HACE is committed to advancing the professional development of individuals from underrepresented talent pools, with a focus on empowering Latinos and multicultural communities. Through our leadership programs, resources, and events, we aim to close representation gaps in industries where diversity has been historically lacking.

This year, the summit theme is “Juntos We Rise: Uplifting Tomorrow’s Leaders”. Over the course of this two-day hybrid event, the HACE community will engage in dynamic sessions led by subject matter experts from leading industries. Together, we’ll explore actionable strategies to break down barriers and champion equity, creating pathways to opportunity for all.

The word “Juntos,” meaning “together,” reflects the power of collective action. By uplifting one another, “We Rise” and drive our community forward. Join us in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and empowering professional environment where everyone can thrive and lead throughout their careers. Together, we’re building a brighter future.

Location: Convene at Willis Tower (233 S Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606)

Don’t miss out on

Powerhouse Speakers

These thought leaders, innovators, and industry experts will share their expertise, experiences, and insights to empower and motivate attendees.

Awards Celebration

The HACE Awards Celebration recognizes outstanding individuals that have demonstrated exceptional achievements, leadership, and contributions in their respective fields.

A Hybrid Environment

Whether you are attending in-person or virtually, access the same stages together, meet the person sitting next to you AND chat with the virtual audience at the same time! Participate in live Q&A’s, in session chats, and polls.

Meaningful Connections

Be part of an exciting gathering of over 1,500 attendees, including influential leaders and professionals from diverse industries. This event offers a unique platform to expand your network, exchange ideas, and foster meaningful relationships.

Access to Content

You’ll have access to all recordings after the event is over, so you can go back and rewatch the sessions you didn’t catch live.

Full agenda*

This year’s summit tracks are designed to drive action and spark transformative change by exploring how collaboration, innovation, and storytelling can empower communities and organizations to thrive. Together, we’ll uncover powerful strategies to bridge sectors, adapt to the evolving workplace, and amplify diverse voices. Each session is packed with actionable insights and practical tools to advance equity, foster inclusion, and create lasting social impact in today’s interconnected world.

Day 1: April 30th

Cybersecurity Foundations: Building a Secure Future in the Digital Age

Cybersecurity Foundations: Building a Secure Future in the Digital Age

April 30, 20259:45 am - 10:45 amConvene Forum South

In today’s interconnected world, understanding the basics of cybersecurity is more important than ever, especially for communities navigating the complexities of modern technology. This session will introduce participants to foundational cybersecurity principles and highlight the critical role of AI in enhancing digital security. As technology evolves, particularly with advancements in AI and blockchain, it's essential to understand both the opportunities and risks these tools bring to digital security. Through real-world applications and expert insights, attendees will learn how to protect both organizational and personal data while navigating the digital landscape with confidence and awareness.

Bridging the Past, Present, and Future

Bridging the Past, Present, and Future

April 30, 20259:45 am - 10:45 amThe Hub

This discussion centers on the role of generational storytelling in shaping identity and creating a vision for the future. Panelists will discuss how intergenerational dialogues strengthen community ties and foster empowerment within a multi-generational workforce.

Inclusive Technology: Bridging Gaps in the Quantum and AI Era

Inclusive Technology: Bridging Gaps in the Quantum and AI Era

April 30, 202511:00 am - 12:00 pmConvene Forum South

This session will explore the transformative impact of quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) on the modern workplace, with a specific focus on how these technologies can shape inclusivity and fairness in the workplace. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of AI and quantum computing before diving into discussions on how these innovations can either promote or disrupt inclusivity depending on their development and use. With a focus on practical application, the session will emphasize the importance of building AI models that reflect diverse perspectives and ensure equitable outcomes. The discussion will also highlight the power of AI to improve storytelling and enhance productivity, offering opportunities for both business owners and employees to harness technology for a more inclusive future.

