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Civil Rights Leader Dolores Huerta to Speak at Latinas in Leadership Symposium in Hartford

On May 28, 2026, the Latinas in Leadership™ organization, previously known as Latinas & Power Corp., will proudly host its 23rd Annual Symposium at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. This year’s event, themed "Atrévete… Because Representation Matters," aims to gather more than 700 participants, including Latinas, advocates, community leaders, and entrepreneurs for a day filled with inspiration, workshops, and networking opportunities. The symposium is set to run from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, followed by a networking reception where attendees can connect.

In recent years, the organization has fundamentally evolved, emphasizing the importance of representation not as a mere symbol but as a crucial factor in shaping policies, investments, and creating real opportunities. This message of empowerment is at the core of this year's symposium. As noted by Marilyn Alverio, the founder and CEO of Latinas in Leadership™, “Latinas are not preparing to lead; we are already leading.” The symposium is positioned as a platform to further enhance this presence in decision-making spaces.

The event will unfold with a fascinating fireside chat featuring Dolores Huerta, a prominent civil rights activist, who will engage in discussions moderated by Arantxa Loizaga of Noticias Telemundo. The conversation is expected to focus on how individuals can develop into leaders and advocates, overcoming challenges and strengthening community ties through courage, visibility, and mutual support. Attendees will learn how grassroots efforts can trigger larger movements, fostering inclusive communities where every voice holds significance.

Alongside Huerta, the symposium will feature breakout sessions aimed at delivering valuable insights and practical tools across various vital topics. Some of the breakout sessions include:

• - "Atrévete to Collaborate – Turning Presence into Power"
• - "Who Cares for the Caregiver? The Latina Caregiving Experience"
• - "Building a Strong Financial Futuro: Wealth Building Fundamentals"
• - "The Power of Storytelling"

Additionally, a dedicated track for high school students titled "Atrévete to Connect: Your Network is Your Power" will empower an upcoming generation by connecting them with community leaders and nurturing their potential.

Featured speakers include dignitaries like Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, and leadership figures from various sectors, such as health care, finance, and education. They will address significant issues impacting the Latino community, sharing their experiences, insights, and encouragement for the next wave of Latina leaders.

Moreover, the symposium will highlight the latest graduates of the Latinas in Leadership Institute (LiLI), a six-month program designed for Latinas across diverse backgrounds to amplify their leadership capabilities. By working collaboratively on research-informed projects, these cohorts will tackle critical social justice issues ranging from education to financial literacy.

Not only a leadership gathering, the symposium also serves as a fundraiser to sustain LiLI's upcoming cohort, reinforcing the commitment to expanding access and investment in Latina decision-makers. Each ticket sold contributes directly to this initiative, ensuring that the legacy of leadership continues to grow.

Finally, attendees will have access to a vibrant marketplace showcasing over 40 diverse exhibitors, allowing them to support small businesses and community organizations dedicated to serving Latina communities. Although all tickets for the symposium have sold out, those interested can still partake through a live stream of the event.

Latinas in Leadership™ embodies a mission to dismantle barriers hindering the representation and mobility of Latinas in leadership roles, striving for a world where every voice is amplified, and every individual can rise to their fullest potential. To learn more about their initiatives, visit Latinas in Leadership.