2022 LLEAD CONFERENCE
Who We Are and Where We Are Going
The 2022 LLEAD Statewide Conference brought Latino leaders, professionals, educators, advocates, and public officials together in Okemos, Michigan, on October 20, 2022, for a day of learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
Building Connections and Shaping Michigan's Future
On October 20, 2022, LLEAD hosted its biennial Statewide Conference at the Okemos Conference Center in Okemos, Michigan. Centered around the theme, Latinos in Michigan: Who We Are and Where We Are Going!, the conference created a space for meaningful conversations about the challenges, achievements, and future of Michigan’s Latino community.
Led by Conference Planning Committee Chair Guillermo Lopez, Lansing Chapter Chair and LLEAD Board Member, the event welcomed community leaders, educators, advocates, public servants, students, and professionals from across the state. Through engaging presentations and collaborative discussions, attendees explored topics that continue to shape the Latino experience in Michigan while strengthening connections across sectors and communities.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote presentation by Dr. Delia Fernandez, Associate Professor of Chicano/Latino Studies and History at Michigan State University. Her remarks highlighted the history, resilience, and contributions of Latinos in Michigan, recognizing the essential role Latino communities have played in agriculture, public service, and as frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conference also featured a Latino Legislative Breakfast, bringing together elected and appointed Latino public officials from across Michigan to discuss civic leadership, advocacy, and opportunities for greater community engagement.
Conference Activities
The 2022 conference offered a full day of educational sessions designed to inform, inspire, and empower participants.
Plenary Sessions:
- 2020 Census Report of Latinos in Michigan (Marcelo Siles, Ph.D.; Isabel Montemayor-Vazquez, Ph.D; Juan Marinez, MSU emeriti)
- The Status of Latino LGBTQ Community in Michigan (Juan Carlos Vega, MLS, Activist/ Librarian, LLC)
Workshops:
- Civil Rights/EEO and Investigative Techniques (John Golaszewski)
- LGBTQ and the Latino Community (Juan Carlos Vega)
- Immigration 101 (Elinor Jordan, Esq., MIRC)
- Politics & Voting: Latinos in Michigan (Loida Tapia, Mi Poder)
- K – 12: Education of Latinos (Sheila Contreras, Ph.D., Rebecca Sanchez, Laura Gonzales, Ph.D.)
- Latinx Women Discussion: Mental Health & Other Important Issues (Magdalena Rivera)
- Criminal Justice Issues Affecting Michigan’s Latinx Community (Bradley Hall, Esq., Jose Burgos, Elena Herrada, Philip Mayor, Esq.)
- Latinos Running for Office – Training (Robert Peña)
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Diana Rivera, LLEAD Board Member and Librarian Emerita at Michigan State University Libraries. She led attendees in a Land Acknowledgement honoring Michigan’s Indigenous communities, recognizing the ancestral lands of the state’s twelve federally recognized tribes and reaffirming LLEAD’s commitment to respect, inclusion, and community.
The success of the 2022 Statewide Conference was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, whose partnership helped create meaningful opportunities for learning, leadership, and connection throughout the event.
Share Your Experience
Were you part of the 2022 LLEAD Statewide Conference? We’d love to hear from you!
Share your favorite moments, photos, or key takeaways in the comments. Your stories help celebrate our community and inspire future leaders to get involved.
Stay Connected
LLEAD remains committed to developing Latino leadership, fostering civic engagement, and creating opportunities for professional growth throughout Michigan. Stay connected with us to learn about upcoming conferences, leadership programs, and events that continue to strengthen our communities across the state.