Day 2: May 1st

Equity-Centered BRG/ERG Leadership: Guiding Teams in a Tech-Driven World

Equity-Centered BRG/ERG Leadership: Guiding Teams in a Tech-Driven World

May 1, 20259:00 am - 10:00 amConvene Hall North

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, BRG/ERG leaders play a critical role in guiding their teams through the complexities of technology-driven change. This session will explore how leadership strategies can be rooted in equity-centered approaches, ensuring that diverse teams are supported through technological advancements and that their contributions shape a more inclusive future. Attendees will learn how to navigate the intersection of technology and leadership while fostering an environment that values inclusivity, collaboration, and adaptability in the workplace.

Partnering for Purpose: ERGs and Organizations Driving Change Together

Partnering for Purpose: ERGs and Organizations Driving Change Together

May 1, 20259:00 am - 10:00 amConvene Forum North

ERGs can strengthen their impact by partnering with local nonprofits and community organizations. This session will explore strategies for creating partnerships that align with both ERG priorities and organizational structure needs. Panelists will share case studies of ERGs successfully driving social change through such collaborations.

Elevating Authors: Crafting Stories that Reshape Narrative

Elevating Authors: Crafting Stories that Reshape Narrative

May 1, 20259:00 am - 10:00 amConvene Hall South

This conversation brings together authors whose works have amplified diverse voices, challenged stereotypes, and celebrated the richness of multiple cultures. Panelists will discuss how their personal journeys, heritage, and cultural experiences inform their storytelling, and how literature can be a powerful medium for empowerment and social change. 

*Agenda is subject to change as session and speakers are finalized.

special programming*

To purchase tickets for the special programming listed below, a summit ticket must be purchased in advance, as these are sessions that will occur during the summit.

Day 1: April 30th

In-Person Coaching Corner

In-Person Coaching Corner

April 30, 202511:00 am - 12:00 pmThe Garden

3 sessions will occur at this time This event is offered in-person at the summit. Each individualized session is led by an HACE executive career coaches who will offer tools and insights to help unlock your potential! Personalized career guidance includes: resume reviews, interview prep, job search strategies, salary negotiations, networking tips, and more.

In-Person Coaching Corner

In-Person Coaching Corner

April 30, 20251:15 pm - 2:15 pmThe Garden

3 sessions are available from 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM.   This event is offered in-person at the summit. Each individualized session is led by an HACE executive career coaches who will offer tools and insights to help unlock your potential! Personalized career guidance includes: resume reviews, interview prep, job search strategies, salary negotiations, networking tips, and more.

*Agenda is subject to change as session and speakers are finalized.

Keynote Speakers

Linda Akutagawa

Linda Akutagawa

President & CEO, LEAP

Juan Carlos Avila

Juan Carlos Avila

Co-Head of FARO Advisory

Angel Escobedo

Angel Escobedo

Incoming Summer Analyst, JPMC

Ada Martinez Martinell

Ada Martinez Martinell

Sr. Manager Global Customer Solutions, United Airlines

Frankie Miranda

Frankie Miranda

President & CEO, Hispanic Federation

Silvana Montenegro

Silvana Montenegro

Global Head of the Office of Hispanic and Latino Affairs at JPMorgan Chase

Monica Ramirez

Monica Ramirez

Founder/President, Justice for Migrant Women and Raizado Festival; Co-founder, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Poderistas, and The Latinx House.

Patricia Mota

Patricia Mota

President & CEO, HACE

Alina Moran

Alina Moran

Chair, HACE National Board of Directors & Healthcare Executive

View more of this year’s speakers

Moji Akinde

Moji Akinde

Talent, Culture & Social Impact Strategist

George Alvarez

George Alvarez

Unit Head - Vehicle Cybersecurity United States

Lizette Arias

Lizette Arias

Director Ethics & Compliance, Conagra Foods

Martha Arteaga

Martha Arteaga

Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, AMLI Residential

Michelle Armstrong

Michelle Armstrong

President and Managing Director of Ares Charitable Foundation

Mona Asra

Mona Asra

Associate Managing Director, CIBC

Refugio Atilano

Refugio Atilano

Director of Cultural Competency in the Office of Health Literacy, AbbVie

Daniel Andres Arismendi Barrera

Daniel Andres Arismendi Barrera

Political Scientist

Nate Bennett

Nate Bennett

Senior Vice President Chief Inclusion Officer, Comerica Bank

Cristian Biviano

Cristian Biviano

Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, University Relations & Diversity Initiatives-OFI

