2026 LULAC National Convention: Full Schedule

12:00pm CDT

Registration and Convention Hub Opens

Wednesday June 17, 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Belt Buckle Lobby

Credentialing, information desk, and member services.

Wednesday June 17, 2026 12:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Belt Buckle Lobby

Free and Open to everyone

4:00pm CDT

Tyson Foods, AFT, and LULAC Give Back: Feeding Families, Fueling Futures

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm CDT

Exhibit Hall A

LULAC and Tyson Foods come together for LULAC Gives Back, demonstrating that strong communities are built through service. As part of this effort, Tyson Foods is donating 40,000 pounds of protein to help feed families in the Fort Worth community, making a tangible impact on those facing food insecurity. The AFT will also provide over 1,000 books and LEGO sets for children, families, and educators, helping expand access to learning and opportunity. Giving back has always been central to LULAC's mission, and through partnerships like this with Tyson Foods, we continue turning that commitment into action where it matters most.

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Exhibit Hall A

Free and Open to everyone

4:30pm CDT

LULAC Youth and Young Adult Convening

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm CDT

Room: 204

The LULAC Youth Convening begins Wednesday, June 17, and concludes Friday, June 19. Designed for Latino teens, college students, and young professionals, the convening brings together emerging leaders from across the country to build practical leadership, advocacy, and professional skills they can take back to their schools, campuses, workplaces, and communities. This inaugural session sets the tone with a simple truth: the Latino experience has always been rooted in fearlessness, the decision to leave, to rebuild, and to reclaim what was taken. That same courage lives in this generation, ready to turn identity, culture, and pride into action and solutions. Participants will hear directly from LULAC leaders, advocates, and changemakers investing in the next generation of Latino leadership.

Speakers

Roman Palomares

National President and Chairman, LULAC

Roman Palomares currently serves as the National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and as Chair of the LULAC National Board, following years of leadership as Chief of Staff and Chair of Military and Veteran Affairs. A Vietnam-era veteran, retired federal... Read More →

Aric Herrera

National VP for Young Adults, LULAC

Aric Herrera is a proud native of San Antonio, Texas, a graduate of Texas A&M University in Biomedical Engineering, and an incoming medical student at the Texas A&M School of Medicine. He previously worked with the National Hispanic Health Foundation, where he helped advance efforts... Read More →

Aiden Roach

Youth President, LULAC

Aiden Roach serves as LULAC's National Youth President and is an incoming student at Princeton University, where he plans to study Physics and Computer Science. He believes talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, and his work reflects a commitment to making advanced science... Read More →

Ximena Castillo

President, LULAC Young Adult Council, University of Texas at Arlington

Ximena Castillo is an Honors Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at the University of Texas at Arlington, an emerging healthcare researcher, and a dedicated civil rights leader serving as LULAC District 3 Director. A first-generation college student, she has built her academic... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm CDT
Room: 204

LULAC Youth Conference Event

6:30pm CDT

Fort Worth Welcome Celebration

Wednesday June 17, 2026 6:30pm - 8:30pm CDT

Ballroom A&B

Join LULAC National and the Fort Worth Host Committee for the official Welcome Celebration as we mark 97 years of service, resilience, and advocacy by LULAC members across Texas and the nation. Founded in Corpus Christi in 1929, LULAC has spent nearly a century fighting for civil rights, expanding opportunity, and standing with Latino communities across the country. This special ticketed event will celebrate that legacy Texas-style with music, good company, light refreshments, and a whole lot of pride.

Speakers

Sen. Ruben Gallego

U.S. Senator from Arizona

Born the son of Latino immigrants—his mother from Colombia and father from Mexico—Senator Ruben Gallego knows what it means to live the American Dream. That’s why he’s working in congress to make sure all Arizonans, and Americans, can live theirs.

He grew up on the South... Read More →

Rep. Gina Hinojosa

Governor of Texas, Democrat Nominee

Gina Hinojosa, the Democrat nominee for Governor of Texas, is a lawyer, educator, and public
servant with more than two decades of experience advocating for students, workers, and Texas families. Raised in the Rio Grande Valley, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her law degree from George Washington University before returning... Read More →

Bobby Pulido

Democrat Nominee for Texas's 15th Congressional District

Bobby Pulido was born and raised in Edinburg, Texas, where he still lives today with his wife. He is the proud father of four sons, raising his family in the same community that shaped him. The son of a farmworker-turned-musician, Bobby grew up surrounded by the values that define... Read More →

Juan Proaño

Chief Executive Officer, LULAC

Juan Proaño is an entrepreneur, technologist, and business leader who is active in civic affairs, social impact, and politics He has served as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since November 2023. As LULAC’s CEO, Juan oversees the... Read More →

Rep. Salman Bhojani

Texas House of Representatives for the 92nd District

Representative Salman Bhojani represents Texas House District 92, serving communities across Tarrant County with a focus on economic opportunity, public education, healthcare, and protecting the rights of working families. An attorney, entrepreneur, and public servant, he made history... Read More →

Jay Chapa

City Manager, City of Fort Worth

Jay Chapa serves as City Manager of Fort Worth, bringing more than two decades of leadership in local government and economic development to one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Widely respected for his collaborative leadership style and practical approach to problem-solving... Read More →

