Agenda
* Please note: Vaccination card and ID MUST be verified at registration to obtain credentials
Friday, November 12, 2021
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Press Conference
Emcee: David Cruz, Director of Communications/Marcela Salazar, LULAC Communications
Speakers:
Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President
Elsie Valdes, LULAC National Vice President for Women
Ralina Cardona, LULAC National Vice President for the Northeast
Maria Vega, Mayor, Vega Alta, Puerto Rico
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
La Bienvenida: Cocktail Hour & Opening Reception
Location: Empire Ballroom (Second Floor)
Sponsored by: Discover Puerto Rico
Entertainment: El Trio Ideal
Speakers:
Elsie Valdes, LULAC National Vice President for Women
Discover Puerto Rico – Patricia Villali
Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President
Dr. Elba Garcia, Dallas County Commissioner, District 4; First Lady of LULAC
Gail Cardona, LULAC New York State Director for Women
Lourdes Galvan, LULAC Immediate Past Vice President for Women
Sylvia Mata, LULAC National Women’s Commissioner, Northeast Region Representative
Special Guest:
Carmen Ana Gonzalez-Magaz, Secretary of Puerto Rico Department of Family Affairs
Andrea Meza, Miss Universe 2021 (invited)
LULAC Trailblazer Recognition
LULAC Women’s Commission Honorees
Maria Vega, Mayor, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico
Saturday, November 13, 2021
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Registration - – Foyer 3rd Floor in front of New York Ballroom
**Please note: Vaccination card and ID MUST be verified at registration to obtain credentials.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening: Mujeres Líderes Breakfast
Location: New York Ballroom (3rd floor)
Presenting Sponsored Event: Amazon, The Coca-Cola Company, and Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo
Emcee: Doris Bardales, Breaking News Reporter, NY1 Noticias
National Anthem: Ralina Cardona, LULAC VP Northeast
Pledge Allegiance: Agnes Garza, LULAC Past Women’s Commissioner
Reflection: Hon. Marissa Jimenez, Senator-District of Carolina, Puerto Rico
Featured Speakers:
Sindy Benavides, LULAC Chief Executive Officer
Elsie Valdes Ramos, LULAC National Vice President for Women
Dr. Elba Garcia, Dallas County Commissioner, District 4; First Lady of LULAC
Christian F. Nunes, President of NOW, National Organization of Women
Guest Speakers:
Noelia Garcia Bardales, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Puerto Rico
Isabel Guzman, Administrator, Small Business Administration (invited)
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Break into Sessions
10:15 AM -1:00 PM
Workshops
Each group will be assigned a room and remain in the room until the end of the workshops. Speakers will move from room to room
TRACK A - Empire West (2nd Floor)
Red Badge
10:15 AM - 11:10 AM
Working Towards Financial Freedom: Advancing Financial Literacy for Latinas
When Latinas thrive financially, so does the U.S. Economy. With a $2.6 Trillion GDP and a robust labor supply, we want Latinos, especially Latinas, to own their financial future by putting their income to work and outlining a plan towards financial independence. Improving your financial literacy can be within reach; learn best practices on increasing your earning potential through investing and building wealth, establishing a safety net of an emergency fund, and the importance of good credit health and your retirement plan
Welcome: Hon. Nitza Moran, Senator - District of San Juan, Puerto Rico
Moderator: Dr. Rene Rodriguez, Professor, University of Puerto Rico Bayamon Campus
Panelist:
Ruben Barrales, Senior Vice President, External Engagement, Wells Fargo & Co.
Eva Porter, Financial Representative - Independence Planning Group
Alexis Fernandez, Strategies for Wealth
11:15 AM - 12:10 PM
Warrior Women and Self-Care: The State of Latinas and Mental Health
Latinas play a vital role in the physical, spiritual, and mental well-being of their families. That role was put to the test when the COVID-19 pandemic required us to quarantine, forcing us to shift life as we know it almost overnight. While Latinas continue to work hard at lifting their family and loved ones during these challenging times, many have allowed themselves to play a backdrop when in actuality, by putting themselves first, they benefit everyone they care for most. This panel will take a deep dive into the importance of self-care and prioritizing your mental health so that you show up strong and ready to continue being that bright light for others. What can you do in as little as 10 mins that will help your light shine bright and continue illuminating and elevating? What lifestyle shifts need to take place to make investing in your mental health a priority?
