2024 LULAC National Convention & Exposition

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.