Ericka Garza

President and Chief Executive Officer, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Ericka Garza serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where she leads one of North Texas' leading business organizations dedicated to advancing Latino entrepreneurship, economic development, and opportunity. A seasoned executive... Read More →

Jeanette Martinez

City Council Member, City of Fort Worth

Jeanette Martinez serves on the Fort Worth City Council, representing District 11 as the first council member elected to the district and the first Latina ever elected to the Fort Worth City Council. A lifelong Fort Worth resident and dedicated public servant, she has built her career... Read More →

Roman Palomares

National President and Chairman, LULAC

JoAnna Cardoza

Chair, Fort Worth Host Committee

JoAnna Cardoza serves Chair of the Fort Worth Host Committee for the 2026 LULAC National Convention. A dedicated community leader, she has worked to expand opportunities for women, strengthen civic engagement, and advance LULAC's mission of civil rights and service throughout Tex... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 6:30pm - 8:30pm CDT
Ballroom A&B

Meal Event

7:00am CDT

Registration & Credentials

Thursday June 18, 2026 7:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Belt Buckle Lobby

Credentialing, information desk, and member services.

Thursday June 18, 2026 7:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Belt Buckle Lobby

Free and Open to everyone

7:45am CDT

Cafecito

Thursday June 18, 2026 7:45am - 9:00am CDT

Lobby outside of Main Plenary

Thursday June 18, 2026 7:45am - 9:00am CDT
Lobby outside of Main Plenary

Free and Open to everyone

9:00am CDT

Opening Remarks

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:55am CDT

Exhibit Hall A

This opening session launches the 2026 LULAC National Convention by spotlighting the next generation of Latino leaders who are already shaping the future of Texas and our nation. Rooted in their communities and driven by a commitment to service, these emerging voices represent the courage, vision, and determination needed to meet this moment. As LULAC prepares a new generation to lead, this conversation celebrates the rising leaders who are organizing, advocating, and marching our communities toward a stronger future and a shared victory built on opportunity, justice, and representation for all.

Speakers

Rep. Gina Hinojosa

Governor of Texas, Democrat Nominee

Bobby Pulido

Democrat Nominee for Texas's 15th Congressional District

Roman Palomares

National President and Chairman, LULAC

Juan Proaño

Chief Executive Officer, LULAC

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:55am CDT
Exhibit Hall A

Plenary Session

10:00am CDT

Dollars, Decisions, and Real Life

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am CDT

Exhibit Hall A

This session is built for young adults who want to take control of their financial future in 2026, at a time when rising costs, student debt, and economic uncertainty are real and immediate. Instead of trying to cover everything, we zero in on the essentials: how to manage credit, build a basic budget, and make smarter day-to-day financial decisions in a high-cost environment. We will also touch briefly on digital tools like online payments and crypto, and name the added financial pressures facing young people in mixed-status families. The goal is simple: leave with a clear understanding of a few core concepts and practical steps you can actually use right away.

Speakers

Paola Garcia Abbo

Vice President and Head of Impact, OneMain Financial

Paola Garcia Abbo is Vice President and Head of Impact at OneMain Financial, where she leads initiatives that expand financial opportunity and strengthen economic mobility for underserved communities. Her career spans the public and private sectors, bringing together experience in... Read More →

Daniel Garza

Senior Managing Director, OneMain Financial

Daniel Garza is Senior Managing Director at OneMain Financial, where he oversees 375 branches, manages a $5 billion consumer loan portfolio, and leads more than 1,500 team members across 15 states in the South, Central, and Western United States. In addition to his operational responsibilities... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am CDT
Exhibit Hall A

LULAC Academy/Young Adult Event, LULAC Young Adults

10:00am CDT

Desde el Corazón: Latino Mental Health in Hard Times

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am CDT

Room: 203 A

Latino teens are growing up in a world shaped by social media, academic pressure, family responsibilities, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future. While many demonstrate remarkable resilience, too often they are expected to carry these burdens in silence. This session will create an honest conversation about anxiety, depression, stress, identity, trauma, and the stigma surrounding mental health in Latino communities. Through practical strategies, personal stories, and open dialogue, participants will learn how to build resilience, support one another, recognize when help is needed, and understand that seeking support is a sign of strength. By investing in the mental wellness of Latino youth today, we help prepare the next generation to lead healthier, stronger, and more connected communities tomorrow.

Speakers

Christopher J. Delafuente

Community Education Manager, Corazón San Antonio

Christopher Delafuente serves as Community Education Manager at Corazón San Antonio, where he leads education, outreach, and community engagement efforts across Region 8. Drawing on both lived experience and professional expertise, he works to expand access to harm reduction services... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am CDT
Room: 203 A

LULAC Youth Conference Event, LULAC Young Adults

10:00am CDT

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS: The Mental Wellness Conversation Latinas Deserve - Stress, Healing and What It Really Means to Be Well

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am CDT

Room: 203 B

Latinas are often expected to carry everything at once: family responsibilities, caregiving, work, community leadership, financial pressure, and the emotional weight of uncertainty tied to immigration, discrimination, and economic instability. Too often, that burden is normalized instead of addressed. This session focuses on the mental health realities Latina women are facing in 2026, including stress, burnout, anxiety, grief, and isolation, while also creating space for honest conversation about healing, support, and resilience. The discussion centers on breaking stigma, building community, and making mental health part of how we care for ourselves and each other.

