incorporation are signed by U.S. Representatives Edward R. Roybal, Herman Badillo, E. (Kika) de la Garza, and Jaime Benitez.

Ed Avila becomes the first NALEO Executive Director. The first fundraiser for NALEO is held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dionicio Morales.

NALEO Educational Fund is established to carry out mission of increasing Latino political participation in the country; Dr. Harry P. Pachon is named Executive Director of organization and U.S. Rep. Roybal serves as Chair.

NALEO Educational Fund releases its first National Hispanic Roster of Elected Officials, with 3,128 Latinos serving in public office.

NALEO Educational Fund moves its headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, Calif.

NALEO Educational Fund opens office in New York City to advance civic engagement efforts in New York and the northeast. Harry P. Pachon steps down as Executive Director, becomes Board Chair.

Arturo Vargas is named Executive Director of NALEO Educational Fund.

Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox elected NALEO Educational Fund Chair.

NALEO Educational Fund designates its naturalization assistance and civic participation programs the Harry P. Pachon Civic Engagement Program.

Texas State Representative Rafael Anchia elected NALEO Educational Fund Chair.

NALEO Educational Fund joins partners to launch ya es hora campaign to build on momentum of 2006 immigration marches.

Over 25,000 Latinos registered to vote on the ya es hora campaign’s website www.yaeshora.info.

Florida State Representative Juan C. Zapata elected NALEO Educational Fund Chair.

NALEO Educational Fund opens an office in Orlando, Florida.

NALEO Educational Fund becomes a core member of the newly formed New Americans Campaign.

Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Pauline Medrano elected NALEO Educational Fund Chair.

NALEO Educational Fund celebrates 35th anniversary promoting full Latino civic participation and enhancing the leadership abilities of our nation’s Latino public servants. City of West Hollywood Councilmember John Duran elected to serve as NALEO Educational Fund Chair.

NALEO Educational Fund opens Arizona office as part of new initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes of Arizona youth.