Welcome: Consuelo Vargas, LULAC Women’s Commission, Elderly Representative
Moderator: Anny Cordero, LULAC Connecticut State Director
Panelists:
Dr. Dinorah Nieves, Celebrity Life Coach, Behavioral Scientist
Rebecca Gitana, Transformational Guide, Home Healer & Designer, and Content Creator.
Dena Quinones, MPH, 420hrRYT, Managing Partner, Stronger Tomorrow LLC
12:15 PM - 1:10 PM
Con la Salud en Mente: Continuing the Care of Women
As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an increase in women who are without healthcare and who have had worsening health conditions due to economic challenges and past health conditions. As caregivers for our families, we must continue to amplify the importance of our women’s health and wellness. This conversation will offer a glimpse into resources, options, and solutions on ways women can take control of their health today and advocate for access to equitable health care.
Welcome Speaker: Alexa Rodriguez, LULAC Women’s Commission, Youth Representative
Moderator: Mary Ramos, LULAC Women’s Commission, Southwest Representative
Panelist:
Rocio Diaz, Healthcare Director, Genentech
Javier Cuebas, Chairman & Founder Grupo 21
Norma Jimenez, Sr. Specialist, Latino Leadership and Engagement, Planned Parenthood
Lucria Ortiz, President & CEO Yonkers Family YMCA
Helen Arteaga, MPH, CEO New York City Health & Hospitals Elmhurst
TRACK B - Bowery Room - Lower Level
Blue Badge
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Women of the 21st Century, “ante la adversidad”; Entrepreneurship and leadership during the pandemic
Statistics have shown women have been disproportionately affected by burnout and job loss through the COVID-19 pandemic but ante la adversidad, we have continued moving forward. This panel is designed to inspire Latinas to learn more about Entrepreneurship and leadership to empower them to identify new opportunities and enhance their existing ones! Panelists will share lessons learned from their own careers, resources, challenges, and successes while exploring the intersection of Latinas in entrepreneurship and leadership positions.
Welcome Speaker: Jasmin Chavez, LULAC Women’s Commission, Young Adults Representative
Moderator: Linda Chavez, LULAC National Vice President of the Southwest
Panelist:
Dr. Maria “Mayita” Melendez, Former Mayor of Ponce, Puerto Rico
Maria I. Cuba Santiago, Director, Community Partnership, Airbnb
Celeste Carrasco, Director of Public Affairs, AT&T and LULAC Corporate Alliance Chair
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
It’s Time to Represent: Getting Women Elected into Office
As all Mujeres of the United States continue to fight for equal and equitable rights, it is imperative that we make our voices heard by having representation at the decision table. Whether it be at a local, state, or national level, it is essential to remain determined and bring about change. This panel will discuss the different ways and techniques women can use to run for office to bring into account the lack of representation of the Latino community in positions of power. Panelists will provide their own journeys and advice as we continue to uplift Latinas in assuming public service leadership positions.
Welcome Speaker: Maggie Rivera, LULAC Women’s Commission, Midwest Region Representative
Moderator: Jessica Martinez, LULAC Women’s Commission New Mexico
Panelist:
Carmen Feliciano, Director, Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration
Nellie Gorbea, Rhode Island Secretary of State
Hon. Gloria I. Escudero, Speaker of the San Juan City Council
Hon. Catalina Cruz, Assemblywoman, New York State 39th District
12:15 PM - 1:10 PM
Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Paving the Way for Women in Corporate America
With women leading change in many sectors of our communities, it’s time to focus on those working in Corporate America. Without women in the workforce, the amazing work for gender diversity will decrease to become obsolete, and NOW is the time for a change. This panel will offer various different insights from some of LULAC’s national partners to amplify the different ways to continue leading in Corporate America through the investment in women in the workforce.