Moderator

Dr. Charito Cisneros

President, Hispanic Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce of New York

Dr. Charito Cisneros is President and Founder of the New York Hispanic Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce, the first organization of its kind dedicated to supporting Latino professionals and entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. For decades, she has worked to help aspiring... Read More →

Speakers

Maria Concha

Founder, Manifesting Ninja

Maria Concha is the founder of Manifesting Ninja, an entrepreneur, mindset coach, actress, writer, and producer dedicated to helping women build lives and businesses with purpose and confidence. A Colombian American raised in Queens, New York, she combines her experience in business... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am CDT
Room: 203 B

Women's Conference Event

11:00am CDT

More Than a Game: Sports, Identity, and Latino Leadership

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am CDT

Exhibit Hall A

Sports have always been about more than the game for Latino communities. They carry history, pride, sacrifice, and identity across generations. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to North America, Latino athletes, broadcasters, and fans have a rare opportunity to shape the future of sports and the story the country tells about itself. Latino communities are driving the growth of soccer and professional sports in the United States, while athletes have become powerful voices for leadership and change. This conversation explores how sports build community, expand representation, and inspire the next generation to lead both on and off the field.

Moderator

Richard Estrada III

University of Maine at Presque Isle

Richard Estrada III is a dynamic leader, advocate, and emerging sports professional with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. As the former National Youth President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Richard... Read More →

Speakers

Francisco Romero

Spanish Broadcaster, Houston Astros

Francisco Romero is one of the most respected voices in Spanish-language sports broadcasting. Now in his 19th season as the Spanish play-by-play broadcaster for the Houston Astros, he has called more than 2,000 Major League Baseball games, including eight no-hitters and a perfect... Read More →

Luis Perez

Spanish Broadcaster, Dallas Cowboys

Luis Perez is an award-winning broadcaster, entrepreneur, and community leader whose career has spanned more than two decades in Spanish-language media and sports broadcasting. A graduate of Amphitheater High School in Tucson and the University of Arizona, where he earned a degree... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am CDT
Exhibit Hall A

LULAC Academy/Young Adult Event

11:00am CDT

Own the Agenda and Lead the Room

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am CDT

Room: 203 A

This session is built for youth and young adults who want to understand how decisions actually get made inside LULAC and how to take part in that process with confidence. Participants will learn the basics of parliamentary procedure under the LULAC Constitution, including how to run a meeting, introduce motions, and move ideas forward. The goal is simple: you walk out knowing how to lead, how to speak up, and how to turn your voice into action in any room.

Moderator

Aiden Roach

Youth President, LULAC

Speakers

Ray Mancera

National VP for the Southwest, LULAC

Ray Mancera serves as LULAC National Vice President for the Southwest. Based in El Paso, Texas, he has spent decades advocating for voting rights, fair representation, and greater civic participation for Latino communities across the Southwest. Known for his steady leadership and... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am CDT
Room: 203 A

LULAC Youth Conference Event, LULAC Youth

11:00am CDT

LATINA POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT – Turning Trust into Turnout: Why Latinas Matter

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am CDT

Room: 203 B

This session takes a clear look at the role women have played in LULAC from the beginning to now. Latinas have shaped this organization in ways that were not always visible, but always central to its work. It also confronts the harder truth that this history includes moments of exclusion and machismo that limited women’s roles and recognition. That history matters because it explains where we are and what has been built. The focus then turns forward, on how that leadership continues and how the next generation is prepared to step in and carry it on.

Moderator

Lourdes Galvan

former San Antonio City Councilwoman and Past National Vice President for Women of LULAC

Lourdes Galvan is a longtime public servant, community advocate, and civil rights leader who has spent more than 50 years working to improve the lives of families in San Antonio and across Texas. A former San Antonio City Councilwoman and Past LULAC National Vice President for Women... Read More →

Elisa Tamez Rosales

Former National Vice President for Women, LULAC

Elisa Tamez Rosales serves as LULAC District 15 Director and previously served as LULAC National Vice President for Women, where she helped strengthen women's leadership and civic engagement across the organization. A longtime civil rights advocate and community leader, she has dedicated... Read More →

Speakers

Rep. Linda Garcia

Texas House of Representatives for the 107th District

Representative Linda García represents Texas House District 107, serving communities in Dallas County with a focus on economic opportunity, financial literacy, and expanding access to the tools families need to build long-term security. A financial educator, entrepreneur, author... Read More →

Irene Chavez Galvan

Former District Director for Congressman Greg Casar

Irene Chavez is a public affairs professional, community leader, and advocate for economic opportunity who has spent her career working at the intersection of public service, small business development, and civic engagement. Most recently, she served as District Director for Congressman... Read More →

