At HACE, we believe everyone has the right to realize dreams bigger than their circumstances. Our mission is simple yet transformative: to unlock the full potential of Latinos and diverse individuals for themselves and their communities.
This year, our summit theme is “Breaking Barreras: Cultivating the Power of Líderes.” Over two powerful days, barrier-breakers from across our community will come together for transformative sessions led by thought leaders and industry experts. Together, we’ll boldly seek new pathways to growth, dismantle what holds us back, and transform the trajectory for the next generation of leaders.
The phrase “Breaking Barreras” embodies the courage to challenge the status quo and create new possibilities. By “Cultivating the Power of Líderes,” we honor our commitment to nurturing leadership potential across all communities—because when one person’s potential is ignited, it creates a ripple effect for the entire organization, community, and economy.
Our HACE alumni don’t just break barriers—they create pathways. From teachers inspiring students to business owners and CEOs generating jobs, they represent the best of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
Join us in building a future where leaders rise, barriers fall, and communities thrive. Because we can be Más.
Date: April 29–30, 2026
Location: Convene at Willis Tower (233 S Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606)
Your Support Makes This Possible
Our mission is simple yet transformative: to unlock the full potential of Latinos and diverse individuals so they can lead, uplift, and create lasting impact in their communities.
Your support makes this possible. Every contribution helps HACE expand access to leadership programs, mentorship, and opportunities that transform lives and communities.
Donate today and help us break barriers together.
Exploring HACE’s Core Leadership Pillars at Summit 2026
TRACK 1: INSPIRA
Inspiring Transformative Change
TRACK 2: CONECTA
Pathways of Talent & Opportunity
TRACK 3: CRECE
Rising to Our Leadership Potential
Ready to Grow, Connect, and Lead? Choose the track that aligns with your goals—or mix sessions across all three to design your own leadership journey.
REGISTER NOW to join us at the 2026 HACE National Leadership Summit!
2026 Summit Keynote Speakers
Daniel Suárez’s story begins in Monterrey, Mexico, where he grew up working in his father’s restoration shop. Surrounded by cars and family, his passion for racing ignited early. At just 10 years old, he attended his first race at a local racetrack with his dad, and after jumping into a go-kart for the first time, he instantly knew racing was his future. His family made significant sacrifices to support his growing dream, and their unwavering encouragement helped shape the drive and perseverance that continue to define his career.
Despite a system lacking Latino representation and no roadmap for Mexican drivers, Daniel remained unshaken, driving from Monterrey to Charlotte, North Carolina, determined to pursue the American dream. Fueled by this resilience, he became the first Latin American and the first NASCAR Drive for Diversity graduate to win a NASCAR national series title when he captured the 2016 O’Reilly Series Championship. Read More
On behalf of the National Board of Directors and the HACE team, we are proud to recognize Marissa Solis as the recipient of HACE’s 2026 Breaking Barreras Award.
The Breaking Barreras Award honors individuals who embody the courage, innovation, and conviction at the heart of this year’s summit theme: “Breaking Barreras: Cultivating the Power of Líderes.” This distinction celebrates leaders who boldly challenge the status quo, forge new pathways where none existed before, and expand opportunity for others to rise.
As Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the National Football League (NFL), she stands among the highest-ranking Latina executives in professional sports.
