Day One of CHCI’s 2016 Public Policy Conference

Day one of CHCI’s 2016 Public Policy Conference on September 13 brought together industry experts and policymakers for a full day of talks covering hot button issues affecting the Latino community.

The opening plenary featured a lively discussion on the Latino vote. Moderated by Telemundo and NBC News Anchor José Díaz-Balart, the session included Maria Teresa Kumar, President and CEO, Voto Latino; Matt A. Barreto, co-founder of Latino Decisions and professor of Political Science & Chicano Studies at UCLA; and Arturo Vargas, executive director of NALEO Educational Fund. The group discussed the critical importance of political engagement this November, and the impact Hispanics will play on electing the next president, next Congress, and in local elections across the nation.

Attendees then engaged in a variety of policy summits led by expert panelists who discussed the following critical issues such as criminal justice reform, homeland security, women’s preventive health, U.S.–Cuba Engagement, diversity, education, and the environment.

Rep. Linda T. Sánchez, CHCI Chair, opened the Tech Luncheon, which featured a discussion on the progress and efforts of Silicon Valley to increase its diverse talent base through recruitment strategies, internal policy changes, and community engagement. Panelists included:

Daisy Auger-Dominguez, Global Head of Diversity Staffing, Google
Carmela Castellano-Garcia, President of the Board of Trustees, Castellano Family Foundation
Imelda Castro, Chair, Hispanic Leadership Council; Director, Technology and Manufacturing Group, Global Supply Chain Management, Intel Corporation
Emilio Gonzalez, Executive Director of Strategic Alliances, Verizon

The day wrapped up with a reception at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian where attendees enjoyed an evening of networking, art and culture.