Dr. Desiree H. Serna Martinez

Leadership Studies Scholar and Educator

Desiree H. Serna Martinez, MPA, PhD, is a journalist, public relations strategist, nonprofit consultant, and educator from San Antonio's West Side. A first-generation college graduate and second-generation business owner, she has built a career helping nonprofit organizations, businesses... Read More →

Regina Montoya

Attorney and Former Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas

Regina Montoya is Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Regina T. Montoya, PLLC and Executive Director of the Tricolor Foundation. A Harvard-trained attorney, nationally recognized legal leader, and former award-winning television commentator, she has spent her career advancing educational... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am CDT
Room: 203 B

Women's Conference Event

12:00pm CDT

2026 Women's Hall of Fame Luncheon

Thursday June 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT

Ballroom A&B

The Women’s Hall of Fame Luncheon honors Latinas whose leadership, service, and impact have shaped LULAC and strengthened communities across the country. This is a moment to recognize not just achievement, but the work, sacrifice, and commitment behind it. It is also a reminder of what leadership looks like in practice and what the next generation is called to carry forward.

Moderator

Nidia Cavazos

Former CBS News Correspondent, National Political Journalist.

Nidia Cavazos is a national award-winning journalist covering politics and immigration. Trilingual in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, she has established a prominent career as a national correspondent for both CBS News and Univision.
As a Los Angeles-based National Correspondent for CBS News, Nidia led the network's West Coast political and immigration coverage, with a specialized focus on the Latino vote. She previously served as a CBS News Campaign Reporter in Washington, D.C., spending nearly a year embedded... Read More →

Speakers

Skye Perryman

President and CEO, Democracy Forward

Skye L. Perryman is the President and CEO of Democracy Forward, a nonpartisan, national legal organization that promotes democracy and progress through litigation, regulatory engagement, communications, policy education, and research. Named as one of the 2025 100 Most Influential... Read More →

Randi Weingarten

President, The American Federation of Teachers

Randi Weingarten is President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), a union representing 1.8 million educators, healthcare professionals, public employees, and higher education faculty and staff across the United States. Since assuming the role in 2008, she has become one... Read More →

Maya Wiley

President and Chief Executive Officer, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Maya Wiley is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the nation's oldest and largest civil rights coalition. A nationally respected attorney, policy leader, and advocate, she has spent her career fighting to protect civil rights... Read More →

Artie Blanco

National Campaigns Director, AFL-CIO

Artie Blanco is the National Campaign Director for the AFL-CIO, where she oversees national political and field programs that mobilize workers, strengthen grassroots organizing, and expand labor's voice across the country. For more than two decades, she has built coalitions, organized... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Ballroom A&B

Women's Conference Event

1:30pm CDT

Opening of the General Assembly

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room: 204

This delegates-and-members-only session formally calls the 2026 LULAC National Convention to order and begins the official business of the organization. It is one of the most important and time-honored moments of the convention, where elected delegates and LULAC members come together to help shape the direction of the League. The National President and Parliamentarian will review resolutions, procedures, and the order of business for Saturday, June 20. The session is direct, focused, and centered on the work ahead.

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room: 204

Members and Delegates Only Event

2:00pm CDT

United Against Hate: Protecting Our Communities and Our Democracy

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Exhibit Hall A

Extremism and hate threaten more than the communities they target. They weaken democracy itself. Latino communities have increasingly faced political violence, anti-immigrant extremism, online hate, and efforts to divide Americans along racial and ethnic lines. In this session, Jonathan Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), examines the rise of extremist movements, the connections between antisemitism and anti-Latino hate, and why broad coalitions are essential to defending civil rights, protecting democratic institutions, and ensuring every community can participate safely and fully in American life.

Speakers

Jonathan Greenblatt

CEO & National Director, Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

Jonathan A. Greenblatt is the CEO of ADL (Anti-Defamation League). Since becoming CEO in July 2015, Greenblatt has modernized ADL while refocusing it on the mission to fight the defamation of the Jewish people, and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.

Jonathan has been nam... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Exhibit Hall A

Plenary Session

2:00pm CDT

Registration & Credentials

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Belt Buckle Lobby

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Belt Buckle Lobby

Free and Open to everyone

2:30pm CDT

Why Fascists Fear Teachers: A Fireside Chat with Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT

Exhibit Hall A

Teachers do more than teach reading, math, and science. They teach students how to ask questions, evaluate facts, and think for themselves. History shows that when democracy is under attack, teachers and public schools are often among the first targets. In this fireside chat, Randi Weingarten joins LULAC to discuss the fight over the future of public education—from cuts to Head Start and attacks on the U.S. Department of Education to school vouchers, immigration enforcement in schools, and the growing pressure on educators. The conversation will also examine the role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in expanding opportunity and what must be done to ensure Latino, immigrant, and working families continue to have access to strong public schools. At its core, this is a conversation about why protecting teachers means protecting democracy.

