CHICAGO — The Central Asia Institute (CAI) will present Robert Renteria, president of business development for Midwest Laundries, Chicago, with its Outstanding Humanitarian Award later this month for his efforts to inspire troubled youth to replace violence and gangs with education and accomplishment.
Renteria, a 21-year laundry industry veteran, is a frequent contributor to AmericanCoinOp.com. He authored the book, From the Barrio to the Board Room, and graphic novel, Mi Barrio, and he is the founder of the non-profit From the Barrio Foundation.
His latest project is a reality television pilot titled 2nd Chances. Its premise is that Renteria, his publisher and his foundation’s CEO will lead a group of 12 young adults in need of a second chance through a series of charity-related tasks intended to teach them the value of hard work, education and dedication.
Renteria is one of a group of prominent philanthropists, celebrities and authors scheduled to participate in panel discussions during CAI’s Building Bridges of Peace Conference on Oct. 28 at the Hilton Chicago. The awards presentation will precede dinner on Oct. 29.
Conference tickets are available at www.ikat.org/chicago.
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