The sixth annual Heartland Latino Leadership Conference & Expo — the biggest Latino leadership forum in the Midwest — will take place Nov. 3-4 at the Omaha Qwest Convention Center & Arena.
More than 800 participants from across the Midwest are expected to attend the two-day conference, which includes national speakers, an exhibit area, job fair and resume writing and job seeking tips services. This year’s theme is “Leading the Way: The realities, voices, lives and dreams of Latinos in the Heartland.”
“The conference provides participating organizations a prime opportunity to reach the fast-growing Latino market and to explore workforce recruiting opportunities with our diverse and bilingual participants,” said Aura Whitney-Jackson, community liaison – South Community Partnership. “Our youth and adults benefit from educational growth workshops on five themes: leadership, economic development, social, health and cultural issues.”
The cost to attend is $125 before Monday, Oct. 31 and $150 after Oct. 31. The cost is $35 to attend the awards dinner only.
For more information or to register, visit www.latinoleadership.info .
Conference keynote speakers are:
Ray Suarez, senior correspondent, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer — With more than 25 years of varied experience in the news business, Suarez came to “The News Hour” from National Public Radio where he was host of the nationwide, call-in news program, “Talk of the Nation.” He is a longtime member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. He will give the luncheon keynote address on Nov. 3.
Chiqui Cartagena, managing director, Multicultural Communications for Meredith Integrated Marketing – Cartagena was previously with The Ad Age Group, where she was responsible for developing Hispanic business for its leading titles. Cartagena also is the author of “Latino Boom! Everything You Need to Know to Grow Your Business in the US Hispanic Market.” She is the luncheon keynote speaker on Nov. 4.
Maria Echaveste, co-founder of the Nueva Vista Group — Echaveste was a senior White House official, and is a long-time community leader and corporate attorney. Prior to founding the Nueva Vista Group, she served as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for President Clinton, a position she held from May 1998 through January 2001. She presents the keynote address at dinner on Nov. 4.
Dr. Rodolfo De La Garza, Eaton Professor of Administrative Law and Municipal Science at Columbia University – Dr. De La Garza combines interests in political behavior and public policy, specializing in ethnic politics, with emphasis on Latino public opinion and electoral involvement. His primary interests in public policy include immigration and immigrant settlement and incorporation. He is the Nov. 4 breakfast keynote speaker.
Congessman Tom Osborne will address the impact of meth during a Nov. 4 afternoon keynote address.