past event
Immigration and Society

Agenda

The population and influence of Latinos is on the rise during a time when opportunity isn’t equally distributed. To address this, we must reimagine the way that we approach and conceive opportunity including how it is fully realized. If we don’t, we risk leaving behind a generation of Latinos and limiting America’s future prosperity. Collaborations among business, government, philanthropy, community organizations, individuals, and movements are needed to foster a more equal society. Transcending the siloes of our work, reengineering systems of power, and creating new rules for solving problems is the foundation from which we will discuss what opportunity is and how it can be maximized for all people.

8:30am Doors Open and Registration Begins
A light continental breakfast will be served.
9:30am Welcoming Remarks
Monica Lozano, Chair, Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program
Abigail Golden-Vázquez, Executive Director, Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program
Laysha Ward, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Target

Opportunity requires collaboration among many people for its successful creation. This panel will explore a cross-section of approaches and players essential to envisioning new ways to nurture opportunity.

9:50am Opportunity at the Intersection
Sheila Lirio Marcelo, Founder, Chairwoman, and CEO, Care.com
Luz Vega-Marquis, President and CEO, Marguerite Casey Foundation
Alberto Retana, President and CEO, Community Coalition
The Honorable Ashley Swearengin, Mayor, City of Fresno
A Martínez, Co-host, Take Two, KPCC, Southern California Public Radio

Opportunity requires collaboration among many people for its successful creation. This panel will explore a cross-section of approaches and players essential to envisioning new ways to nurture opportunity.

11:00am Voices: Youth Speak Volumes
Mikva Challenge High School Student
11:05am In Conversation:
Fr. Gregory J. Boyle, S.J., Founder and Executive Director, Homeboy Industries
Jose Arrellano, Navigator, Homeboy Industries
Erika Vargas, Trainee, Homeboy Industries

The Power of Boundless Compassion
Overcoming barriers to opportunity requires a vision in which all are deserving of and have equitable access to such opportunity. The conversation will share real life experiences of those who seized opportunity in a unique and powerful way.

11:35am Voices: Insights from Joseph Sanberg, Co-Founder and Chair, Aspiration.com
With experience as an entrepreneur in the public and private-sector and as an investor with a vision for impactful change through public policy, Joseph will share the importance of redefining the role that innovators play in society.
11:50am Lunch Buffet Opens
12:20pm Lunch Discussions Begin
Over an interactive lunch discussion, groups will engage a pre-selected topic related to how opportunity can be reimagined today. Participants will connect with individuals from different backgrounds, sectors, and points of view through this purposeful networking opportunity designed to answer tough questions and develop practical solutions.
1:30pm Artistic Perspective: Herbert Siguenza, Playwright, Actor, and Artist, Culture Clash
1:45pm Civic Action: Unlocking the Potential of a New Generation
Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Deputy Director of Public Engagement, The White House
Jason N. Chavez, Indigenous Ambassador, Aspen Institute Center for Native American Youth
Lashon Amado, National Coordinator of Community Action Teams, Opportunity Youth United

Civic participation allows individuals and groups to exercise power and influence over their circumstances. During a recent Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program convening, these leaders developed innovative solutions to addressing low rates of Latino Millennial civic participation. Today they will share solutions that encourage a more engaged generation.

2:15pm Voices: Youth Speak Volumes
Mikva Challenge High School Student
2:20pm In Conversation:
Donnel Baird, Founder and CEO, BlocPower
Carolina Huaranca Mendoza, Principal, Kapor Capital

Addressing Inequality through Social Entrepreneurship
The discussion will feature innovators dedicated to redefining how businesses can serve society by using a holistic strategy for solving complex social and economic challenges.

2:50pm Voices: Youth Speak Volumes
Mikva Challenge High School Student
2:55pm In Conversation:
mark! Lopez, Executive Director, East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice
Juan Salgado, President and CEO, Instituto del Progreso Latino
Val Zavala, Vice President of News and Public Affairs, KCET Public Television

Grassroots, Community Organizing, and the Opportunity Landscape
Every strong movement requires a disrupter impassioned by a cause. This panel introduces two such change-makers who have dedicated their lives to creating opportunity for their communities. In conversation, they will share how they have mobilized vulnerable communities to find their voices, advocate for their interests, and demand change.

3:25pm Voices: Thoughts from Angela Glover Blackwell, President and CEO, PolicyLink
Through life experience and decades of work on issues of economic and social equity, Angela will share her reflection on the dynamics that drive or obstruct opportunity.
3:40pm In Conversation: Hon. Eric Garcetti and Monica Lozano
The Honorable Eric Garcetti, Mayor, City of Los Angeles
Monica Lozano, Chair, Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program

Los Angeles: A City of Opportunity
As one of the nation’s leading social innovators in the public sector, the mayor of America’s second largest city will discuss the challenges and solutions to ensuring equity in urban America.

4:10pm Opportunity Reimagined
4:45pm Networking Reception
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