#United States #Hartford #Latinas & Power #Leadership Institute #Latina Empowerment

Empowering Latinas: 22nd Annual Power Symposium

The much-anticipated 22nd Annual Latinas & Power Symposium is set to take place on May 29th at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. This year, the event promises a remarkable lineup of speakers, including notable figures such as a Latina billionaire entrepreneur, an esteemed actress, and other influential leaders. The theme for this year's symposium is "Beyond Limits: Resilience, Confidence, and Inspiring Leadership," emphasizing the importance of empowerment and growth for Latina professionals.

The symposium is not just a celebration of Latina achievement but also serves as a platform for fundraising. Proceeds from this year's event will support the organization's 'Latina Leadership Institute' (LiLi), which aims to provide scholarships for eager participants facing financial challenges. The focus on leadership in this program aligns with the overarching goal of fostering resilience and confidence among Latina professionals across various fields.

As one of the premier events for the Latina community, the symposium is expected to attract about 700 attendees from Connecticut and beyond, with previous years witnessing a diverse participation from cities like Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles. This gathering aims to cultivate connections, create networking opportunities, and inspire attendees through a day filled with engaging panels, breakout sessions, and motivating speeches from esteemed speakers.

Engaging Sessions and Notable Speakers

This year's symposium will feature an engaging Latina Power Panel that will address the vital issue of Latina underrepresentation in various sectors. Drawing insights from the Lean In report titled "The State of Latinas in Corporate America," the panel will include prominent figures such as Carolyn Aronson, founder and CEO of the well-known hair care brand, It's A Ten, and Lisa Vidal, a celebrated actress with an extensive portfolio in television and film.

Other notable speakers include Elizabeth Flores, the Vice President of News at NBC10-Telemundo62, and Daisy Auger Dominguez, a recognized author and public speaker with a background in leadership across sectors. Additionally, local leaders from Connecticut, such as Yvette Melendez and Migdalia Cruz, will contribute their valuable insights to the event, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on empowerment and leadership from both national and local viewpoints.

The Latina Leadership Institute

The Latina Leadership Institute offers a dynamic six-month certificate program designed to cultivate essential leadership and advocacy skills among participants. Beginning with a three-day retreat to foster community, participants engage in coursework facilitated by experts, focusing on social justice and personal leadership styles. Throughout the program, attendees will develop critical skills in areas such as negotiation, personal branding, and civic engagement.

Graduates will not only enhance their leadership capabilities but also partake in a capstone research project exploring various crucial topics such as financial literacy, educational disparities, and health equity. Over the past four cohorts, the LiLi program has made a significant impact on the career trajectories of 58 Latina professionals, enhancing their roles in various sectors.

Community Engagement and Future Generations

In line with its mission to uplift the Latina community, the Latinas & Power initiative continues to invite under-resourced high school students to participate in the symposium. This year, students from schools in Wallingford, New Britain, Waterbury, and New Haven will attend, giving them the opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals and gain insights that inspire their academic and career aspirations.

The event is made possible thanks to generous sponsorship, particularly from Liberty Bank and other presenting sponsors, which underscores the collective effort to champion Latina empowerment.

Year after year, the Latinas & Power Symposium demonstrates its commitment to fostering a vibrant, supportive community that aims to elevate the experience of Latinas. As a network established in 2004, it has grown exponentially, impacting thousands of professionals by offering invaluable resources and opportunities for personal and professional development. Don't miss this year’s symposium; it promises to be a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for all who attend.