2024 LULAC National Convention & Exposition: Full Schedule

9:00am PDT

LULAC Academy Plenary Session

Welcome Address and Launch of LULAC Academy

Wednesday June 26, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am PDT
Milano 7

11:00am PDT

Bringing Our Patriots Home: Social Media Strategies

This course is designed to empower participants in leveraging social media to raise awareness about the pressing issue of repatriating our veteran patriots. Shockingly, one in three veterans has experienced arrest or incarceration, often stemming from trauma related to their military service. For noncitizen veterans, even minor convictions can result in deportation and lifelong bans on reentry. Instead of receiving necessary rehabilitation and care, many noncitizen veterans face permanent removal from the country they vowed to defend. Social media serves as a vital platform to shed light on this issue and advocate for congressional and state action. Through this session, participants will learn effective strategies to amplify their message and mobilize support for this critical cause.

Speakers

Tran Dang

Tran N. Dang, J.D., is the founder and executive director of The Rhizome Center for Migrants (IG: @therhizomecenter), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing post-deportation legal and reintegration support to the returned and deported community and their families in Mexico. Before moving... Read More →

Danitza James

Subcommittee member, LULAC National Military & Veterans Legislative Affairs Subcommittee

Born and Raised in Sonora Mexico. Immigrated to the U.S. in 1996. Joined the Army in 2001, served in 2, 12 month combat deployments to Iraq in 2003 and 2005 before leaving the military in 2006. Currently serving on the LULAC National Military & Veterans Legislative Affairs Subcommittee... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Milano 7

Academy, Academy

11:00am PDT

Financial Foundations: Building Your Financial Future Blueprint from Budgets to Credit

This session is your pathway to managing credit scores, debt management, emergency savings, identity protection, and budget creation. While these concepts may seem mundane at first glance, they're actually your ticket to seizing control of your financial health. These skills are the tools to unlock financial independence and security, enabling us to confront life's obstacles with confidence and determination. By arming ourselves with this knowledge early on, we set the stage for a brighter financial future.

Wednesday June 26, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Milano 8

Academy, Academy

1:00pm PDT

Latino Trailblazers: From Higher Education to Federal Service

Join our session with seasoned government leaders for insider tips on thriving in the federal government and federally supported programs. From navigating bureaucracy to excelling in your role, these experts offer invaluable insights tailored to our community's needs. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best and pave the way for your career success!

Wednesday June 26, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Milano 7

Academy, Academy

2:00pm PDT

Unnatural Causes: Activity Session

Latinos in the US face alarming rates of preventable diseases like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, depression, and more. Policy decisions influencing what we consume; circumstances affecting where we live; and our limited or no access to healthcare exacerbate the issue. These health issues are often worsened by immigration status and socio-economic factors. Addressing these health issues requires a comprehensive approach, yet bureaucratic obstacles and political resistance often hinder progress. This workshop will delve into effective interventions, potential pitfalls, and the trajectory of this urgent health crisis.

Wednesday June 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Milano 8

Academy, Academy

2:00pm PDT

Unnatural Causes: Why Are Latinos Getting Sick and Dying Younger?

Speakers

Dr. Helen Arteaga Landaverde

Chief Executive Officer, NYC Health + Hospital/Elmhurst

Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde has served as CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, a 545-bed Level 1 Trauma and Academic Medical Center with over a million patient visits a year, since February 2021. She is the first woman of color and the first Latina to lead the hospital’s executive... Read More →

Dr. Ray Serrano

Director of Research and Policy, LULAC

Dr. Ray Serrano is currently serving as the Director of Research & Policy at the League of United Latin American Citizens.Throughout his professional journey, he has held diverse roles, including serving as a technical officer at the World Health Organization, working as an analyst... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Milano 7

Academy, Academy

4:00pm PDT

Academy Day Closing Session

Closing day one with reflections about lessons learned.

Wednesday June 26, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Milano 7

Academy, Academy

10:00am PDT

The Power of Green: Activity Session

As the climate crisis worsens, major investors exacerbate the problem by funneling more funds into fossil fuels, disproportionately impacting Latino communities through heightened health risks, increased vulnerability in climate-sensitive industries, and the threat of displacement from climate-related disasters. Without systemic changes in investment practices and environmental policies, Latinos will continue to bear the brunt of environmental injustices exacerbated by fossil fuel investments. In this session, participants will be tasked with devising a plan for Latinos to divest from fossil fuel funding, leveraging educational campaigns, financial literacy workshops, community investment initiatives, advocacy for systemic change, and partnerships with aligned organizations.

