Recap: CHCI Leadership Conference

CHCI moved through two powerful days of insightful reflections and solution-oriented conversations among cross-sector leaders, corporate executives, and industry experts at the 2024 CHCI Leadership Conference.

Day 1 began with the “Latino Excellence in Action: Innovation, Influence, and Representation,” Opening Plenary, where we first heard remarks from Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Senator Alex Padilla (CA), and CHCI President and CEO Marco Davis. Then an energizing conversation among distinguished industry experts highlighted the contributions of Latinos in science, technology, and business. The discussion touched on topics like representation, diversifying corporate boardrooms, nurturing rising talent, and how Latinos can maintain work-life balance as they move through their careers. The speakers emphasized the need for greater representation, the removal of systemic barriers, and the celebration of the ingenuity that characterizes our community.

Later, the Afternoon Plenary, “AI and the Future of Latino Prosperity,” featured a thought-provoking conversation with CHCI Board Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The session explored AI’s potential to drive growth in smart cities, healthcare, and education, while underscoring the importance of Latino engagement to create more equitable opportunities in this technological revolution.

Day 1 also featured a thoughtful and inspiring Cabinet Roundtable, “Federal Strategies for a Brighter Latino Future,” moderated by former U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro. 

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo, U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su, and Acting U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Adrianne Todman held a compelling discussion on the federal government’s efforts to position the Latino community for greater access to opportunity.

The day’s Closing Plenary, “Tackling Obesity and Diabetes in Latino Youth,” addressed critical health challenges and offered innovative solutions, including culturally sensitive healthcare and community-driven education aimed at improving health outcomes and addressing disparities. CHCI also featured a series of breakout sessions focused on essential topics like enhancing Latino wealth through public-private partnerships, addressing barriers to higher education, the impact of supplier diversity on Latino businesses, and much more.

Day 2 of the 2024 CHCI Leadership Conference was a dynamic and engaging experience! In our morning plenary, “Resistencia Digital: Safeguarding Latino Rights, Civic Engagement, and Well-being,” panelists delved into the dangers posed by misinformation, emphasizing its impact on Latino civic engagement, health, and financial stability. The discussion highlighted the critical role of media literacy in countering disinformation and safeguarding Latino communities from harmful narratives that threaten their  participation in democracy.

CHCI was honored to have Vice President Kamala D. Harris deliver remarks at a special session. Her message energized and inspired our esteemed guests. Following the Special Session, attendees experienced an exciting Lunch Plenary on Latino influence in the media. Experts discussed the undeniable link between Latino talent representation and financial success in the entertainment industry, how Latinos account for only 4 to 7 percent of on-screen talent and how diverse talent and narratives fuel audience loyalty and box office performance.

The Closing Plenary featured a highly anticipated session on Project 2025, examining its potential impacts on Latino communities. This forward-looking discussion provided key insights into how national policy changes could shape the future of Latino prosperity and access to resources. The conference concluded with the Closing Reception, which celebrated Latino excellence and featured a special performance of, “Freestyle: A Love Story.”

Thank you to all of our incredible attendees for joining us and making the 2024 CHCI Leadership Conference a special and historic convening.

For questions email: info@chci.org