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A message from League of United Latin American Citizens



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2025 LULAC National Convention Highlights
=========================================

The 2025 LULAC National Convention took place August 6–9, 2025, in Long Beach,
California. It brought together thousands of LULAC members, elected officials,
and community leaders for four days of education, advocacy, and celebration.
Centered on the theme Diverse Roots, Shared Dreams, the convention featured
dynamic panel discussions on key issues and uplifting ceremonies honoring Latino
leaders.

This was LULAC’s most diverse and inclusive convention in its history, with our
LULAC Councils and members and over 400 young adults (18-23) participating in the
LULAC Academy, 100 youth from the LNESC program (16-17), and 40 youth from
migrant farm worker families from Oxnard, California coming together to learn and
share stories from their communities.


Day One: LULAC Academy Opening Session
--------------------------------------

The convention opened with a panel of LULAC’s national leadership and young
advocates, setting the tone for the days ahead. LULAC National President and
Chairman Roman Palomares and CEO Juan Proaño joined Minnesota Attorney General
Keith Ellison and other leaders to welcome attendees and emphasize the
organization’s mission of youth empowerment. Attorney General Keith Ellison
discussed the importance of LULAC’s ongoing civil rights efforts and the
importance of mentoring the next generation of Latino leaders.

LULAC’s leaders underscored the convention theme, noting that “Empowering the
next generation is our responsibility to ensure those who come after us are ready
to lead”. This sentiment captured LULAC’s centuries-long commitment to civil
rights and empowerment and the goal of the convention’s programs.


Uprooted: Migration and the Climate Crisis
------------------------------------------

This session dives into a growing reality: climate-related disasters are fueling
migration across the Americas—and Latino migrant communities, especially
farmworkers, are on the front lines. From hurricanes and droughts uprooting
families to rising temperatures worsening already harsh working conditions, the
pressures forcing people to move—and the challenges they face once here—are
intensifying. Participants will unpack the connection between natural disasters,
migration, and labor conditions. Practice how to communicate these issues in a
way that drives awareness and change. Through peer discussion and real-world
scenarios, attendees will leave with sharpened advocacy skills and deeper
understanding of how to uplift migrant voices.


Latino Voices in an AI-Driven World: Tools, Power, and Possibilities
--------------------------------------------------------------------

This AI-focused session featured Susan Gonzales, Founder and CEO of AI & You, who
spoke about the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence for the
Latino community. Geared toward students and young professionals, the talk
explored how Latinos can gain a stronger foothold in the tech sector and ensure
AI is used equitably.

Gonzales highlighted the importance of Latino representation in tech development.
She noted that Latinos must be more than consumers of new technology – they
should be creators and decision-makers. “If we’re not at the table when AI tools
are built, our community’s needs could be left out,” she warned.

Tune in: Tech - Latino Voices in an AI-Driven World: Tools, Power, and
Possibilities Session [ [link removed] ]


Reclaiming Our Narrative: Reflecting Latino Realities in Traditional and Social
Media
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This session inspired attendees to actively participate in media-making. Whether
through supporting Latino filmmakers/journalists or creating content of our own,
we can all help reshape the narrative. The panelists encouraged LULAC members to
challenge misrepresentations whenever they see them and to support initiatives
that put Latinos in charge of our stories. They left us with a clear message: by
controlling our narrative, we empower our community and influence how others
perceive Latino Americans.

Challenging Misrepresentation: Panelists stressed the need to counter
stereotypical or narrow portrayals of Latinos in mainstream media. They discussed
how authentic storytelling and ownership of content can better reflect the
diversity of Latino experiences. Memo Torres, a journalist, noted that
community-based media (like L.A. Taco) is crucial in highlighting real Latino
stories often ignored by larger outlets.

Tune in: Reclaiming Our Narrative: Reflecting Latino Realities in Traditional and
Social Media [ [link removed] ] Session [ [link removed] ]


Turning Struggles Into Strength: How to Strategically Advocate for Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The session provided a toolkit of strategies for turning challenges into change.
Panelists emphasized the importance of storytelling in advocacy – personal
stories can humanize issues and sway public opinion and policymakers. They also
discussed strategic coalition-building: bringing together community members,
organizations (like LULAC, ACLU, etc.), and allies to create a united front.

Iliana Perez and Cody Wofsy shared how personal and community struggles can
become a foundation for powerful advocacy. Iliana opened up about her own story
as a formerly undocumented student who overcame barriers to become an advocate.
“As someone who was undocumented for 27 years, I know what it feels like to have
the doors closed — not because of lack of ability or ambition, but because of
systemic barriers beyond my control,” she shared, highlighting the resilience of
immigrant communities. This lived experience now drives her work to open doors
for others. Cody, a civil rights attorney, talked about how witnessing injustices
in immigration enforcement propelled him into legal advocacy to fight for
systemic change.

