2022 Latinx Connect Conference

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Conference Overview

The Latinx Connect conference (October 27-29) aims to move us beyond “celebrating” Latinxs, instead calling for empowerment and justice for the Latinx community, which faces numerous disparities in U.S. society, particularly those at the intersections of Latinx identity (e.g., Afro-Latinxs, Indigenous Latinxs, queer and Trans* Latinxs, undocumented Latinxs). 

As the largest pan-ethnic group in the United States, Latinxs are extremely diverse by race, language, immigration, and experiences along the diaspora, which creates opportunity for dialogue. The Latinx Connect conference will provide a space to learn with each other. 

The 3-day conference, free and open to all, will bring together students, educators, community leaders, political advocates, and others to dialogue about Latinx identities, histories, cultures, and contemporary issues. Participants will discuss what it means to be Latinx/a/o/e/Hispanic in relation to intersectional identities, education, immigration, public health, arts & culture, history, and other topical areas. 

The conference will also serve as a culminating experience for Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month, recognized annually from September 15 - October 15 to acknowledge the history, culture, and contributions of Americans who identify as Hispanic/Latinx. 

Latinx Connect is organized and sponsored by a grassroots transdisciplinary and cross-institutional group of educators and community leaders based in Pittsburgh. 

The conference is generously supported by the University of Pittsburgh's Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Hispanic Latinx Professional Association (HLPA), Community College of Allegheny County, University Center for International Studies (UCIS), and La Roche University.

Access the Event

The event platform for the 2022 Latinx Connect Conference, happening virtually Oct. 27-29 on CVENT, is now open. Review the full agenda, register and add sessions to your calendar, and network with other change makers. Access is limited to registrants for the 2022 Latinx Connect Conference, so make sure to tell your friends and colleagues to register today!

Registration

The conference features a wide-ranging slate of speakers and programs centered on topical areas such as education, immigration, civil rights, arts & culture, health equity, intersectional identities, and gender equality. 

Featured keynote speakers include Maria Montaño, the first openly transgender woman to serve as Press Secretary for the City of Pittsburgh and the highest ranking Latina serving in Mayor Gainey's administration; Dr. Angie Cruz, Associate Professor of University of Pittsburgh’s English Department who is the author of the recently published novel, How Not To Drown in A Glass of Water and is the Editor-in-Chief of Aster(ix) Journal, a dedicated space for literature, art and criticism by and about women; Dr. Mirelsie Velázquez, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, the Rainbolt Family Endowed Education Presidential Professor at the University of Oklahoma and author of Puerto Rican Chicago: Schooling the City, 1940-1977; Dr. Gina Garcia, University of Pittsburgh professor who is a leading scholar on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and an Associate Professor in the department of Educational Foundations, Organizations, and Policy at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Garcia is the author of Becoming Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Opportunities for Colleges and Universities.

Conference Schedule

Date: Thursday-Saturday, October 27-29, 2022

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27  

9:00-10:15 a.m. EST – Welcome Keynote…Dr. Angie Cruz ​

10:30-12:00 p.m. EST – Concurrent Session I 

12:15-1:30 p.m. EST – Keynote… Dr. Mirelsie Velázquez 

1:45-3:15 p.m. EST – Concurrent Session II 

4:00-5:30 p.m. EST – Opening Reception Panel… Supporting Local Latinx Community Growth [In-person only, Location: Community College of Alleghany County Student Auditorium, Foerster Student Service Center, Ridge Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Register for In-Person Attendance - Seating is limited]

6:30-8:30 p.m. EST – Social Meet & Greet with DJ Entertainment and Complimentary Refreshments from Arepittas Restaurant [In-person only, Location: Community College of Alleghany County Student Auditorium, Foerster Student Service Center, Ridge Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212] Register for In-Person Attendance- Seating is limited

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28   

10:30-12:00 p.m. EST - Concurrent Sessions III 

12:15-1:30 p.m. EST – Featured Panel…Funding and the Future of Afrolatinidad

1:45-3:15 p.m. EST – Concurrent Sessions IV 

3:30-4:45 p.m. EST – Keynote and Panel… Dr. Gina Garcia and Plática on Servingness & Hispanic Serving Institutions 

5:00-6:15 p.m. EST – Film Screening & Panel… ÉLEFAN: Latinx London 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29

11:00-1:00 p.m. EST – Closing Reception and Brunch with Keynote…Maria Montaño, Press Secretary City of Pittsburgh Complimentary Brunch and Refreshments included. [Hybrid Event, In-person location: University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning 2017, 20th Floor, 4200 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Register for In-Person Attendance - Seating is limited]

Contact 

Email us at latinxconnect@pitt.edu

Organizers

The Latinx Connect conference is organized and sponsored by grassroots transdisciplinary and cross-institutional group of volunteer educators and community leaders based in Pittsburgh.

Co-Chairs

• Doreen Hernández (she/ella) is the Administrator at the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership and the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum at Pitt’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), co-chair of the Hispanic Latinx Professional Association (HLPA)
• Dr. Victor Figuereo (he/him/él) is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work
• Dr. Angelica Perez-Johnston (she/ella), Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer for the Community College of Allegheny County