AGENDA

Tuesday, March 11th

LULAC Academy & Legislative Conference

Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:35 AM - 10:00 AM EST

Next-Gen Talent: How to Upskill Latinos and Transform America's Education and Training

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM EST

This session will focus on upskilling Latinos and transforming America’s education and training systems to ensure they are equipped for leadership in the technological revolution. In an ever-changing workforce environment, building resilience for Latinos is critical, with an emphasis on skill development and career readiness. While a four-year degree remains valuable, barriers such as college affordability and inequities in K-12 education persist. Experts will explore how initiatives like Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), partnerships, and philanthropic efforts can reduce costs, improve access, and help Latinos build the skills necessary for long-term success in a dynamic economy.

Reimagining the Future of Latino Health: From Prevention to Treatment

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM EST

Across the country, many Latino communities face health inequities in medication access, affordability, and adherence, worsened by policies that increase out-of-pocket costs and contribute to overall worse health outcomes. This discussion will focus on how Latinas and Latinos navigate these challenges, with particular attention to chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes, as well as women’s health issues such as reproductive care and maternal health. With Medicaid cuts impacting access to care, we'll explore innovative strategies, including culturally tailored healthcare, family-centered diabetes management, and targeted interventions.

Future-Proofing Latinos: Closing Tech Gaps for a Stronger Workforce

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM EST

Technology holds the key to unlocking extraordinary opportunities for Latinos, offering a chance to usher in a new era of growth, leadership, and innovation. But that future hinges on one critical factor: inclusion. In this session, we’ll explore how technology can help Latino leaders address some of the most pressing issues facing their communities—whether it’s closing the digital divide, expanding broadband access, or preparing for the profound shifts in the workforce brought on by AI. Join us as we examine the programs and initiatives shaping the future, and imagine a world where technology and Latino leadership come together to create a more inclusive, prosperous society for all.

Civil Rights, Human Dignity, and the Immigrant Workforce

2:30 PM - 3:15 PM EST

This session focuses on reconciling the U.S. need for labor with the protection of human and civil rights in the face of rising anti-immigrant sentiment and the push for mass deportation. While economic downturns, political instability, and humanitarian crises push many Latin Americans to seek better opportunities in the U.S., they often encounter significant resistance. Panelists will discuss how the U.S. can address the need for skilled labor while ensuring that immigration policies uphold human dignity and civil rights, especially as the debate intensifies around migration and the future of immigration reform.

Economic Powerhouses: Minority Entrepreneurship, Consumerism, and Resilience

3:30 PM - 4:15 PM EST

This session will explore the effects of economic instability and shifting market dynamics on minority communities in the U.S., while highlighting the growing importance of economic resilience. Minority entrepreneurship and consumerism are vital drivers of the workforce economy, creating opportunities for innovation and growth in local communities. However, as industries evolve, minority workers in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing may face new opportunities alongside significant challenges. Panelists will discuss the complexities these communities encounter, including job displacement, the role of entrepreneurship in economic recovery, and the power of minority consumerism in shaping market trends. The session will also address corporate responsibilities, particularly the rollback of programs targeting minority recruitment and inclusion, and emphasize strategies to strengthen economic resilience to ensure minority workers and businesses thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape.

From Campus to Community: Engaging, Empowering, and Inspiring the Next Generation of Latino Leaders

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM EST

This session is an engaging peer-to-peer conversation designed to empower young Latinos to tackle the critical issues impacting our communities, including immigration, healthcare disparities, education, climate change, and more. Aimed specifically at young Latinos, the discussion will highlight the essential role of LULAC Collegiate Councils in advocating for change, mobilizing students, and inspiring the next generation of Latino leaders on college and university campuses. Featuring key advice from a seasoned mentor and advocate for Latinos in STEM, this session will provide a platform for young Latinos to share ideas, collaborate, and learn how LULAC equips them with the tools to drive meaningful, lasting change in their communities.

Wednesday, March 12th

Advocacy Day

LULAC Advocacy Day is our chance to step up as Latino young leaders and become powerful citizen lobbyists, fighting for the future of our communities! By participating, we’ll sharpen our advocacy skills, learning how to effectively make our case on issues like immigration, healthcare, and education to the lawmakers who shape our lives. This day will inspire us to become fearless leaders who advocate for the policies that matter most to us. It’s more than just raising our voices—it’s about using them to create real change and leave a lasting impact on Latinos everywhere!

Deploy to Capitol Hill

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM EST

Site Visits – House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Offices

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST

Lunch Break

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST

28th Annual LULAC National Legislative Awards Gala

Pre-Gala Reception

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST

28th LULAC National Awards Gala

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST

The LULAC National Legislative Awards Gala highlights critical legislative issues affecting Hispanic Americans and recognizes key leaders who have served the Hispanic community well. At this year's gala, LULAC will present its policy issues to our council members and will present awards to three distinguished elected officials at our twenty-eighth gala. We will celebrate the 96th anniversary of LULAC, which was formed on February 17, 1929.

*Ticketed event

---

Past Legislative Award Honorees