Preview

Plenary

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Time
Activity
Room
2:00 - 2:25 pm
Identity and Representation: Latinos and the U.S. Census

Join us for an engaging session featuring U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Santos, the first Latino to ever hold this position. As demographic shifts reshape our nation, understanding the complexities of Latino identity and representation is more important than ever. Explore the significance of the recent announcement of OMB Directive 15 and its lasting impact on how Latinos self-report their race and ethnicity. Don't miss this opportunity to hear Director Santos discuss current trends and efforts to enhance census data collection for Latinos.

Speaker:

Juan Proaño

Chief Executive Officer, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

Robert L. Santos

Director of the U.S. Census Bureau
Milano I
2:30 - 3:15 pm
Un Futuro Saludable: Latino Health Access Challenges

Join us for an enlightening plenary session delving into the urgent issue of healthcare access for Latinos. With the evolving landscape of Medicaid and the increasing number of uninsured Latinos, we'll explore the challenges that our community currently faces. Additionally, we'll discuss access to reproductive healthcare services for Latina women, especially in the wake of the end of Roe v. Wade. Furthermore, we'll address the growing prevalence of chronic diseases among Latinos and the importance of accessing critical medications like anti-obesity medications to alleviate this burden. Don't miss this vital conversation that directly impacts the health and well-being of Latinos across the nation.

Speakers:

Dr. Ray Serrano

Director of Research and Policy, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

Melanie Fontes Rainer

Director, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Dr. Helen Arteaga Landaverde

Chief Executive Officer, NYC Health + Hospital/Elmhurst

Dr. David Hayes-Bautista

Professor of Medicine and Director of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture at the School of Medicine, UCLA
Milano I
3:30 - 4:15 pm
A More Perfect Union? The Ongoing Struggle for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Latinos have always been an integral part of the American fabric despite facing persistent exclusion and division. Recently, civil rights progress has stalled and even reversed. The 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action mirrors a troubling trend sidelining diversity and inclusion efforts in universities, workplaces, and communities. With some companies scaling back diversity programs amidst legal uncertainties, initiatives aimed at fostering diversity have encountered setbacks. In public educational institutions, opposition to DEI initiatives has intensified debates on race and belonging, bringing culture war battles into the classroom. How do we counter this trend and advocate for a firm stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion? Join us for an enlightening discussion on the implications for Latino professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

Speakers:

Aaron D. Ford

Attorney General, State of Nevada

Mariana Adame

Special Assistant to the President for Candidate Recruitment and Congressional Outreach, Office of Presidential Personnel, The White House

Roberto J. Rodríguez

Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, U.S. Department of Education

Greg Shinbur

Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Caesars Entertainment

Dr. DeRionne Pollard

President of Nevada State University
Milano I
4:30 - 5:15 pm
If I Knew Then What I Know Now: Tools for Economic Prosperity

Many Latino communities grapple with persistent financial worries. Limited understanding of fiscal matters coupled with the unpredictable nature of the economy often result in poor credit scores, overwhelming debt, and a sense of disillusionment with the American Dream. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo aims to share the wisdom she wishes she had learned earlier in life with our community. Join us for an enlightening session on strategies for achieving economic success. We'll explore effective approaches to tackle pressing financial concerns including housing, retirement, healthcare, and debt management in today's economic landscape.

Speaker:

Alejandra Y. Castillo

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development

Alejandra Castro

Consultant, Bain & Company
Milano I

Friday, June 28, 2024

Time
Activity
Room
9:00 - 9:45 am
Beyond Borders: Examining the U.S. Migration Crisis

This session will feature an engaging dialogue on the influx of migrants to the U.S. and the political, economic, and social responses that have ensued. For decades, the U.S. has been a beacon for immigrants seeking safety and opportunity. However, the recent migration of tens of thousands of asylum seekers, refugees, and internally displaced persons has strained already scarce resources and fueled anti-immigrant sentiment. This panel will delve into the causes, challenges, and future of the current crisis, offering insights from leaders actively seeking critical solutions on the ground at this pivotal time.

