Redefining the face and values of the emerging American work force was the topic of the inaugural César E. Chavez Leadership Lecture, a program conducted by ASU's Office of Public Affairs and led by Nancy Jordan, associate vice president of community development.

The lecture was an outgrowth of the annual César E. Chavez Memorial Breakfast. It featured a keynote address by U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif. Becerra first was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992 and is the assistant to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Becerra serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which is responsible for formulating our nation's tax, Social Security, Medicare, trade and income security laws.

As Pelosi's assistant, Becerra wields a strong voice in House leadership, helping to set priorities and drive the legislative decision-making process.

“It is Congressman Becerra's leadership role in Congress and his depth of knowledge regarding work force development and Southwest border issues that led us to invite him to our leadership lecture,” Jordan says. “He truly adds authority and credibility to our program.”

All proceeds from the lecture benefit the ASU César E. Chavez Leadership programs.