Read More
2026 Summit Speakers
Raudy Perez
Sr. Director, Inclusion & Belonging External Partnerships, Experian
Berenice Soto
Certified Evolutionary Coach & Ancestral Healing Facilitator, BGS Evolution
Cynthia DeLira
Head of Impact, Code Your Dreams
Patti Amaro
Director, Talent Acquisition, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
Suheily Natal Davis
Vice President, Global Inclusion at McDonald's
Jacqueline Ruiz
CEO, JJR Marketing
Yamarie Negrón
Trauma-Informed Leadership Coach & Transformation Strategist
Sofia B. Pertuz, PhD, PCC
Founder & Workplace Culture Strategist at Mainstream Insight, LLC
William Jaramillo
Executive Director, Deputy Head for the Office of Hispanics & Latinos at JPMorganChase
Eduardo Arabu
Chief Executive Officer at the National Hispanic Corporate Council
Monica Diaz
President & Principal, D&I-MD
Diana Vasquez
Executive Director of HACU's National Internship Program at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
Nashunda Williams
Global Head of Culture and Employee Experience at JLL
Alina Moran, FACHE, FABC
Chair, HACE National Board of Directors, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, Chief Executive Officer
Angie Luo
Regenerative Culture Doula, Mirale Collective LLC
Michael Alicea
Vice Chair, HACE National Board of Directors, Principal – The Alicea Group
Holly Sales-Milanese
Director, Talent, Development, & Engagement, Consumer Banking at Ally Financial
Sara Diaz
CEO and Founder of The First Gen Madrina, LLC
Dan Soto
Chief Compliance Officer at Ally Financial
Brianne Caplan
Executive Director and Founder at Code Your Dreams
Janie Cervera
Managing Director & Head of Client Field Services at BMO Wealth Management
Silvana Montenegro
Global Head of Advancing Hispanics & Latinos at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Nate (Nathaniel) Bennett III
Senior Vice President, Chief Inclusion Officer at Comerica Bank
Anna Ceppi
Senior Marketing Communications Executive & Industry Innovator
Yahaira Corona
Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ALDI, US
Lizette Arias
Director of Ethics & Compliance at Conagra Brands
Sulema Medrano
Partner at Dentons US LLP
Sylvia Gomez
Managing Director of Field Services Delivery for United Airlines
agenda*
Summit 2026 tracks are built to help you break barreras and cultivate the power of líderes with practical ideas that strengthen leadership and expand opportunity. Across INSPIRA (thought leadership), CONECTA (talent acquisition), and CRECE (professional development), sessions focus on opening pathways, challenging what holds teams back, and building more equitable, inclusive workplaces.
Day 1: April 29th
Cafecito con HACE
April 29, 2026
9:00 am – 9:45 am
Convene Hall North & SouthSession 1: Invisible Barreras Navigating Immigration Issues in the Workforce
April 29, 2026
10:15 am – 11:15 amConvene Forum SouthSession 1: Breaking Barreras in Talent Acquisition: Opening Pathways to Opportunity
April 29, 2026
10:15 am – 11:15 amThe HubSession 1: Trailblazing with Resilience: Leading Without a Roadmap
April 29, 2026
10:15 am – 11:15 amConvene Forum NorthLoad Full Schedule
Coaching Corner
April 29, 2026
10:15 am – 11:15 amConvene Hall North & SouthSession 2: Wealth con Propósito: From Money Mindset to Financial Momentum
April 29, 2026
11:30 am – 12:30 pmConvene Forum SouthSession 2: The Mobility Mindset: Navigating Job Hopping and Career Growth
April 29, 2026
11:30 am – 12:30 pmThe HubSession 2: Bridging Generations: From Management to Mentorship
April 29, 2026
11:30 am – 12:30 pmConvene Forum NorthNetworking Lunch
April 29, 2026
12:45 pm – 1:30 pmFranklin GalleryCoaching Corner
April 29, 2026
1:45 pm – 2:45 pmConvene Hall North & SouthSession 3: Caught in the Middle: Navigating Career, Caregiving y Cultura
April 29, 2026
1:45 pm – 2:45 pmConvene Forum SouthSession 3: Equity by Design: How Decades of Data Reveal Bias in Career Pathways
April 29, 2026
1:45 pm – 2:45 pmThe HubSession 3: Strategic Career Mapping: Designing Your Leadership Journey
April 29, 2026
1:45 pm – 2:45 pmConvene Forum NorthPlenary
April 29, 2026
3:00 pm – 4:00 pmConvene Hall North & SouthDay 2: April 30th
CDO Roundtable (by invitation only)
April 30, 2026
8:00 am – 2:00 pmThe HubVoices of Leadership: Celebrando Impacto
April 30, 2026
9:00 am – 9:45 amConvene Hall North & SouthERG/BRG Roundtable (by invitation only)
April 30, 2026
10:15 am – 12:30 pmConvene Forum NorthSession 4: Staying Relevant en un Mundo Powered by AI, Workforce y Inclusive Innovation
April 30, 2026
10:15 am – 11:15 amConvene Hall SouthLoad Full Schedule
Session 4: From Culture Fit to Culture Add: Reimagining Organizational Growth
April 30, 2026
10:15 am – 11:15 amThe Hall split (North)Session 4: Network to Lead: Building Connections that Count
April 30, 2026
10:15 am – 11:15 amConvene Forum NorthSession 5: Resilient Leadership: Bienestar & Healing en Acción
April 30, 2026
11:30 am – 12:30 pmConvene Forum SouthSession 5: Owning Your Power: Leading with Culture, Confidence, and Authenticity
April 30, 2026
11:30 am – 12:30 pmConvene Forum NorthSession 5: Networks that Open Doors: Career Growth in the War Room
April 30, 2026
11:30 pm – 12:30 pmThe Hall split (North)Networking Lunch
April 30, 2026
12:30 pm – 1:30 pmFranklin GalleryPláticas con HACE
April 30, 2026
1:45 pm – 2:45 pmConvene Forum NorthHappy Hour
April 30, 2026
3:00 pm – 4:15 pmFranklin Gallery*Agenda is subject to change as sessions and speakers are finalized.
