In case you missed the 2024 UnidosUS Annual Conference

Here’s a look back at the 2024 UnidosUS Annual Conference: Our Time is Now!, which took place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas from July 15-17 

Our Time to Collaborate 

UnidosUS stands as the nation’s foremost and most influential Latino advocacy and social justice organization, working with our Affiliate Network and trusted allies to champion civil rights and opportunities for the Hispanic community with unwavering commitment. With a legacy rooted in decades of dedicated advocacy and impactful programs, we collaborate with impressive minds to shape policies that empower Latino families. Through our efforts, we strive to ensure Latino voices are heard and respected across all levels of society.  

Our Annual Conference showcases UnidosUS’s leadership, while also platforming influential guests who share our commitment to social justice. Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) of the Black Congressional Caucus is one of the many leaders we had the honor of hosting at our Annual Conference. Reflecting upon his upbringing with a young immigrant mother and the importance of inclusivity across fields, Horsford gave an electrifying speech that inspired our crowd and emphasized the support he had for the Latino community.  

At the Latinas Luncheon, we heard from industry trailblazers, such as Sandra Velasquez, CEO and founder of Nopalera. A business-minded addition to our list of speakers, Velasquez spoke about the importance of having a vision and the need for Latinas to support each other in taking risks and pushing innovation. “You can’t stay the 2023 version of yourself. You have to evolve.” said Velasquez to panel host Juleyka Lantigua, inspiring the crowd to embrace growth.

Our Time to Convene

The UnidosUS Annual Conference is the premiere event for Latino Leaders, advocates and allies to address the most pressing issues facing Latino communities today. As the largest gathering of its kind, with over 2,000 people in attendance, the conference offers a unique platform for thought leaders, policymakers and community members to convene in a space dedicated to exchanging ideas and developing strategies that invigorate change. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions, attend workshops led by experts in various fields and network with individuals who share a passion for advancing social justice and equity for Latinos.  

The conference not only highlights the strength and resilience of the Latino community but also underscores the power of collective action in creating an inclusive and equitable society.  

During our Latino Power en Acción plenary, attendees had the privilege of hearing a panel discussion between Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes on the topic of trust in democracy. As Secretary Aguilar mentioned, “Trust is built by having a conversation” and touted the need for factual data and transparency in legislation. Secretary Fontes then added to the panel by urging leaders to actively listen to young people. To conclude the discussion, panelists agreed that it is crucial for young Latinos to see members of their community running for office and to believe that government can work for them.

Our Time for Community 

With the UnidosUS Annual Conference being the largest gathering of Latinos dedicated to civil rights and proactive change, many of our attendees had the opportunity to embrace their community but also define what community meant to them. 

Representative Ro Khanna embraced the idea that the nation is developing a multi-ethnic, multi-generational democracy where no one is excluded from the decision-making process. Alongside that sentiment, Representative Horsford reflected on the anti-DEI rhetoric sweeping the nation and stressed the need for diverse leadership in government, industry and other sectors alike. 

“When they are coming for DE and I, they’re coming for you and I.” stated Representative Horsford during the National Affiliate Luncheon. 

Our Time to Celebrate 

Although the Conference is our chance to reflect on the goals ahead, it also serves as our chance to celebrate the Latino accomplishments from the past year. From awarding The Concilio as our Affiliate of the Year to recognizing the efforts of Dream Big Nevada’s Astrid Silva with the Maclovio Barraza Award for Leadership, we had so many trailblazers recognized for their efforts and even had the chance to celebrate the many organizations that make our “4 million new Latino homeowners by 2030” goal a conceivable reality. 

Other pivotal achievements were made clear by our President and CEO Janet Murguía in her address at the National Affiliate Luncheon.

Through years of dedicated registration efforts and community building, Latinos have emerged as a pivotal force in electoral matters, reflecting the vision of UnidosUS. And as Janet Murguía states “We’ve only just begun.” Every day, Latinos are establishing careers, building families and participating in the democratic process. In her address, she highlighted the efforts of Latinos who came to this country and defended democratic values in the face of turbulent times and spoke firmly on Latinos not only being American citizens, but proud ones at that. 

Not only are we a community with potential—we are a community on the rise. Our Time is Now!