Speakers

Randi Weingarten

President, The American Federation of Teachers

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Exhibit Hall A

Plenary Session

3:00pm CDT

The Fight for Civil Rights: Law, Policy, and Community Action

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm CDT

Exhibit Hall A

Courts have become one of the central battlegrounds shaping democracy in the United States. From voting rights and immigration to free speech, civil liberties, and executive power, major legal fights are now deciding how far government authority can reach and who remains protected under the Constitution. This plenary brings together legal leaders and civil rights advocates to examine the growing role of litigation in defending democratic institutions during a period of rising authoritarian pressure. The discussion focuses on what these legal battles mean for Latino communities, civil rights organizations, and the broader future of American democracy.

Speakers

Rep. Ramon Romero, Jr

Chair, Mexican American Legislative Caucus, Texas State Legislature

State Representative Ramon Romero, Jr. is in his sixth term proudly representing the people of House District 90 in Fort Worth, Texas, and also serves as the Chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus for the 89th Texas Legislative Session. Rep. Romero is currently serving... Read More →

Skye Perryman

President and CEO, Democracy Forward

Maya Wiley

President and Chief Executive Officer, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm CDT
Exhibit Hall A

Plenary Session

4:00pm CDT

Breaking Barriers: Latina Leadership in Higher Education

Thursday June 18, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm CDT

Room: 203 A

This panel will be an inspiring conversation with Latina leaders in higher education and public service as they share their journeys navigating systemic barriers, advocating for educational access, and creating pathways for future generations. Panelists will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Latinas in higher education, the importance of mentorship and community leadership, and the impact of policy and advocacy in expanding access and representation. Through personal experiences and professional insights, this session will empower attendees to pursue leadership, service, and educational advancement within their own communities.

Moderator

Ginny Mendez

National Women’s Commissioner, LULAC

Ginny Mendez is a bilingual public policy professional, program manager, and longtime leader within the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Born and raised in Oak Cliff, Texas, and a first-generation college... Read More →

Speakers

Rep. Cassandra Garcia Hernandez

Texas House of Representatives for the 115th District

Representative Cassandra Garcia Hernandez represents Texas House District 115, serving communities across northwest Dallas County, including Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, Dallas, Farmers Branch, Irving, and Lewisville. An attorney and public servant, she recently completed her first... Read More →

Diana Flores

Dallas College Trustee, District 6

Diana Flores serves as Trustee for District 6 on the Dallas College Board of Trustees, where she has helped guide one of the nation's largest community college systems since her election in 1996. A longtime advocate for higher education and workforce development, she currently serves... Read More →

Elida J. Martinez

Assistant Director of Student Engagement, University of North Texas at Dallas

Elida J. Martinez hails from the vibrant cultural landscape of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, yet her heart finds its home in Oak Cliff, a mighty neighborhood in the center of Dallas, Texas, where she spent her formative years. A proud first-generation Latina, Elida’s work centers on creating... Read More →

Dr. Catherine Olivarez

Associate Vice Provost for Articulation, Transfer, and Educational Policy, Dallas College

Dr. Catherine Prieto Olivarez is Associate Vice Provost for Articulation, Transfer, and Educational Policy at Dallas College, one of the nation's largest community college systems. A nationally recognized leader in higher education, she has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm CDT
Room: 203 A

Women's Conference Event

4:00pm CDT

Leading Forward: Women and Economic Opportunity

Thursday June 18, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm CDT

Room: 203 B

This session will focus on the real barriers women continue to face when it comes to leadership in business. Too often, women are held to a different standard, passed over for sponsorship opportunities, or expected to balance career and family responsibilities without the same level of support. For Latina women, those challenges are often even greater, including pay gaps, limited professional networks, and lack of visibility in leadership spaces. The conversation will center on what actually helps move women forward: strong mentorship, leadership development, sponsorship, and clear, transparent pathways for promotion that create real opportunities to lead.

Moderator

Lydia Guzman

Director of Advocacy and Civic Engagement, Chicanos Por La Causa

Lydia currently Chairs the LULAC National Immigration Committee where she serves as an advisor to President Garcia and the national LULAC office on Immigration matters. Serving as well as a Commissioner on the National Women’s Commission representing the far westerner states. She’s... Read More →

Speakers

Claudia Arévalo, JD

Founder and Immigration Attorney, Arevalo Law Firm LLC

Claudia A. Arévalo is the founder of Arévalo Law Firm and a nationally recognized immigration attorney whose career has been shaped by her own experience coming to the United States from Mexico City to pursue her education. That journey gave her a firsthand understanding of the... Read More →

Larissa Romero Valenzuela

Community and Business Leader

Larissa Romero Valenzuela serves as an International Services Specialist at Rice University, where she helps support the university's global community and international engagement efforts. An expert in international relations and economic development, she has spent nearly three decades... Read More →

Carmen Lucia Gonzalez

Founder, S.A.I.D.

Carmen Lucia Gonzalez is the founder of S.A.I.D. (Systemic Accessibility Inequality Documentation), a national advocacy initiative dedicated to identifying, documenting, and addressing barriers faced by people with disabilities. Through S.A.I.D., she works to transform lived experiences... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm CDT
Room: 203 B

Women's Conference Event

5:00pm CDT

Pride, Power, and Belonging: LGBTQIA+ Convening

Thursday June 18, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm CDT

Room: 204

The LGBTQIA+ convening is a space to come together in community, celebrate identity, and build connections across LULAC. It highlights the importance of Rainbow Councils in strengthening the organization, ensuring that LGBTQIA+ members are not only included but represented and leading within LULAC. Inclusion is not optional. It is central to who LULAC is and how it shows up for all of its members. This reception is about visibility, belonging, and building a movement that reflects the full community it serves.