Sembrando El Futuro: Awards Celebration
Join us for Sembrando El Futuro, HACE’s annual Awards Celebration honoring leaders, partners, and community members who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of leadership.
What to Expect: The evening will feature a celebratory program recognizing award recipients and the impact of HACE’s work, followed by an opportunity to connect and celebrate together.
Attire: Cocktail / Celebratory attire. Guests typically dress up for the evening, though the event is not black-tie formal.
Tickets: If you would like to purchase individual tickets to attend the Awards Celebration, please click here.
Hotel Accommodations
We are excited to offer a special room block for Summit 2026 attendees at the JW Marriott Chicago, located in the heart of downtown and just minutes from the Summit venue.
JW MARRIOTT CHICAGO
151 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603
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Discounted group rate available for Summit attendees
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Limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis
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April 28: Available at $509/night (due to high occupancy)
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April 29: Available at the group rate of $299/night
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Reservation deadline: March 31, 2026
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After this date, the discounted rate cannot be guaranteed
We encourage you to book early to secure your stay at the preferred Summit hotel.
2026 PARTNER SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Transportation Sponsor
2026 PARTNER SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Transportation Sponsor
Sponsorship & Branding Opportunities
Organizations interested in sponsoring the Summit are invited to view our sponsorship and branding opportunities for your company. We’d love to collaborate with you.
Vendor Spotlight
Girón Guatemalan
A husband-and-wife team from Chicago with proud Guatemalan roots and a mission to preserve and celebrate the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural traditions passed down through generations.
Werk Mija
Werk Mija celebrates Latinas who unapologetically embrace their culture and individuality. Their mission is to empower and inspire through relatable designs that honor heritage while amplifying voices.
Jaqui Almaguer Art
Jaqui Almaguer, AKA Jaqui Arte, is a self-taught Queer Chicana artist born in Chicago. Her Mexican upbringing and travels, throughout Mexico, the United States and Costa Rica, have greatly influenced her work.
Meet the team
Patricia Mota
President & Chief Executive Officer
Tanya Muñiz
Chief of Staff
Jay Lockaby
Vice President of Development and Strategic Initiatives
Cristian Biviano
Vice President of Leadership Programs
Devin Theobold
Senior Director of Operations & Special Projects
LISANDRA JIMENEZ
Director of Leadership Programs
Araceli Lagunas
Senior Digital Media Manager
Keily Chaurio
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Steve Sereno
Partnership Development Manager
Adriana Gorny
Partnership Engagement Manager
Berenis Vargas Luna
Program Manager
Noel Rodriguez
Program Manager
Isael Torres
Program Manager
Bobbi Benegas
Executive Operations and Special Event Manager
Jeilin Lavarta
Staff Accountant
Monica Maize
Director of Human Resources
Relive the Momentum
Check out the recap video from our 2025 Summit and get inspired for what’s to come in 2026.
Can’t make it in person?
Join us virtually on May 20, 2026, for HACE’s Virtual Summit: Breaking Barreras – Beyond the Stage.
**Learn more on our website and/or purchase tickets to the Summit & Awards Celebration through Eventbrite.
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