Melanny Buitron Loor

Melanny Buitron Loor

Student Activities Assistant Director & Undocumented Student Liaison, Morton College

Ana Cabral

Ana Cabral

Digital and Social Content Specialist, Barilla

Olga Camargo

Olga Camargo

CEO & Founder, SHENIX

Brianne Caplan

Brianne Caplan

Executive Director and Founder at Code Your Dreams

Carlos Cardenas

Carlos Cardenas

Senior Director of Information Technology, NBCRNA

Janie Cervera

Janie Cervera

Managing Director, Head of Field Services - Wealth, BMO

Abel (AJ) Davila

Abel (AJ) Davila

President of Prospanica Chicago | President of DePaul University's Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Suheily Natal-Davis

Suheily Natal-Davis

Vice President, Global Inclusion Officer for McDonald’s Corporation

Beatriz Ponce de Leon

Beatriz Ponce de Leon

Deputy Mayor for Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights, City of Chicago

Cynthia De Lira Rendon

Cynthia De Lira Rendon

Co- Chair, HACE Chicago Auxiliary Board

Alejandro Diaz

Alejandro Diaz

Author and Consultant

Lourdes Diaz

Lourdes Diaz

HACE Advisory Council Member

Haley Dupree

Haley Dupree

Culture & Inclusion, Global Employee Group Lead, At&T

Brenda Duran

Brenda Duran

Los Angeles County Justice, Care & Opportunities Department

Talita Erickson

Talita Erickson

Head of Global Legal Operations & Chief of Staff, McDonald's Corporation

Shana F. Nissan

Shana F. Nissan

Attorney at Law, Chicago Immigration Advocates Law Offices

Yahaira G. Corona

Yahaira G. Corona

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager, ALDI

Jackie Gomez

Jackie Gomez

Executive Director, HACIA

Delia Gutierrez McLaughlin

Delia Gutierrez McLaughlin

Chairwoman of HACE Advisory Council

Angelica (Angie) Herrera

Angelica (Angie) Herrera

HR Business Partner Representative, United Airlines

Silvia Hinojosa

Silvia Hinojosa

Logistics Load Planner

Stefany Jacobo

Stefany Jacobo

Workplace Connections Manager at NiSource

Sergio Lopez Peralta

Sergio Lopez Peralta

Senior Manager Business Strategy, Discover

Cesar Lostaunau

Cesar Lostaunau

Global Director, Workforce Engagement, Morningstar

Aldo Malaquias Cabrera

Aldo Malaquias Cabrera

Owner, Cabrera Technologies

Carlos Martin

Carlos Martin

Continuum Co-Founder, Managing Director of Latino Professionals

Janie Martinez Gonzalez

Janie Martinez Gonzalez

Founder & CEO, Webhead

Gail Meriel

Gail Meriel

Success Redefined Founder, Speaker & Coach

Danielle Paz Campero

Danielle Paz Campero

Senior Vice President, Global Treasury, Sedgwick

Raudy Perez

Raudy Perez

Senior Director, External Diversity Partnerships, Experian

Joel Perez

Joel Perez

Apoyo Coaching & Consulting Owner & Executive Coach

Melinda E.  Ramirez

Melinda E. Ramirez

Tai Phoenix Consulting Founder & Principal Consultant

Mina Rabideaux

Mina Rabideaux

Global DEI Consultant

Tenoch Rodriguez

Tenoch Rodriguez

Non-Citizen Advisory Council, CCPSA; Deportation Defense Organizer, The Resurrection Project

Claudia Romo Edelmen

Claudia Romo Edelmen

Founder and CEO of the We are all Human, Hispanic Star, A La Latino

Holly Sales-Milanese

Holly Sales-Milanese

Director, Consumer Banking, Talent & Development, Ally

Yezenia Sandoval

Yezenia Sandoval

Dual Program Manager, Urban Alliance

Melissa Simmons

Melissa Simmons

CEO, Fortify Awareness

Valeria Souza Cruz

Valeria Souza Cruz

Director, Global Third-Party Compliance & JUNTOS ERG Chair, Zimmer Biomet

Jose Alfredo Suarez

Jose Alfredo Suarez

Risk Management Consultant, Alera Group

Esperanza Teasdale

Esperanza Teasdale

Former PepsiCo Vice President and General Manager

Roberto Valdez Jr.

