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AGENDA

Tuesday, March 7th

Emerge Conference

4:00 PM EST

Registration & Credentials

5:30 PM EST

Opening Plenary: Kicking off the Emerge Latino Conference

Embassy Room

The LULAC Emerge Latino Conference is designed to develop young adults into impactful community leaders through positive educational experiences, social events, and civic activities. Join this session to learn about LULAC’s rich history, the goals of the conference, and the opportunities available to young adult members.

Speaker:

7:00 PM EST

Emerge Welcome Reception

Hampton Ballroom

Network with LULAC leadership, Members of Congress, and other government and community leaders as they welcome young adults and collegiate students from across the country to Washington, D.C., and invite them to embrace a week of advocacy training, leadership development, and action.

Speakers:

Wednesday, March 8th

Legislative Conference

8:00 AM EST

Registration / Breakfast

9:00 AM EST

Plenary Welcome

Diplomat Ballroom

Welcome, Speaker

Keynote Address(es)

Policy Sessions

10:10 AM EST

Latinos y la Salud: Health and Nourishment in Our Community |

Senate Room

Authorities in the field and related advocacy will impart their insights on the intersection of Latinos and health. We are aware that Hispanics disparately suffer from such major afflictions as heart and kidney disease, diabetes and obesity, and even COVID-19, to name a few. Panelists will elaborate on these and thee tools and resources available to navigate affordable health care. As well as challenges in accessing proper or preventive care due to language barriers and income inequality.

Speakers:

  • Douglas LeBlanc, Jr, Moderator, MPH, Public Health Advisor, District of Columbia Department of Health – Community Health Administration
  • Dr. Omar Escontrías, Senior Vice President of Equity, Research & Programs, National Health Council
  • Jillien Meier, Managing Director in Program Partnerships & Strategy Development, Share our Strength
  • Dr. Adrianna Nava, President, National Association of Hispanic Nurses

Immigration State of Play: La Lucha Adelante |

Cabinet Room

What is the future of immigration, given the composition of the 118th Congress? And looking ahead to the 2024 elections? This discussion will trace where we are today on topics such as DACA, pending Title 42 litigation, and the newly launched federal Welcome Corps, among others. The panel will recognize inherited and new challenges that have surfaced with a new Congress. Immigration experts will discuss legislative efforts affecting immigrants. And, importantly, the roadmap for 2023 and beyond.

Speakers:

  • Lydia Guzman, Moderator, Director of Advocacy and Engagement, Chicanos Por La Causa
  • Eddie Taveras, Political Director - Immigration Campaigns, Fwd.us
  • Dr. Mara Queiroz-Vaughn, USCIS Citizenship Ambassador, LULAC Dallas #272 President, and UNT Dallas Program Director
  • Pablo Blank, Director of Immigrant Integration, Central American Solidarity Association (CASA Inc.)

11:10 AM EST

Empowering Our Small Business to Thrive in the 21st Century |

Senate Room

Small businesses are the bedrock of the American economy and spirit: accounting for 99% of all businesses in the U.S. (i.e., businesses with 500 or fewer employees) and make up approximately 50% of our GDP. Moreover, small business owners contribute to their communities in immense ways. This panel will explore the economic landscape of Latino small businesses in America, particularly in light of and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the panel will present how small businesses can qualify for federal government support ahead of May 2023, when the COVID-19 declaration is set to lift.

Speakers:

  • Brayan Rosa-Rodríguez, Moderator, Senior Economic Policy Analyst, UnidosUS
  • Sobella Ayuso, Vice President for Banking Business Development Manager, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Ricardo Rocha, Founder and President,Bondadosa
  • Jeff Stout, Director, U.S. Department of Treasury – Office of Federal Program Finance

Your Stories Are Our Stories: Historias Compartidas |

Cabinet Room

Latinos account for 20% of the population, yet are disproportionately underrepresented in specific sectors (e.g., media and the federal workforce), and over-represented in others (e.g., agriculture, construction, and service sector industries). As we inch closer to becoming the majority demographic by 2050, it is imperative that whatever walk of life we come from – we feel empowered to tell our story. This panel will highlight three LULAC leaders in their own right and the poignant life journeys that led them to advocate for our 65-million-person-strong familia.

