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)
2026 Summit Awards Nominations Now Open
Help us recognize leaders whose impact and dedication continue to advance the HACE mission. Review the award categories and eligibility criteria and complete the online form.
Submit a nomination by February 16, 2026
Self-nominations are welcome.
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!
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, 2025
9:00 am – 9:45 am
Convene Hall North & SouthSession 1: Invisible Barreras Navigating Immigration Issues in the Workforce
April 29, 2025
10:15 am – 11:15 amConvene Forum SouthSession 1: Breaking Barreras in Talent Acquisition: Opening Pathways to Opportunity
April 29, 2025
10:15 am – 11:15 amThe HubSession 1: Crece – Rising to our Leadership Potential
April 29, 2025
10:15 am – 11:15 amConvene Forum NorthLoad Full Schedule
Coaching Corner
April 29, 2025
10:15 am – 11:15 amConvene Hall North & SouthSession 2: Wealth con Propósito: From Money Mindset to Financial Momentum
April 29, 2025
11:30 am – 12:30 pmConvene Forum SouthSession 2: The Mobility Mindset: Navigating Job Hopping and Career Growth
April 29, 2025
11:30 am – 12:30 pmThe HubSession 2: Bridging Generations: From Management to Mentorship
April 29, 2025
11:30 am – 12:30 pmConvene Forum NorthNetworking Lunch
April 29, 2025
12:45 pm – 1:30 pmFranklin GalleryCoaching Corner
April 29, 2025
1:45 pm – 2:45 pmConvene Hall North & SouthSession 3: Caught in the Middle: Navigating Career, Caregiving y Cultura
April 29, 2025
1:45 pm – 2:45 pmConvene Forum SouthSession 3: Networks that Open Doors: Career Growth in the War Room
April 29, 2025
1:45 pm – 2:45 pmThe HubSession 3: Strategic Career Mapping: Designing Your Leadership Journey
April 29, 2025
1:45 pm – 2:45 pmConvene Forum NorthPlenary
April 29, 2025
3:00 pm – 4:00 pmConvene Hall North & SouthDay 2: April 30th
CDO Roundtable (by invitation only)
April 30, 2025
8:00 am – 2:00 pmThe HubVoices of Leadership: Celebrando Impacto
April 30, 2025
9:00 am – 9:45 amConvene Hall North & SouthERG/BRG Roundtable (by invitation only)
April 30, 2025
10:15 am – 12:30 pmConvene Forum NorthSession 4: Staying Relevant en un Mundo Powered by AI, Workforce y Inclusive Innovation
April 30, 2025
10:15 am – 11:15 amConvene Hall NorthLoad Full Schedule
Session 4: From Culture Fit to Culture Add: Reimagining Organizational Growth
April 30, 2025
10:15 am – 11:15 amConvene Hall SouthSession 4: Network to Lead: Building Connections that Count
April 30, 2025
10:15 am – 11:15 amConvene Forum SouthSession 5: Resilient Leadership: Bienestar & Healing en Acción
April 30, 2025
11:30 am – 12:30 pmConvene Hall NorthSession 5: Equity by Design: How Decades of Data Reveal Bias in Career Pathways
April 30, 2025
11:30 am – 12:30 pmConvene Hall SouthSession 5: Owning Your Power: Leading with Culture, Confidence, and Authenticity
April 30, 2025
11:30 am – 12:30 pmConvene Forum NorthNetworking Lunch
April 29, 2025
12:30 pm – 1:30 pmFranklin GalleryPláticas con HACE
April 30, 2025
1:45 pm – 2:45 pmConvene Forum NorthHappy Hour
April 30, 2025
3:00 pm – 4:15 pmFranklin Gallery*Agenda is subject to change as sessions and speakers are finalized.
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.
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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Rooms available on a first-come, first-served basis
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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
2026 PARTNER SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
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.
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.
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