Tune in: Turning Struggles into Strength: How to Strategically Advocate for
Change Session [ [link removed] ]


Day Two: Opening Session - Being Latino in 2025: Voices From a Changing America
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Opening Session was more than a panel – it was a heartfelt conversation that
brought LULAC’s mission to life through personal stories. Each speaker’s voice –
from Mireille’s determination as a Dreamer to Esmeralda’s plea for justice –
highlighted the resilience, courage, and esperanza (hope) that define the Latino
experience in 2025. Their testimonies exposed the real challenges our community
faces: attacks on our rights, gaps in opportunity and representation, and the
need for systemic change. Yet, in every story there was a message of strength and
empowerment.

Esmeralda Cantu Castile (Mother of Angelina Reséndiz): Esmeralda closed the
session with an emotional call for justice for her daughter, Seaman Angelina
Reséndiz – a 21-year-old Latina sailor whose recent disappearance and death
revealed systemic failures. Speaking through tears, she described her family’s
nightmare and the Navy’s slow response, evoking parallels to the Vanessa Guillén
tragedy. “The very system that promised to protect my daughter ended up failing
her,”.


Re-Drawing Power, Re-Shaping Futures, the Impact of Gerrymandering on Education.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The panel urged attendees to stay informed and involved in redistricting battles.
They highlighted LULAC’s advocacy, such as legal challenges against
discriminatory maps and community voter drives. Rep. Morales encouraged everyone
to “be a watchdog” during local redistricting meetings and to speak up for
equitable maps.

Gerrymandering & Educational Equity: This plenary explored how political
redistricting can significantly affect education policy and resources. Christina
Morales opened with local perspective, explaining that when voting districts are
redrawn to dilute Latino voting power, it often results in less responsive
leadership for Latino communities. Congressman Greg Casar gave a passionate
account of recent redistricting efforts in Texas, warning that some maps are
designed to “silence the voices” of communities of color. He argued that extreme
gerrymandering is “a violation of the Voting Rights Act” aimed at diluting the
voices of voters of color. Casar stressed that this isn’t just a political
issue—it directly impacts families and schools. When communities lose fair
representation, their schools may suffer from policies that don’t reflect their
interests.

Impact on Schools: Noel Candelaria connected the dots between gerrymandering and
education from an educator’s perspective. He explained that elected officials set
budgets and curriculum standards; if those officials aren’t truly representative
of the community due to skewed district lines, public schools can be
shortchanged. He cited examples of states where partisan map-drawing led to
policymakers who diverted funds from public schools or resisted bilingual and
inclusive education programs. Fair maps, Noel argued, mean fair chances for all
students – and when maps are unfair, our children’s education is at stake.

Tune in: Re-Drawing Power, Re-Shaping Futures, The Impact of Gerrymandering on
Education Session [ [link removed] ]


Under Attack – The Role of Courts in Preserving Rights
------------------------------------------------------

Legal experts examined how recent laws and court decisions are impacting Latino
and immigrant rights. Moderated by former Ambassador Norman Eisen, the panel
included New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and MALDEF President Thomas A.
Saenz. They discussed the courts’ pivotal role in safeguarding civil rights amid
legislative and executive actions that many see as threats to the Latino
community.

Attorney General Torrez and MALDEF’s Saenz shared recent victories and challenges
from the courtroom. They encouraged LULAC members to stay engaged in legal
advocacy – from supporting impact litigation to knowing “your rights in your own
communities”. The session reinforced that when other avenues fail, the courts can
still uphold justice and protect Latino civil rights, provided communities
continue to fight cases in court.

Tune in: Judicial Advocacy - Under Attack: The Role of Courts in Preserving
Rights [ [link removed] ] Session [ [link removed] ]


Hard Truths, Real Solutions – Chronic Disease and the Latino Experience
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

This health plenary addressed the disproportionate impact of chronic diseases
(like diabetes and heart disease) on Latino families, and explored strategies to
improve health outcomes. Dr. Ray Serrano of LULAC moderated the discussion with
Charles D. Henderson, CEO of the American Diabetes Association, and Dr. Larissa
Avilés-Santa of the National Institutes of Health. They confronted the “hard
truths” of health disparities and proposed “real solutions” grounded in community
action and policy change.

Dr. Avilés-Santa discussed community-driven health initiatives, including LULAC’s
own programs. She highlighted success stories where local LULAC councils
organized health fairs, nutrition workshops, and vaccination drives. “Our
strength is in our communities,” she noted, explaining that solutions must
involve empowering Latino families with knowledge and resources. The Latino Surge
– Redefining and Reshaping Politics

Tune in: Health - Hard Truths, Real Solutions: Chronic Disease and the Latino
Experience Session [ [link removed] ]


The Latino Surge – Redefining and Reshaping Politics
----------------------------------------------------

This panel examined the growing political influence of Latinos as voters,
candidates, and consumers. Moderated by LULAC CEO Juan Proaño, it featured
leaders from top civic organizations – including Virginia Case Solomon (Common
Cause) , Héctor Sánchez Barba (Mi Familia Vota), Erica Bernal-Martinez (NALEO),
and Jonathan Diaz (Campaign Legal Center). Together they discussed how the
“Latino surge” is redefining U.S. politics and what it means for future
elections.