Moderator

Javier "JC" Cantu

Chair, LULAC National LGBTQIA+ Committee

Javier "JC" Cantu serves as Chair of the LULAC National LGBTQIA+ Committee and is a public health and organizational leader with more than a decade of experience building stronger institutions and expanding opportunity for underserved communities. Most recently, he served as a Reporting... Read More →

Speakers

Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco

LULAC National Historian

Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco is an award-winning historian, author, educator, and National Historian for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). For decades, she has helped preserve and tell the story of the Mexican American civil rights movement, ensuring that the contributions... Read More →

Ray De Los Santos

Director, LULAC National Educational Service Centers – Dallas, Texas

Renato "Ray" de los Santos is a lifelong educator, counselor, and advocate for educational opportunity who has spent more than four decades helping young people, particularly first-generation college students, pursue higher education and build successful careers. Born in Brownsville... Read More →

Martin Saenz

President, LULAC Rainbow Council-Dallas, Texas

Martin Saenz is a dedicated advocate for LGBTQIA+ and Latino communities and serves as Deputy Director for LGBTQIA+ Affairs for North Texas LULAC District III. A longtime leader within LULAC, he was a founding member of the LULAC Lambdas and currently serves as President of the LULAC... Read More →

Jesse Garcia

DC State Director, LULAC

Jesse Garcia is a communications professional, civil rights advocate, and longtime LULAC leader who currently serves as LULAC District of Columbia State Director. Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, he earned a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts from Our Lady of the Lake University... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm CDT
Room: 204

Free and Open to everyone

6:00pm CDT

LULAC Youth and Young Adult Awards Reception

Thursday June 18, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT

Ballroom A&B

The LULAC Youth Awards Reception celebrates the leadership, energy, and impact of teens across the organization. It recognizes young people who are stepping up, building councils, and making a real difference in their schools and communities. The evening continues with the baile, bringing everyone together to celebrate culture, connection, and the future of LULAC.

Thursday June 18, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Ballroom A&B

Meal Event, LULAC Youth Conference Event

7:00pm CDT

Cumbia y Comunidad: A Latin Dance Experience [18+ Only]

Thursday June 18, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

Ballroom C

This session is a fun, no-pressure space where young adults can learn the basics of Latin dance while connecting through music, culture, and community. With a focus on cumbia and other popular Latin rhythms, participants will pick up foundational steps, build confidence on the dance floor, and better understand the cultural traditions behind the music. Whether someone has never danced before or just wants to sharpen their moves, the session is built to be welcoming, energetic, and rooted in Latino pride, rhythm, and community.

Thursday June 18, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Ballroom C

Free and Open to everyone

7:00pm CDT

Sin Pena y Con Ritmo: A Youth Dance Social [LULAC Youth]

Thursday June 18, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

Room: 201 A&B

This session is all about music, energy, and community. LULAC youth will come together for a fun, welcoming dance social centered on cumbia and popular Latin music that keeps Latino culture alive across generations. No lessons, no pressure, and no experience needed—just a space to dance, meet new people from across the country, and celebrate culture, friendship, and orgullo Latino. The night is designed to give youth a chance to unwind, build connections, and enjoy the music and traditions that continue to bring Latino communities together.

Thursday June 18, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Room: 201 A&B

LULAC Youth Conference Event

7:00am CDT

Registration & Credentials

Friday June 19, 2026 7:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Belt Buckle Lobby

Friday June 19, 2026 7:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Belt Buckle Lobby

Free and Open to everyone

8:00am CDT

Cafecito

Friday June 19, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Lobby outside of Main Plenary

Friday June 19, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Lobby outside of Main Plenary

Free and Open to everyone

9:30am CDT

Beyond the Ballot Box: Courts, Elections, and Latino Representation

Friday June 19, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Exhibit Hall A

For Latino communities, many of the most consequential civil rights battles are now being fought in the courts and at the ballot box. Voting rights, redistricting, immigration, language access, and executive power are shaping political representation, while election officials face growing challenges in protecting voter access, combating disinformation, and maintaining public confidence in the democratic process. This plenary brings together two Latino Secretaries of State and two leading legal scholars to examine the legal and political forces shaping the 2026 midterm elections, the pressures facing those responsible for administering free and fair elections, and the strategies being used to protect constitutional rights and ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot safely and without interference. The discussion will explore why Latino civic participation will play a defining role in the elections ahead and what these battles mean for the future of democracy in the U.S.

Moderator

Amb. Norman Eisen (ret.)

