2024 LLEAD CONFERENCE
Honoring Legacy, Merging Generations
The 2024 LLEAD Statewide Conference brought together leaders, professionals, educators, advocates, and public officials in Okemos, Michigan, on November 1, 2024, to celebrate the achievements of past generations while inspiring future Latino leaders
Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future
On November 1, 2024, LLEAD hosted its biennial Statewide Conference at the Okemos Conference Center in Okemos, Michigan. Guided by the theme, Honoring Legacy, Merging Generations, the conference celebrated the accomplishments of Latino leaders who have paved the way while fostering dialogue between established and emerging generations of leadership.
Chaired by Yesenia Murillo, the Conference Planning Committee organized a dynamic event that welcomed community leaders, educators, public officials, advocates, students, and professionals from across Michigan. Throughout the day, attendees explored issues impacting Latino communities, shared experiences, and strengthened partnerships that continue to advance leadership and civic engagement across the state.
The conference featured an inspiring keynote address by Maria Echaveste, President and CEO of the Opportunity Institute, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff, and former presidential advisor to President Bill Clinton. Drawing from her distinguished career in public service and advocacy, Echaveste encouraged attendees to continue building opportunities for future generations through leadership, collaboration, and civic participation.
A special guest presentation by Thomas Perez, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, former Chair of the Democratic National Committee, and former Senior Advisor to the President of the United States, energized participants with a timely message about leadership, public service, and the importance of continued advocacy for Latino communities.
The conference also welcomed elected and appointed officials from across Michigan during the Latino Legislative Breakfast, providing an opportunity to discuss policy priorities, civic engagement, and issues affecting Latino communities throughout the state.
Conference Activities
The 2024 conference featured a variety of plenary sessions and interactive workshops designed to celebrate Latino heritage while addressing current issues and future opportunities.
Plenary Sessions:
- Honoring Legacy Juan Marinez, (LLEAD Michigan Board Director)
- Merging Generations Yesenia Murillo, (Mid-MI LLEAD Chair and 2024 Conference Planning Committee Chair)
- Poet Cruz Villarreal, presented a new poem that he composed and dedicated to the LLEAD conference and those in attendance
Workshops:
- Latina Women
- Monica Hernandez, (Delta College – Saginaw), Macaela Glasheen (Kalamazoo, Young Entrepreneur), Melissa Saucedo (Saginaw Team One Credit Union), Linda Delgado-Kipp (Lansing Latino Health Alliance), Diana Rivera, (LLEAD) and Inocencia Ramirez-Gorski (Graphic Artist, Adrian)Dr. Isabel MontemayorVasquez, (Executive Director, Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan)
- Libraries and Latino Education
- Elena M. Herrada, (Adjunct Faculty Wayne County CC instructor, Former Detroit Public Schools Board of Trustee), Sheila Contreras (PhD Associate Professor, College of Arts & Letters – MSU)
- Banking The Unbanked
- Kim Scofield, (Community Relations Director, Team One Credit Union), Christiana Malacara (Chair, LLEAD Saginaw), Rene Torres (Owner of T and S Construction), Andrea Paschall (Community member)
- Preserving Nuestra Historia
- Juan Marinez (LLEAD Board Member), Tobi Voigt (Director of Museums, Michigan History Center), Mark Harvey (State Archivist, Archives of Michigan)
- The Lives of LGBTQ Latinos
- Lorenzo Casanova, Ph.D. Candidate, (Invited speaker – Texas Christian University), Lorenzo Lopez, (Former Suits and the City Chair, LGBTQ+ Advocate), Socorro Sevilla, (LLEAD Michigan Board Director and LGBTQ+ Committee Chair)
- Latino Seniors
- Annette Gamez, (Regional Aging Representative at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services-Bureau of Aging), Heather Feres Cordero, (Community Engagement and Development Specialist at Tri-County Office on Aging)
Together, these sessions provided participants with valuable knowledge, practical resources, and opportunities to connect with leaders and organizations committed to strengthening Latino communities throughout Michigan.
The success of the 2024 Statewide Conference was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and partners, whose commitment helped create a meaningful day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
Share Your Experience
Were you part of the 2024 LLEAD Statewide Conference? We’d love to hear from you!
Share your favorite moments, photos, or key takeaways in the comments below. Your stories help celebrate our community, preserve our shared history, and inspire the next generation of Latino leaders.