Roberto Valdez Jr.

Midwest Regional Director, Hispanic Federation

Vanessa Valentin

Vanessa Valentin

Founder & CEO, Altura Collective

Jonathan VanderBrug

Jonathan VanderBrug

Program Officer, Chicago Commitment, MacArthur Foundation

Juan Vasquez

Juan Vasquez

Managing Director & Sr. Information Security Officer, State Street

Adrian Villarreal

Adrian Villarreal

Program Director, Project OneTen

Zuani Maria Villarreal

Zuani Maria Villarreal

Sr. Director Community Engagement-Feeding America

Jorge Viramontes

Jorge Viramontes

Founder & Digital Strategist, Alacrán Studio

Leah Williams

Leah Williams

CEO of Digitalundivided

Coaching Corner Coaches

Alejandro Diaz

Alejandro Diaz

Founder, D&E Management Solutions

Alexander Chaparro

Alexander Chaparro

Executive Coach, PowerUP Coaching Solutions

Carlos Martin

Carlos Martin

Continuum Co-Founder & Managing Director of Latino Professionals

Cesar Lostaunau

Cesar Lostaunau

Director, Inclusion & Equity Practices, Morningstar

Murray Mann

Murray Mann

Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coaching Center, The Forum on Workplace Inclusion

Jennie Lopez

Jennie Lopez

Founder, Jennie Lopez Enterprise

Lorena Mejia

Lorena Mejia

Founder & CEO, Unleashing the Lion In Us LLC

Hotel & Parking Accommodations

The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection

Address: 208 South LaSalle Street Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60604
Rate: $319.00 USD per night

To secure your room, the deadline to book is Monday, April 07, 2025.

The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection is the preeminent destination within the heart of downtown Chicago. Located in The Loop 21 stories above street level, The LaSalle Chicago is above it all and above all expectations.

Sponsors

Champion Sponsors
Gold Sponsors

Interested in sponsoring? Contact the Partnerships Team at partners@haceonline.org for more information.

Meet the team

Patricia Mota

Patricia Mota

President & Chief Executive Officer

Yasmin Mendoza-sewell

Yasmin Mendoza-sewell

Chief Operating Officer

Devin Theobold

Devin Theobold

Director of Operations & Special Projects

Ana Ceppi

Ana Ceppi

Fractional CMO

Araceli Lagunas

Araceli Lagunas

Senior Digital Media Manager

Alysa Iyana Grayson

Alysa Iyana Grayson

Senior Partnership Engagement Manager

LISANDRA JIMENEZ

LISANDRA JIMENEZ

Senior Program Manager

Chelsea Paniagua

Chelsea Paniagua

Marketing & Community Engagement Manager

Steve Sereno

Steve Sereno

Partnership Development Manager

Irma Rodriguez

Irma Rodriguez

Partnership Engagement Manager

Adriana Gorny

Adriana Gorny

Partnership Engagement Manager

Bobbi Benegas

Bobbi Benegas

Executive Assistant

Bernice vargas luna

Bernice vargas luna

Program Manager

Noel Rodriguez

Noel Rodriguez

Program Manager

JEILIN LAVARTA

JEILIN LAVARTA

Bookkeeper

MONICA MAIZE

MONICA MAIZE

Human Resources Manager

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With your support, we can help individuals overcome barriers, cultivate inclusive spaces, and step into leadership with confidence. Together, we can spark lasting change, equipping future generations with the resources they need to succeed and make a meaningful impact.

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