Thursday June 27, 2024 10:00am - 11:45am PDT
Milano 8

Academy, Academy

10:00am PDT

The Power of Green: Latino-Led Divestment Strategies for a Sustainable Future

Speakers

Brett Matulis

Communities Program Director, ecoAmerica

Dr. Brett Matulis is the Communities Program Director at ecoAmerica and works to engage the public in climate solutions. His work is concerned with helping community-based national organizations address the country's most pressing environmental challenges. He is guided by the priorities... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2024 10:00am - 11:45am PDT
Milano 7

Academy, Academy

2:00pm PDT

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.

Thursday June 27, 2024 2:00pm - 2:20pm PDT
Milano I

Academy, Plenary

2:30pm PDT

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

Melanie Fontes Rainer

Director, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Melanie Fontes Rainer serves as the Director of the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services where she leads the Department’s enforcement of federal civil rights and privacy laws and directs related policy and strategic initiatives. Previously, Melanie... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT
Milano I

Academy, Plenary

3:30pm PDT

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

Roberto J. Rodríguez

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

Roberto J. Rodríguez currently serves as Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at the U.S. Department of Education, where he leads the development and review of the Department’s budget and advises the Secretary on all matters related to policy development... Read More →

Greg Shinbur

Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Caesars Entertainment

Greg Shinbur is the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Caesars Entertainment, the global leader in gaming and hospitality. His pronouns are he/him/his.As the Director of DEI, Greg provides vision, strategy and operational execution to foster inclusion and equity... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
Milano I

Academy, Plenary

4:30pm PDT

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.

Speakers

Alejandra Y. Castillo

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development

Alejandra Y. Castillo was sworn in as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development on August 13, 2021, becoming the first women of color to hold this position. In this unprecedented moment of growth and opportunity, she leads the only federal agency focused exclusively... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm PDT
Milano I

Academy, Plenary

9:00am PDT

Beyond the Border: Urban Responses to Influx of Migrants

This session will be an engaging dialogue on the influx of migrants to non-border cities. For decades, major urban centers like New York City, Chicago, and Denver have stood as beacons for immigrants pursuing safety and opportunity in the United States. Recently, tens of thousands of migrants have arrived in these cities. This discourse examines the perspective of mayors dealing with this crisis and explores potential solutions.

Friday June 28, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Milano I

Academy, Plenary

10:00am PDT

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.

Moderators

Willmary Escoto

Access Now, U.S. Policy Counsel

“Willmary serves as the Policy Counsel for Access Now in the Washington D.C. region, where her work centers on the intersection of data protection, privacy, emerging technologies, and digital rights. With a keen focus on algorithmic bias and the implications for marginalized and... Read More →

Speakers

Arati Prabhakar

Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)

Arati Prabhakar, Ph.D., is Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Assistant to the President for Science and Technology. In this capacity, Prabhakar is the President’s Chief Advisor for Science and Technology, a member of the President’s... Read More →

Alexandra Reeve Givens

CEO, Center for Democracy & Technology

Alexandra Reeve Givens is the CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization fighting to protect civil rights and civil liberties in the digital age. She is a frequent public commentator on ways to protect users’ online privacy and access to... Read More →

Friday June 28, 2024 10:00am - 10:35am PDT
Milano I

Academy, Plenary

1:00pm PDT

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.

Friday June 28, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Milano I

Academy, Plenary

2:00pm PDT

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

Thomas A. Saenz

President and General Counsel, MALDEF

In 2009, Thomas A. Saenz returned to MALDEF as President and General Counsel. He leads MALDEF’s national efforts to promote the civil rights of all Latinos living in the United States. Previously, as Counsel to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Saenz served on the four-person... Read More →

Domingo Garcia

President, LULAC National

Domingo Garcia’s life is that of a self-made success and public service spanning decades of hard work and sacrifice, a son born of Mexican immigrants who earned his way from shoeshine boy to the Statehouse of Texas as an elected lawmaker. From newspaper boy, he rose to become one... Read More →

Friday June 28, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Milano I

Academy, Plenary

3:00pm PDT

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.

Friday June 28, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Milano I

Academy, Plenary