Busy Star Juggles Career, Charity Work and...School!
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The ALMA Awards is a special show because it represents the determined spirit and soul of the Latino people, and I cannot think of a better person to help celebrate and co-host with me than my good friend, George Lopez." – Eva Longoria Parker.
There is no denying that IMTA alum Eva Longoria Parker is one of Hollywood’s busiest women. She is not only a star on one of TV biggest hits, the owner of a successful restaurant, a college student, and the founder and active Board member of the non-profit Eva’s Heroes dedicated to the developmentally challenged, but she is very involved with the NCLR (National Council of La Raza, a Hispanic civil rights organization), having executive-produced
and hosted for the past four years the NCLR’s annual
ALMA Awards that celebrate Latino heritage and its positive impact on American entertainment and culture.
At a recent press conference, changes for the 2009
ALMA Awards were announced by Longoria Parker and NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía. One change is the addition of a co-host—actor, comedian and talk-show host George Lopez. “I am proud that we will be able to pay tribute to a record number of Latino performers and just thrilled to have one of the funniest men on the planet, George Lopez, as my co-host this year,” said Longoria Parker. “If you know me and you know George, anything can happen so tune in!”
Another significant change is in the format for the awards, which includes specially produced packages highlighting Latinos in their entertainment field, not only film and television, but also in music and sports television. “We’re changing the format from five nominees and winners to include packages highlighting everyone who has contributed over the year,” Longoria Parker told
TV Guide.
Longoria Parker has also been taking independent study classes at Cal State Northridge for a Masters in Chicano Studies and Political Science, with an emphasis on Latino rights. “I really wanted a better, more authentic understanding of what my community has gone through so I can help create change,” she says. “I have already learned that there’s a lot I don’t know.
For those fans eager to find out what is happening on Wisteria Lane, the wait is almost over. “
Desperate Housewives” returns for a 6
th season on Sunday, September 27
th. Longoria Parker and her on-screen husband, co-star Ricardo Antonio Chavira, are both 2009
ALMA Award honorees for their roles as Gabrielle and Carlos Solis on the hit TV show.