Panelists noted that Latinos are now one of the fastest-growing segments of the
electorate and have unprecedented economic power. They shared recent successes in
voter registration drives and turnout. In fact, advocacy groups like LULAC and Mi
Familia Vota have set ambitious goals to register and mobilize a record number of
Latino voters in upcoming elections. “Latinos are a rising force in our
democracy,” one speaker said, “when we vote, we change outcomes”.

Tune in: Civic Engagement - The Latino Surge: Redefining and Reshaping Politics
Session [ [link removed] ]


“Now What? What Comes Next.”
----------------------------

As the convention’s closing plenary, this community forum tied together the
week’s themes and looked to the future. Gaby Pacheco (CEO of TheDream.US) and
advocate Carlos Eduardo Espina led a candid discussion on sustaining momentum
after the convention. They explored how to convert the energy and ideas from the
event into action at the local and national levels – essentially, what comes next
for LULAC’s mission.

Pacheco and Espina reflected on the progress Latinos have made and the challenges
still ahead. They touched on immigration reform (noting the ongoing need to
protect Dreamers and immigrant families) and urged continued grassroots
organizing. “This isn’t the end – it’s the beginning of what comes next for our
community,” Pacheco stated passionately. “We have to keep pushing forward
together, porque la lucha sigue” (the struggle continues).

Tune in: COMMUNITY FORUM - Now What? What Comes Next. Session [ [link removed] ]


Youth and Young Adults Awards Ceremony
--------------------------------------

Description: The convention concluded by shining a spotlight on its youngest
leaders. The Youth and Young Adults Awards Ceremony (held Thursday evening)
recognized the achievements of LULAC’s youth members and councils. Andy Lara
(LULAC Youth Council President) and Ana Coca (LULAC National VP for Youth) served
as speakers and mentors for the event. They, along with LULAC’s national
officers, presented awards to outstanding youth councils, scholarship recipients,
and young Latino leaders who are making a difference.

Tune in: Youth and Young Adults Awards Ceremony [ [link removed] ]


Women’s Hall of Fame Luncheon
-----------------------------

This annual luncheon, hosted by the LULAC Women’s Commission, honored the
remarkable contributions of Latinas in LULAC and beyond. The 2025 Women’s Hall of
Fame induction ceremony featured legendary civil rights leader Dolores Huerta and
former U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis as keynote speakers, who inspired the
audience with stories of perseverance and activism. Six outstanding women were
inducted into LULAC’s Hall of Fame, recognizing their achievements in fields like
labor, community advocacy, education, and veterans’ services.

Dolores Huerta (co-founder of the United Farm Workers) energized the crowd with
her call for continued activism. Drawing from decades of experience, she reminded
everyone that the fight for equality is ongoing. “Sí se puede – together we can
accomplish anything,” Huerta exclaimed, prompting a standing ovation. She urged
women in the room to use their voices and never give up, noting that each
generation must lift the next.

Tune in: Women's Hall of Fame Luncheon [ [link removed] ]


Presidential Awards Banquet
---------------------------

On Friday evening, the convention’s premier awards banquet celebrated outstanding
contributions to LULAC and the Latino community. With comedian Erik Rivera as
emcee, attendees enjoyed dinner, entertainment, and inspiring remarks from LULAC
leadership. LULAC National President Roman Palomares presented the Presidential
Awards to distinguished honorees, including community leaders and LULAC council
members who have demonstrated exemplary service.

In his keynote address, President Palomares thanked the awardees for their
service, noting “Tonight we honor those who exemplify LULAC’s mission through
their dedication and corazón (heart)”. LULAC was honored to recognize the
incredible contributions of community leaders, including: Sen. Alex Padilla,
Mayor Karen Bass, David Huerta, and Amb. Norman Eisen, Angelica Salas, and
Ozomalti.

Award recipients ranged from lifelong LULAC volunteers to young innovators
partnering with LULAC. Each honoree spoke briefly, often dedicating their award
to family or community. One awardee moved the audience by saying, “LULAC taught
me what it means to serve. This award is for everyone in my council back home
working to make a difference”. The ceremony left attendees proud and motivated,
as the room celebrated the very best of LULAC’s grassroots leadership.

Tune in: Presidential Awards Banquet [ [link removed] ]

A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors whose generosity made the LULAC
National Convention possible. Your continued support ensures that the next
generation of leaders is empowered, engaged, and informed on the issues shaping
their communities.

To our leadership, community champions, members, and associates—thank you for
coming together with us in Long Beach, California. It is your dedication,
passion, and spirit that make LULAC the extraordinary force for change and
opportunity that it is today.


# # #

About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and
largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to
advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy,
community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide,
LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of
Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about
LULAC and its initiatives, please visit www.LULAC.org [ [link removed] ] .















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