Co-founder and Board Member, State Democracy Defenders Action

Norman L. Eisen is the co-founder and executive chair of Democracy Defenders Fund and one of the nation's leading experts on government ethics, the rule of law, and democratic institutions. An attorney and diplomat, he served as Special Counsel to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee... Read More →

Speakers

Sec. Adrian Fontes

Arizona Secretary of State

In 2022, Adrian Fontes was elected as Arizona's 21st Secretary of State. Secretary Fontes is a proud Arizona native, an honorable veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and the father of three daughters, who has spent a lifetime fighting for justice and defending our Democrac... Read More →

Sec. Francisco "Cisco" Aguilar

Nevada Secretary of State

Francisco “Cisco” Aguilar was elected as Nevada Secretary of State in 2022 and assumed office on January 2, 2023.

Prior to being elected, Secretary Aguilar served twelve years as General Counsel for Agassi Graf, the management company for Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf, and the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. In this role, he was responsible for communications and media, marketing and

... Read More →

Lauren Groh-Wargo

CEO, Fair Fight Action

Lauren Groh-Wargo is one of the country's leading political strategists and voting rights advocates. As Chief Executive Officer of Fair Fight Action, she has helped build one of the nation's most influential organizations focused on protecting the freedom to vote, expanding civic... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Exhibit Hall A

Plenary Session

10:45am CDT

What Shapes Which Media Stories Get Told: A Joint Panel with LULAC and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists

Friday June 19, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

Exhibit Hall A

Political pressure on journalists and media organizations is intensifying. Questions about who gets to tell America’s stories and whose voices are protected have become increasingly urgent. This session examines Latino representation in the media through the lens of journalists, storytellers, and creators navigating a rapidly shifting political and media landscape. Panelists will discuss government pressure on the press, misinformation, and the responsibility of journalists to serve communities with accuracy, independence, and humanity. The conversation will also explore the challenges of building trust within a Latino community that is incredibly diverse, yet has often felt ignored, misrepresented, or only covered in moments of crisis. From immigration coverage to public safety narratives, the panel will examine how media shapes public understanding of Latino communities and why truthful, accountable reporting remains essential during moments of democratic strain.

Moderator

Gilbert Bailon

Deputy Executive Director, National Association of Hispanic Journalists

Gilbert Bailon has more than four decades of newsroom leadership experience and now serves as the Deputy Director of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
Most recently, he was executive editor at WBEZ public radio and Chicago Public Media, which also owns the Chicago... Read More →

Speakers

Arleen Aguasvivas

Chief Content Officer, LULAC

Arleen Aguasvivas is an Emmy-nominated, award-winning video journalist and producer with nearly a decade of experience at NBC News. She has covered civil rights, immigration, criminal justice investigations, and the full range of stories a fast-moving newsroom throws at you. She’s... Read More →

Rebecca Lopez

President, National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) Dallas–Fort Worth Chapter, Investigative Reporter, WFAA-TV

Rebecca Lopez is an award-winning journalist and the Senior Crime and Justice Reporter at WFAA-TV in Dallas-Fort Worth. A veteran reporter who began her television news career in 1988, Lopez has spent decades covering the criminal justice system, law enforcement, courts, and major... Read More →

Nidia Cavazos

Former CBS News Correspondent, National Political Journalist.

Friday June 19, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Exhibit Hall A

Plenary Session

12:00pm CDT

Loncheando con Lideres: A Networking Luncheon

Friday June 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT

Ballroom A&B

Come grab lunch, meet new people, and connect with LULAC leaders, mentors, and young professionals from across the country in a relaxed, buffet-style setting. Free for all LULAC Academy and LULAC Youth participants, this session is about building community, making connections, and having real conversations about leadership, careers, advocacy, and life after graduation.

Friday June 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Ballroom A&B

Plenary Session, Meal Event

1:30pm CDT

Change Is a Choice

Friday June 19, 2026 1:30pm - 2:25pm CDT

Exhibit Hall A

Change does not happen on its own. It happens because people decide to act, organize, speak up, and stay in the fight even when the outcome is uncertain. Latino communities know this reality well. This plenary focuses on leadership, movement building, and the choices communities make during moments of pressure and political uncertainty. Speakers will reflect on what it means to lead with courage, how organizations sustain momentum, and why coalition building and civic participation still matter. The future is not something that simply happens to us. It is something people choose to shape together.

Speakers

Juan Proaño

Chief Executive Officer, LULAC

Héctor E. Sánchez Barba

President and CEO, Mi Familia Vota

Héctor Sánchez Barba is President and Chief Executive Officer of Mi Familia Vota, one of the nation's leading Latino civic engagement organizations. A nationally recognized advocate for civil rights and democracy, he has dedicated his career to building Latino political power, expanding... Read More →

Katharine Pichardo

President and CEO, Latino Victory Project

Katharine Pichardo is a trailblazer who has melded political organizing expertise and executive leadership to become a widely recognized change-maker in the governmental, political, and civic arena.

