Celebration of Collaboration & Education
OCT 30, 2024
Angel L. Velez, Ph.D.
Advancing Community Cultural Wealth:
Embracing the Cultural Assets of Latino Heritage
Join us in exploring the rich tapestry of Latino heritage and the concept of Community Cultural Wealth. This session delves into the various forms of cultural capital that contribute to the advancement of Latino individuals and communities. We will examine linguistic, aspirational, familial, social, navigational, and resistant capital and how they empower Latinos to overcome challenges and thrive. Through interactive discussions and engaging activities, participants will gain insights into leveraging cultural assets in education, work, and community development. Discover how embracing and celebrating Latino cultural wealth fosters empowerment, resilience, and growth for individuals and society as a whole.
Biography: Angel L. Velez, Ph.D., is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant at Cisco Systems. Dr. Angel is also the co-founder of Velez Diversity Consulting, LLC. He is an authentic, sought-after DEI speaker and strategist. With his tagline, “Skilled at Being Authentic,” he brings his lived experiences, academic credentials, and professional experiences to advocate for work inclusion. Dr. Angel is unapologetic in his approach to DEI, often using his cultural influences growing up low-income, Black, and Latino in Puerto Rico and Chicago. Before Cisco, he was the Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago.
Dr. Angel earned a Ph.D. in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a graduate minor in Latina and Latino Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration from the Gies College of Business. He has been featured in USA Today and NBC News. Dr. Angel has won several awards for his DEI leadership, including the 2022 Negocios Now Latino 40 under 40 in Chicago. When not working hard to make workplaces more equitable, you can find him spending time with family and watching sports.
Dr. Paul Rivera
De Raíces Fuertes a Frutos Abundantes:
Building Authentic & Actionable Strategic Plans
This session tackles the challenge of translating beautiful strategic plans into tangible results for associations. Drawing on BeActChange's collaborative methodology, the session will guide participants through a process to define a purpose-driven mission and vision for their organizations. Participants will develop tools to transform grand visions into actionable steps. Utilizing systems thinking, participants will analyze their association's network, identifying potential roadblocks and crafting innovative solutions to ensure robust implementation that yields lasting results. This session equips you to bridge the gap between dream and solution for your organization.
Biography: Dr. Paul Rivera, a distinguished strategist and co-founder of BeActChange, holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Southern California. With extensive experience in international development and diplomacy, Paul adeptly leads trailblazing organizations in applying systems thinking to translate strategic visions into practical outcomes. As the co-founder of BeActChange, he has spearheaded initiatives that have driven profound growth and alignment across various sectors. With extensive experience in international development and diplomacy, Paul has directed projects that have channeled over $1 billion toward community development worldwide. A proud First Gen, Paul is a polyglot, a dedicated global citizen, and a believer that a better world is possible when we uplift each other to create collective power.
Esther Aguilera
Developing a Blueprint for Advancing Latino Leadership in Associations
As we consider the mission of Association Latinos, to elevate Latinos in Association Leadership, this session will help you hone your leadership skills with practical tools to “upyour game.” Whether you are in an early career, mid-career or close to serving as executive director or about to commence board service, leadership skills are key no matter your title. This session will outline a blueprint for sought-after skill sets for the C-suite or board service that will advance Latinos to the highest level of association leadership. The session will include a case study centered around leadership qualities, navigating relationships with boards, staff and partners, self-advocacy and board service.
Biography: Esther Aguilera is the immediate past President & CEO of the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA), where she built the first and largest network of Latinos in the boardroom and C-suite and oversaw LCDA’s rapid expansion to become the premier resource for Latino talent primed for the boardroom. Esther accelerated the conversation of Latino inclusion in corporate governance and forged many new strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 organizations. She launched the BoardReady Institute and was executive producer of the annual Board Leaders Convening, which brings together directors, CEOs, and foremost experts on trending governance topics.
Esther brings deep experience and understanding of the intersection between the charitable, business, and government sectors. Has worked in leadership positions with the nation’s most powerful leaders, including Members of Congress, Cabinet Members, Corporate CEOs and Directors, as well as with non-profits and associations. Past roles included President & CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), Senior Executive at the Department of Energy leading supplier diversity, and Congressional Legislative Executive Director.
Joaquin Altoro
Opening Session
Joaquin Altoro will set the stage for the day by preparing attendees for an immersive day of learning and engagement at Conexiones.
Biography: For nearly three decades, Altoro has been dedicated to understanding the heart and passion of minority communities and applying his experience and wisdom to provide financing opportunities that spark economic development. Recently, he served as CEO and Executive Director for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). As CEO, Altoro strategically positioned WHEDA to adopt a holistic approach to leverage affordable housing to grow economic prosperity for historically marginalized communities. Under his guidance, WHEDA was able to enhance its 2021-2022 housing tax credit Qualified Action Plan, encouraging diversity among participating developers and providing greater consideration of the unique needs of rural communities. Prior to WHEDA, he served as Town Bank’s Vice President of Commercial Banking. Altoro is a graduate of Cardinal Stritch University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is a graduate of the African American Leadership Program.
Event Sponsors
We are proud to be supported by fusionSpan among other notable sponsors who are integral to the success of this summit.