Speakers:

Domingo Garcia

National President, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

Sister Norma Pimentel

Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley

Carlos Eduardo Espina

Nonprofit Director, Activist, and Lawyer

Maribel Hernández Rivera

Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Border and Immigration, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Milano I
10:00 - 10:45 am
Navigating AI's Evolution and Its Impact on Latino Communities

Artificial Intelligence is not just cutting-edge tech; from Roomba vacuums to the virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT that we use every day, AI has already been around for over seven decades. However, in recent years, rapid advances have divided the “doomers” against the “accelerationists” over either the death of the human race or achieving the highest level of human efficiency. This stimulating session will discuss how AI breakthroughs impact Latinos’ personal data security, online safety, job prospects, fair voting, and our economy. Whether you're all about the latest tech or a bit wary of what the future holds, you'll find your place here.

Speakers:

Willmary Escoto

U.S. Policy Counsel, Access Now

Dr. Arati Prabhakar

Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Alexandra Reeve Givens

CEO, Center for Democracy & Technology

Mikael Rojas

Senior Counsel to Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Justice
Milano I
11:00 - 11:45 pm
Empowering the Future: A Conversation with Isabel Casillas Guzman, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration

Join us for an inspiring session featuring Juan Proaño, CEO of the League of Latin American Citizens, and Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. This engaging discussion will spotlight Administrator Guzman's tireless efforts to uplift minority-owned businesses nationwide. Discover how her visionary leadership has led to record-breaking achievements, fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. Learn about the innovative initiatives and impactful policies she has championed, including the T.H.R.I.V.E Emerging Leaders Reimagined program and youth entrepreneurship summits, all aimed at empowering the next generation of Latino entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in underserved communities.

Speakers:

Juan Proaño

Chief Executive Officer, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

Honorable Isabel Casillas Guzman

27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration
Milano I
2:00 - 2:45 pm
Embracing the Uncomfortable: An Honest Conversation on Climate Change

Recent natural disasters have highlighted the stark reality of climate change, significantly impacting Latino communities across the U.S. From California to New York, and everywhere in between, climate change has profoundly affected millions. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 56% of U.S. Latinos experienced extreme weather events in their local areas within the past year, with 81% prioritizing climate action compared to 67% of non-Latinos.

Latinos bear a disproportionate burden of California's wildfires, Florida's rising sea levels, and New York's heat-related health issues. In Texas, Latino farm workers face heightened risks of heat-related health problems. Despite sustainable development efforts to tackle climate change head-on, persistent skepticism and delayed action frustrate progress, worsening the hardships endured by Latino communities. This session will address the urgency of mitigation efforts, emphasizing how prolonged inaction disproportionately impacts Latinos and what we can do to confront these challenges.

Speakers:

Francisco Sánchez Jr.

Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

Ron Pierce

Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the U.S. Department of Energy

Andrea Delgado

Chief of Staff, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Lisette Perez

Member, National Environmental Youth Advisory Council, Environmental Protection Agency

Jeffrey Prieto

General Counsel, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Milano I
3:00 - 3:45 pm
Game Changers: Empowering Latino Youth through Sport and the 2026 World Cup

This session is focusing on harnessing the power of sports for social impact, recognizing the critical role of play in shaping the health and development of children. Underserved communities, disproportionately lacking recreational facilities, highlight the urgency of creating safer spaces and promoting enjoyable activities to foster healthy lifestyles. The aim is to ensure every child, especially Latino children, has access to safe play areas. Through collaborative efforts with companies and community partners, environments can be re-imagined and re-created where all children can learn and thrive. This lively discussion will center on leveraging sports to engage communities, inspire action, and drive change, offering insights into the transformative potential of sports, particularly in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup.

Speakers:

Ed Foster-Simeon

President & CEO, U.S. Soccer Foundation

Amir Lowery

Executive Director, Open Goal Project

Karen Ventura

Soccer Market Representative, Musco Lighting

Chris Quaresma

Recreation Supervisor, City of North Las Vegas

Isaac Calderon

Professional Soccer Player, and Youth Mentor
Milano I
4:00 - 4:45 pm
Latinos and the Future of Voting and Civil Rights

In 2024, democracy is under significant threat, with voting rights hanging in the balance. Given the substantial influence Latinos hold in shaping election outcomes, it's vital to re-examine the state of voting rights in 2024. How does political illiteracy, lack of information on voting procedures, and voter suppression affect minority participation at the ballot box? What missteps have been made, and what actions can civil rights organizations take to tackle these challenges?

Speakers:

Domingo Garcia

National President, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

Thomas A. Saenz

President and General Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)

Alphonso David

President & CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum

Gaby Pacheco

President and CEO, TheDream.US

Max Sevillia

Senior Vice President of National Affairs, Anti-Defamation League
Milano I