Rose Parade 2020: First Latina (video)

Susanne Whatley (LAist.com 1/1/20); Crystal Quintero, CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

The new first-ever Latina President of the Tournament of Roses Association Laura Farber launches the Rose Parade this morning, Jan. 1, 2020.

Rose Parade 2020: Meet the first Latina president of the Tournament of Roses

Pres. Laura Farber is the first Latina

Laura Farber, a native of Buenos Aires, is the newest president of the Tournament of Roses Association, which puts on the nation's most famous New Year's Day parade.

Farber is also the board chair. And as the first Latina president in the Tournament's history, she's part of a continuing effort to increase diversity at the venerable volunteer organization.

To that end, Farber named three Latinas to serve as co-grand marshals: actresses Rita Moreno and Gina Torres, and Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez.

Farber also asked that the B-2 pilot who flies over the 2020 festivities be a woman (wish granted: Lt. Col. Nicola Polidor).

She also chose this year's theme, "The Power of Hope (El Poder de la Esperanza)." She told us the choice was inspired by her and her husband's immigrant experiences (he's from the Dominican Republic), and fueled by a desire to see a divided country come together in the new year. 

MAKING HISTORY

The pantheon of past presidents includes just two other women (who served in 2005-06 and 2012-13). Farber is the first Latina and native Spanish-speaker to work her way up to the post. More