DEARBORN, MI -- Ford, a strong supporter of Hispanic Heritage Month through the years took this years celebration to a higher level with a special event on September 30th at its World Headquarters featuring Jacqueline Hernandez, COO of Telemundo, NBC Universal as keynote speaker and Ximena Navarrete, Miss Universe 2010.

"This is an evening where we are celebrating our history, heritage and the American experience" said Carla Preston, Chairwoman Ford Hispanic Network.

This year is special because 2010 marks the 200th anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries including Mexico, Chile, Colombia Argentina and Venezuela.

Hispanic Heritage observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, approved by President Lyndon Johnson and expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.

Jacqueline Hernandez provided an inspirational message about Hispanic Americans and their contribution to the United States.

Hernandezs professional career exemplifies whats possible for Hispanic and Latinos living the American experience.

As part of the event, the Mexican beauty recently crowned Miss Universe 2010, Ximena Navarrete was present to share her message of Hispanic empowerment as well as her mission as the new Miss Universe.

In addition to the event Ford and Saber es Poder (To know is Power), an exclusive network located within the US Mexican consulates, have partnered to celebrate Mexico’s Bicentennial, which started in August and runs through October.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide.