September 23, 2022
9AM-4PM
Schedule
9AM-4PM
Schedule
8:30AM-9:00AM | Conference Welcome
9:00AM-10:15AM | Plenary Session | Education
Session: Through the lens of change: Navigating the new normal in education
Rafael Gutierrez, Moderator
Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson
Patricia Morency
Dr. Charles Robinson
Dr. Jim Rollins
Daniela Alvarado
Description: Undoubtedly, Arkansas looks different. Education comprises a very important element of our state, but even this area has experienced a major reset in order to preserve the quality and ensure the student's success. Reflecting upon 2020, and finding ourselves here more than a year later, it has become evident that educational institutions have shifted their internal systems in order to find new and effective ways to function. How have these changes affected post-secondary education opportunities? Additionally, how have educational institutions modified their curriculums and ways of teaching in order to maximize student learning? How have higher education institutions reset their systems of functioning, and what modifications and/or additions have been made? Join us during this conversation with the experts to see what it is like to be in higher education during these times.
Session: Through the lens of change: Navigating the new normal in education
Rafael Gutierrez, Moderator
Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson
Patricia Morency
Dr. Charles Robinson
Dr. Jim Rollins
Daniela Alvarado
Description: Undoubtedly, Arkansas looks different. Education comprises a very important element of our state, but even this area has experienced a major reset in order to preserve the quality and ensure the student's success. Reflecting upon 2020, and finding ourselves here more than a year later, it has become evident that educational institutions have shifted their internal systems in order to find new and effective ways to function. How have these changes affected post-secondary education opportunities? Additionally, how have educational institutions modified their curriculums and ways of teaching in order to maximize student learning? How have higher education institutions reset their systems of functioning, and what modifications and/or additions have been made? Join us during this conversation with the experts to see what it is like to be in higher education during these times.
10:30AM-12:00PM | Women
Concurrent Session: Into the unknown
Dr. Lia Uribe, Moderator
Alix Montoya
Rubicely Monter
Daisy Bonilla
Giuliana Tartini-Fields
Description: The future is female. Without a doubt the nation is seeing an increase in women taking leadership roles and seats where decisions are made. Women in Arkansas are not the exception. Though the past year has been a whirlwind of events, one thing is certain: the only constant in women's lives is change. This is a challenge that the strong women in this panel have embraced in order to continue. During times like these, every step is like walking into the unknown. It is no longer about following the safe concrete path, but about creating paths that lead to solutions where none exist. Join us as we walk into the unknown to explore and learn about the powerful stories of these trailblazers and how they have hit the reset button in order to continue operating in their different roles.
Concurrent Session: Into the unknown
Dr. Lia Uribe, Moderator
Alix Montoya
Rubicely Monter
Daisy Bonilla
Giuliana Tartini-Fields
Description: The future is female. Without a doubt the nation is seeing an increase in women taking leadership roles and seats where decisions are made. Women in Arkansas are not the exception. Though the past year has been a whirlwind of events, one thing is certain: the only constant in women's lives is change. This is a challenge that the strong women in this panel have embraced in order to continue. During times like these, every step is like walking into the unknown. It is no longer about following the safe concrete path, but about creating paths that lead to solutions where none exist. Join us as we walk into the unknown to explore and learn about the powerful stories of these trailblazers and how they have hit the reset button in order to continue operating in their different roles.
10:30AM-12:00PM | LGBTQ+
Concurrent Session: The change within
Francisco Cortez, Moderator
Michael Lauro
Nicki Savage
Aralee Crece
Description: Throughout history, the LGBTQ+ community has undergone a transformative process of change and acceptance as it has gained more light. This celebration extends outside of pride month, and extends to our community's future. However, that process has taken a toll as Arkansas has taken a few steps back through anti-LGBTQ+ legislations, and the transgender community has taken a particular hit. The legislature passes several of the 192 anti-LGBTQ+ bills with 101 of those targeting transgender people, 30 of them even deny essential medical services to them. Join us during this important conversation to learn about how these bills and laws affect our community, to hear the powerful stories from members directly impacted by this, and about the legalities that surround the transgender community.
Concurrent Session: The change within
Francisco Cortez, Moderator
Michael Lauro
Nicki Savage
Aralee Crece
Description: Throughout history, the LGBTQ+ community has undergone a transformative process of change and acceptance as it has gained more light. This celebration extends outside of pride month, and extends to our community's future. However, that process has taken a toll as Arkansas has taken a few steps back through anti-LGBTQ+ legislations, and the transgender community has taken a particular hit. The legislature passes several of the 192 anti-LGBTQ+ bills with 101 of those targeting transgender people, 30 of them even deny essential medical services to them. Join us during this important conversation to learn about how these bills and laws affect our community, to hear the powerful stories from members directly impacted by this, and about the legalities that surround the transgender community.
10:30AM-12:00PM | Politics & Representation
Concurrent Session: What's next?
Kyle Kellams, Moderator
Secretary of State John Thurston
Kymara Seals
Rep. Nichole Clowney
Rep. Robin Lundstrum
Description: The years 2020 and 2021 will forever be engraved in our memories and will have lasting effects for generations to come. From presidential elections, a decennial U.S. Census, a devastating pandemic, and a legislative session that eliminates or deprives essential human and civil rights to the working poor and minorities. The U.S Census results reflect demographic changes in the state of Arkansas; the population is growing more diverse while the white population shows a decline in growth and birth rates. The numbers reflected in the Census shows how diverse and economically strong our region is and how those numbers will impact the political future of Arkansas. Join us to have a wholesome conversation whereto explore the future of Arkansas.
Concurrent Session: What's next?
Kyle Kellams, Moderator
Secretary of State John Thurston
Kymara Seals
Rep. Nichole Clowney
Rep. Robin Lundstrum
Description: The years 2020 and 2021 will forever be engraved in our memories and will have lasting effects for generations to come. From presidential elections, a decennial U.S. Census, a devastating pandemic, and a legislative session that eliminates or deprives essential human and civil rights to the working poor and minorities. The U.S Census results reflect demographic changes in the state of Arkansas; the population is growing more diverse while the white population shows a decline in growth and birth rates. The numbers reflected in the Census shows how diverse and economically strong our region is and how those numbers will impact the political future of Arkansas. Join us to have a wholesome conversation whereto explore the future of Arkansas.
12:00PM-2:00PM | Virtual luncheon ceremony
Featuring: Kelly Ryan, USCIS Senior Advisor, Office of the Director
Community Award Presentation
Message from the Mexican Consul in Little Rock
Messages from our sponsors
Las Flores de Mexico
SHS Unity Choir
Featuring: Kelly Ryan, USCIS Senior Advisor, Office of the Director
Community Award Presentation
Message from the Mexican Consul in Little Rock
Messages from our sponsors
Las Flores de Mexico
SHS Unity Choir
2:00PM-3:15PM | Youth initiatives
Closing Session: The Climb: What is new out there
Ana Aguayo, Moderator
Marco Berrios
Gracie Mendez
Hisleny Garcia
Guadalupe Perez
Jarely Gutierrez
Description: Reset: Bright, innovative, driven, the future leaders of generations to come; the youth comprise a valuable group within our community. There is not a button to put youth lives on pause, these are their former years and life goes on. Youth across the world must be dealing with similar issues and the desire to hit a reset to configure their physical, mental, and emotional needs in order to give a new sense of normalcy to their existence and build on a foundation based on constant change. Among this group, DACA beneficiaries represent the ultimate definition of what it means to reset over and over again in a balance act. In this session, we will listen to powerful stories of overcoming uphill battles. Change and uncertainty are the only constant. Let's listen to their life stories and learn about how they manage to find opportunities as they climb into the unknown.
Closing Session: The Climb: What is new out there
Ana Aguayo, Moderator
Marco Berrios
Gracie Mendez
Hisleny Garcia
Guadalupe Perez
Jarely Gutierrez
Description: Reset: Bright, innovative, driven, the future leaders of generations to come; the youth comprise a valuable group within our community. There is not a button to put youth lives on pause, these are their former years and life goes on. Youth across the world must be dealing with similar issues and the desire to hit a reset to configure their physical, mental, and emotional needs in order to give a new sense of normalcy to their existence and build on a foundation based on constant change. Among this group, DACA beneficiaries represent the ultimate definition of what it means to reset over and over again in a balance act. In this session, we will listen to powerful stories of overcoming uphill battles. Change and uncertainty are the only constant. Let's listen to their life stories and learn about how they manage to find opportunities as they climb into the unknown.