Latinos, who are projected to become America’s largest ethnic group, are a dynamic force shaping the nation’s demographic, economic, and cultural future. Far from being a marginalized group defined by oppression, Latinos are integral to America’s story. They drive economic growth, cultural evolution, and workforce vitality. Challenges, however, including poverty, educational disparities, and restrictive policies, threaten their upward mobility. Join for a discussion on how to harness Latino potential and adopt policy solutions that prioritize affordability, safety, and economic opportunity over ideological constraints.
10:00 - 10:15 AM | Welcome and Introduction
10:15 - 10:35 AM | Keynote address
Jennifer Hernandez, Holland & Knight
10:45 - 11:30 AM | Panel One: What Do Latinos Want?
Linette Sanchez, UT Austin
Karla Lopez del Rio, Housing Researcher
Erika Ozuna, Housing Researcher
Jennifer Hernandez, Holland & Knight
Moderator: Joel Kotkin, Civitas Institute
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Panel Two: What Do Latinos Need?
Joel Kotkin, Civitas Institute
Salvador Contreras, UT Rio Grande Valley
Luis Torres, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, San Antonio Branch
David Cisneros, Houston Developer
Moderator: Mike Toth, Civitas Institute
12:15 - 12:30 PM | Closing Remarks
12:30 - 1:30 PM | Lunch