Speakers:

12:00 PM EST

Lunch

1:40 PM EST

The State of Nuestras Familias: Uvalde, How Tragedy Shapes Us, And Where Our Next Generaciones Go From Here. . . |

Senate Room

Pulse Nightclub (Orlando) 2016; El Paso 2019; Uvalde 2022. . . These are the tragedies that in recent memory, have most traumatized our community. It ranks as the worst attack on Latinos in modern history. Today, research is revealing gun violence's impact on our youngest generations. This panel will examine the depth of that trauma on our community and our families’ collective psyches. The panel will engage in meaningful conversation concerning gun legislation reform and, importantly, the reality of how one community is reckoning with the unimaginable.

Speakers:

  • Xochitl Oseguera, Moderator, Vice President, MomsRising / MamásConPoder
  • Javier Cazares, Father of Robb Elementary School student the late Jacklyn Cazarez (Age 9)
  • Jose Alfaro, Director of Latinx Leadership & Community Engagement, Everytown for Gun Safety
  • Nancy Duchesneau, Senior P-12 Research Associate, The Education Trust

I Pledge Allegiance to Mental Health: The Brandon Act and Protecting Our Frontline Warriors |

Cabinet Room

Latinos are largely underrepresented across federal government and agencies, except in the military (recent data shows more than 17% of active-duty personnel are Hispanic). Servicemembers’ dedication to protecting our homeland comes with a steep commitment; physically and mentally. In light of recent headlines surrounding military suicides correlated with the unwarranted stigmas around the reporting of bullying, harassment, and the serious effects on mental health therein – this discussion will center on providing an update on the implementation of the Brandon Act. Namely, its intent and impact on the battle against the inequities in mental health support facing Latino military members.

Speakers:

  • Roman Palomares, Moderator, Chief of Staff, LULAC National President’s Office
  • Teri Caserta, Mother of the late U.S. Navy Petty Officer Brandon Caserta
  • Dr. James A. Helis, Director, U.S. Army – Resiliency Directorate
  • Dr. Matthew Miller, Executive Director of Suicide Prevention, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

2:40 PM EST

LULAC National President’s Town Hall |

Diplomat Room

LULAC’s National President as he expands upon the state of Latino America in a question-and-answer style forum with audience members from across the country.

Speaker:

3:40 PM EST

Advocacy Training |

Diplomat Room

The next iteration of LULAC young professional leaders is making its mark. Hear from one up-and-coming changemaker in this Congressional advocacy training geared for those who wish to learn about how to successfully approach lawmakers’ offices. This training is highly encouraged for those partaking in Capitol Hill Advocacy Day.

Speaker:

  • José Gaona, National Policy & Advocacy Manager, HECHO

Thursday, March 9th

Advocacy Day

9:20 AM EST

Meet in Lobby to Depart for Capitol Hill Advocacy Day

10:00 AM EST

Capitol Hill Advocacy Day

1:30 PM EST

Press Conference

The Capitol Hill Circle

2:00 PM EST

Capitol Hill Luncheon

: Senate Building Complex (Room TBD)

3:00 PM EST

Growing Your Council Membership and LULAC Programs to Benefit Your Communities |

Executive Room

LULAC Leaders will provide helpful knowledge about growing your council’s impact. As well as the types of programs that are available to members, how to apply, and therefore uplift your communities

Speaker:

26th Annual LULAC National Legislative Awards Gala

6:00 PM EST

Pre-Gala Reception

7:00 PM EST

26th LULAC National Awards Gala

Regency Ballroom

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-sixth gala. We will celebrate the 94th anniversary of LULAC, which was formed on February 17, 1929.

*Ticketed event

Legislative Award Honorees

Friday, March 10th

Emerge Conference

8:30 AM EST

Networking Breakfast

Empire Ballroom

9:00 AM EST

Lasting Impact: Going from a National Conversation to Local Impact

Ambassador Ballroom

Attendees will debrief on their hill visits and discuss their experiences meeting with members of Congress. They will explore next steps to continue advocacy efforts at the state and local levels as well as develop a plan of action to stay connected with the network they build during the conference.

Speakers:

10:00 AM EST

The New Generation of Politicians and Social Activists

Ambassador Ballroom

With more than 60 million Latinos in the United States, our communities continue to be disproportionately underrepresented in federal, state, and local governments. Learn the ABCs of a political campaign, filing, fundraising, building a field plan, getting endorsements and communications training and how to advocate for your community.

Speakers:

11:00 AM EST

Emerge Latino Conference Closing & Next Steps

Ambassador Ballroom

11:30 AM EST

Level Up: Crafting an Impactful Resume (by Invitation)

Ambassador Ballroom

Join our career prep volunteers and experts in getting you ready for your next job searching strategy. Our expert will provide tips on polishing your resume, career insight and guidance as well as best practices for leaving a lasting impression on potential employers.

*Please be sure to bring a printed copy with you