Moderator: Valeria Miller, Associate Manager Customer Planning & Development Commercial Chain Accounts, Tyson Foods
Panelist:
Tania Castellanos, Senior Demand Planner, S&OP Branded Team, Tyson Foods
Donishea Martinez, Healthcare Executive Director, Genentech
Keira Lombardo, Chief Administrative Officer, Smithfield Foods, Inc.
TRACK C: Federal Training Institute- Gramercy Room - Lower Level
Green Badge
10:15 AM - 11:10 AM
A Career in the Federal Government; Why and Where?
This workshop will provide attendees with information on why and where to pursue a career in the federal career. Participants will also have the opportunity to chat with representatives of various federal agencies. The presenters will share information on the following:
● Importance of Latino Representation in the Federal Government.
● Federal Benefits
● How to Navigate the Employment Sites
Welcome Speaker: Magda Carrion, LULAC Women’s Commission, Southeast Representative
Moderator: Ivonne Quinones, LULAC National Vice President of the Southeast
Panelist:
Sara E. Clemente, Director of Federal Affairs, LULAC
Laura E. Colón-Marrero M.P.A., Federal Training Institute Committee Community Collaborator
Migdalia Gonzalez, Federal Training Institute Committee Community Collaborator
Michelle Pacheco, Assistant Secretary, National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM); Federal Training Institute Committee Community Collaborator
Charmaine McDaniel, Second Vice-Chairperson, National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM); Federal Training Institute Committee Community Collaborator
11:15 AM - 12:10 PM
A Career in the Federal Government; Why, Where, and How
This workshop will provide attendees with information on how to pursue a career in the federal career. Participants will also have the opportunity to chat with representatives of various federal agencies. The presenters will share information on the following:
● Tips on how to Build your Resume
● Action Words for your Resume
● Accomplishment Statements
Welcome Speaker: Lucy Arce, LULAC Council President, Former Senator of Puerto Rico
Moderator: Elizabeth Quinones, Attorney, Legal Advisor, LULAC Puerto Rico
Panelist:
Sara E. Clemente, Director of Federal Affairs, LULAC
Laura E. Colón-Marrero M.P.A., Federal Training Institute Committee Community Collaborator
Migdalia Gonzalez, Founder and CEO, JMN Rise Foundation
Michelle Pacheco, Assistant Secretary, National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM); Federal Training Institute Committee Community Collaborator
Charmaine McDaniel, Second Vice-Chairperson, National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM); Federal Training Institute Committee Community Collaborator
12:15 PM - 1:10 PM
Women’s Empowerment: The Effects of the Pandemic on Women Leaders and How LULAC Trailblazers Overcame It
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many inequities within communities of color while also pushing women of color to the frontlines at home and in the workforce. We have seen the effects of racial, ethnic, gender, and other forms of bias, and now, more than ever, it is imperative that we consistently uplift and remind Mujeres it is essential to remain determined to create change for the betterment of our families and communities. This conversation will focus on the different ways LULAC women trailblazers were affected by the pandemic and the different resources, steps, and personal growth that came with overcoming many of these obstacles.
Welcome Speaker: Carmen Iris Cruz, LULAC Women's Commission & Deputy Director for Women Puerto Rico
Moderator: Lydia Guzman, LULAC Women’s Commission, Farwest Region Representative
Panelist:
Caridad Pierluisi, Director of the Executive Office of the Governor of Puerto Rico
Belen Robles, LULAC Past National President
Rosa Rosales, LULAC Past National President
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Mujeres Poderosas Luncheon - New York Ballroom - 3rd. Floor
Location: New York Ballroom (3rd floor)
American Federation of Teachers, EVERYTOWN for Gun Safety, and Toyota Motor Corporation
Emcee: Audrey Puente, Emmy Award Winning Meteorologist, Fox 5 News
Featured Speakers:
Sindy Benavides, LULAC Chief Executive Officer
Elsie Valdes, LULAC National Vice President for Women
Eileen M. Velez, Puerto Rico Secretary of the Department of Transportation & Public Works Special
Guest Speaker:
Selenis Leyva, Actress
Cheryl Aguilar, Hope Center for Wellness
