Reno, Nev. – Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) President Brian Sandoval participated today in a “Discussions in Democracy” fireside chat moderated by Jon Ralston and Vanessa Vancour in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Joined by students, faculty, and staff on UNR’s campus, Cortez Masto and Sandoval — two of Nevada’s highest ranking Latino officials — talked about working together across the aisle to deliver for Nevada, their shared background, and encouraging the Latino community and all Nevadans to partake in civic engagement.
“I’ve known Brian for a long time, so I was honored to join him to honor Hispanic Heritage Month and discuss the growing power of our Latino communities,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “From our days combatting human trafficking at the state level to ensuring that UNR continues to be a top research institution, Brian and I have always worked together across the aisle to uplift all Nevadans. Our voices matter now more than ever, and I’m proud to come together to celebrate Latino culture and highlight our contributions to the Silver State.”
“Today’s ‘Discussions in Democracy’ event at the University of Nevada highlighted the vital role that Latino voices play in shaping our political landscape,” said Brian Sandoval, President of the University of Nevada, Reno. “Engaging our diverse communities in meaningful dialogue not only strengthens our democracy, but also enriches the future of Nevada. I’m grateful to Senator Cortez Masto for her leadership and commitment to fostering civic participation among all Nevadans, starting right here at the University of Nevada. I would also like to thank Jon Ralston and Vanessa Vancour for moderating today’s discussion.”
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Cortez Masto graduated from University of Nevada, Reno in 1986. She served two terms as Nevada’s Attorney General before becoming the first woman from Nevada and the first Latina ever elected to the U.S. Senate, as well as the highest ranking Hispanic Senator in the Democratic Caucus. She passed a bipartisan resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in the Senate this year. She helped create a new series of commemorative circulating coins highlighting remarkable American women trailblazers in the U.S.—including Latinas like Celia Cruz, Nina Otero-Warren, and Jovita Idar. And she’s leading the charge in the Senate to build the National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall.
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