Veterans Day Message: Honoring Latino Military Servicemembers And Their Commitment To America.

Agenda

Tuesday, February 16th

6:00 PM to 6:30 PM EST

Emerge Virtual Opening Reception

Speakers:

6:30 PM to 7:15 PM EST

Panel Discussion: Breaking Into the Professional World

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the workforce landscape dramatically in the last year. As we learn to adjust, we now face new obstacles in job hunting and navigating how to break into the workforce for recent grads and young professional adults. In this panel, you will have the opportunity to listen to best practices and tips from higher education academic advisors, public and private sector professionals on how to market yourself, networking strategies, tips for navigating virtual meetings, and about in-demand careers those entering the workforce during this time.

Speakers:

  • Lorena McElwain, Former Assistant Deputy Secretary, Office of English Language Acquisition, US Department of Education;
  • Emilia Gutierrez, Politics & Government Manager, Facebook
  • Doris Alcivar, Assistant Director, Employer Relations UCF Career Services
Moderator:

7:20 PM to 8:00 PM EST

Virtual Hill Visits 101: How to walk in and make your voice heard

Speaker:

Wednesday, February 17th

1:00 PM to 1:55 PM EST

State of Latino America Welcome

Speakers:

Fulfilling a Progressive Vision for America

On the heels of a historic election where Latino voters turned out in unprecedented numbers, we are now ready to push through a bold progressive agenda that brings relief on the major issues of our time. Join us in conversation with a group of leaders from various movements to speak about the outlook for legislation on key issues important to the Latino community.

Speakers:

Moderator:

2:00 PM to 2:05 PM EST

Remarks

Speaker:

2:10 PM to 2:45 PM EST

Breakout Sessions

Education in the Time of COVID-19

COVID 19 has had a debilitating impact on our students, further widening the achievement gaps between students of color and their counterparts. In this session, we will discuss the kinds of action we should expect from the Biden administration and our Congressional leaders to immediately address these gaps.

Speakers:

  • Steven Almazan, K12 Education Program Analyst, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights;
  • David Hinojosa, Director of Educational Opportunities Project, Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights Under Law;
  • Melissa Lazarin, Senior Advisor for K-12 Policy, Migration Policy Institute
Moderator:

Is Immigration Reform Finally Attainable?

After decades of fighting for meaningful relief for the 11 million undocumented immigrants, we now have the best opportunity to realize a comprehensive immigration reform package. Democrats are in control of the three branches of government and advocates have the opportunity to push through a generous legislative package. In this session, you will learn about what you can do to help make legalization a reality.

Speakers:

Moderator:

The Impact of COVID-19 and Efforts to Vaccinate Our Communities

COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on communities of color, and Latinos have been hit particularly hard. In this session you will hear from leading medical professionals who will dispel any myths about the vaccine and also hear from advocates about the needs of communities of color, and the help then need to overcome the challenges they face due to the pandemic.

Speakers:

Moderator:

The Time is Now for Environmental Justice

The impacts of climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation continue to harm, displace, and create instability in our communities. Now with a Senate and House in Democratic hands there is an opportunity to go bold on legislation on climate and environmental justice issues. This panel will provide an update on opportunities for community leaders to engage in advocacy efforts.

Speakers:

Moderator:

Ensuring Broadband Access to the Latinx Community

Latinx communities continue facing real barriers that hinder their access to broadband technology, particularly in rural communities. Internet access is essential for finding resources, economic opportunities, and information during the COVID-19 pandemic. This panel will discuss the importance of driving solutions to ensure Latinx communities have access to high speed internet access.

Speakers:

Moderator:
  • Alejandro Roark, Executive Director, Hispanic Technology & Telecommunications Partnership (HTTP)

3:00 PM to 3:20 PM EST

Policy Fireside Chat with the Federal Communications Committee

Speakers:

3:20 PM to 3:30 PM EST

Closing Remarks

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM EST

24th Annual LULAC National Legislative Awards Gala

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 years’ gala, LULAC will present its policy issues to our council members and will present awards to three distinguished elected officials at our twenty-fourth gala, which will occur on February 17, 2021. We will celebrate the 92nd anniversary of LULAC, which was formed on February 17, 1929.

Legislative Award Honorees

Presidential Medal of Honor
  • Queta Rodriguez
    Retired Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
  • Carrie Ricci
    Associate General Counsel of the Marketing, Regulatory and Food Safety Programs U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Pedro Zamora
    CEO of Promotores Unidos
  • Euler Torres
    LULAC Council #3273 and CEO, Latin Entertainment Network USA
Special Guest Speakers
Entertainment
  • Helen Ochoa
  • The Texicana Mamas

Thursday February 18th

11:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST

Virtual Congressional Hill Visits

2:15 PM - 3:10 PM EST

A Time for Change - An Insight on Running for Public Office

Have you ever thought about running for public office? As we see a surge in new candidates running for office for the first time we are faced with learning how to connect to potential constituents, align messaging and forming your platform, and maximizing your fundraising efforts. Our panelists will share their personal experiences on running for office and best practices in connecting with your audience, understand your story and see how your story connects with fundraising, field, and digital tactics for your campaign.

Speakers:

Moderator:

3:10 PM - 3:30 PM EST

Where Do We Go From Here?

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM EST

Emerge Closing Reception

Speakers:

Saturday February 20th

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST

Young Adults Service Project (Virtual)