As president and CEO of Latino Victory, she takes charge of a mission perfectly suited to her 25 years of experience as a successful leader and passionate advocate: building political power within the Latino community and ensuring that Latino voices are included in the nation’s... Read More →

Rafael Collazo

Senior Director, Political Campaigns, UnidosUS

Rafael Collazo is the director of political campaigns for UnidosUS. He leverages the organization’s national network of leaders and Affiliate partners to advocate for federal and state legislation that opens the doors of opportunity for Hispanics and all Americans. Rafael also leads... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 1:30pm - 2:25pm CDT
Exhibit Hall A

Plenary Session

2:00pm CDT

Policy Platform and Amendments

Friday June 19, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room: 204

This delegates-and-members-only session focuses on the policy priorities, resolutions, and proposed amendments that will help shape LULAC’s direction moving forward. Delegates and members will review key issues affecting Latino communities, discuss organizational priorities, and participate in the official convention business for Saturday, June 20. The session is focused, procedural, and centered on the work of shaping LULAC’s advocacy agenda and future direction.

Friday June 19, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room: 204

Members and Delegates Only Event

2:00pm CDT

Registration & Credentials

Friday June 19, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Belt Buckle Lobby

Friday June 19, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Belt Buckle Lobby

Free and Open to everyone

2:30pm CDT

TOWN HALL — Where Do We Go From Here?

Friday June 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Exhibit Hall A

This town hall brings the conversation directly to the community. At a time of political division, economic pressure, immigration crackdowns, and attacks on civil rights, people are looking for honest conversation and practical direction. Leaders, advocates, and attendees will come together for an open discussion about what Latino communities are facing right now and what comes next. The format is straightforward: real questions, direct answers, and a shared conversation about organizing, coalition building, civic engagement, education, economic opportunity, and protecting democracy in 2026 and beyond.

Speakers

Carlos Eduardo Espina

Immigration Advocate and Digital Creator

Carlos Eduardo Espina is a prominent nonprofit director, legal scholar, and the most-followed Latino activist in the United States, dedicated to the socio-political upliftment of the immigrant community. Born in Uruguay and raised in Texas, Espina’s lifelong commitment to advocacy... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Exhibit Hall A

Plenary Session

3:30pm CDT

LULAC Youth Convening and Elections

Friday June 19, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm CDT

Room: 203 A

This session brings together LULAC youth for a convening focused on setting priorities for the remainder of 2026 and for 2027, while also conducting elections that will shape the direction of youth leadership within LULAC. Participants will engage in discussion on key issues, align around shared priorities, and take part in a formal election process grounded in LULAC’s commitment to democratic participation. The goal is clear: ensure youth voices are heard, leadership is chosen with intention, and the path forward for LULAC youth is defined with purpose.

Friday June 19, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room: 203 A

LULAC Youth Conference Event

6:00pm CDT

VIP Reception (Ticket Required)

Friday June 19, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT

Ballroom C

The VIP Reception offers a more intimate setting to connect with national leaders, honorees, and special guests ahead of the evening’s program. It is a chance to step away from the crowd, have real conversations, and set the tone for the night. Access is limited to VIP ticket holders.

Friday June 19, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Ballroom C

Meal Event

7:00pm CDT

2026 Presidential Awards Banquet (Ticket Required)

Friday June 19, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

Ballroom A&B

The 2026 Presidential Awards Banquet marks 97 years of LULAC’s work and its long fight for Latino communities. The evening begins with a VIP reception at 6 pm, followed by dinner at 7 pm. There will be live music, speakers, and the presentation of awards recognizing leadership and service. Formal attire is required, and tickets are needed to attend.

Speakers

Juan Proaño

Chief Executive Officer, LULAC

Roman Palomares

National President and Chairman, LULAC

Amb. Norman Eisen (ret.)

Co-founder and Board Member, State Democracy Defenders Action

Noel Candelaria

Secretary-Treasurer, National Education Association

Noel Candelaria is the Secretary-Treasurer of the National Education Association
(NEA), the nation’s largest labor union and professional organization
representing more than 3 million educators and public service professionals. A
special education teacher and former education supp... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Ballroom A&B

Meal Event

7:00am CDT

Breakfast for LULAC General Assembly

Saturday June 20, 2026 7:00am - 8:30am CDT

Room: 203 A&B

Saturday June 20, 2026 7:00am - 8:30am CDT
Room: 203 A&B

Members and Delegates Only Event

8:45am CDT

LULAC General Assembly

Saturday June 20, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am CDT

Room: 202

The formal meeting where registered members conduct official business, vote on resolutions, and elect key national leadership positions that guide the future of the organization.

Saturday June 20, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am CDT
Room: 202

Members and Delegates Only Event

10:30am CDT

LULAC Voting

Saturday June 20, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT

Room: 201

Voting by certified LULAC delegates to elect national officers, adopt resolutions, and shape the organization's direction.

Saturday June 20, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Room: 201

Members and Delegates Only Event

12:00pm CDT

National Board Working Lunch

Saturday June 20, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm CDT

Room: 203 A&B

A private lunch for LULAC board members to connect and discuss organizational matters informally.

Saturday June 20, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm CDT
Room: 203 A&B

Members and Delegates Only Event

12:30pm CDT

LULAC Institute Board Meeting

Saturday June 20, 2026 12:30pm - 1:00pm CDT

Room: 204

Saturday June 20, 2026 12:30pm - 1:00pm CDT
Room: 204

Members and Delegates Only Event

1:00pm CDT

LULAC National Board Meeting

Saturday June 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room: 204

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Saturday June 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room: 204

Members and Delegates Only Event

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