PAST EVENTS

2021 AMPLIFY CONFERENCE
ACTIVATING OUR LATINX POWER
2021 AMPLIFY CONFERENCE
Fri, June 11, 2021
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM EDT
Virtual Conference
#2021AmplifyConference #LatinxPowerCoalition
#ThisIsHowIAmplify
#LatinxPolicyBlueprin
#ThinkBig
#AmplifyLatinx
About the Virtual Conference:
The 5th Annual Amplify Conference – Activating Our Latinx Power is hosted by Amplify Latinx, the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy and the Gastón Institute, in collaboration with our partner organizations.
This virtual conference will bring together Latinx leaders, community organizations, businesses, and power-building groups from across Massachusetts to strengthen relationships and co-create a Latinx policy blueprint that advances our collective prosperity. The COVID-19 pandemic and the virus of racism have laid bare the socio-economic disparities faced by Black and Latinx communities. Bold action and structural policy and systems change are needed for Latinx upward mobility, and shaping our shared future.
During this conference, you will have the opportunity to help continue developing a Latinx Policy Blueprint for our community and activate the Latinx Power Coalition for the Commonwealth.
What To Expect:
The Amplify Conference will convene Latinx leaders across multiple sectors, including political leaders, community organizers, advocates, business executives, cultural leaders, and the artistic community to recognize our power and provide an understanding of the state of the Latinx community in Massachusetts. Our conference this year will focus on activating our Latinx Power Coalition and further developing a Shared Policy Blueprint. Through our keynote speakers, Firestarter storytellers, and interactive workshops, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to take action in 2021 and beyond.
During This Convening We Will:
ACTIVATE our Latinx power to take bold action towards change, including amplifying the work of Latinx leaders, businesses, and community organizations.
BUILD a coalition of Latinx leaders and organizations that support our Amplify Latinx mission of increasing Latino economic and political power.
CREATE a shared policy blueprint that advances a collective vision for prosperity and upward mobility of the Latinx community.
ANNOUNCING OUR SPEAKERS!
EMCEES
ANGELIQUE LIZARDE
Journalist & TV News Anchor
BRIAN CASTELLANOS M.S, LSW
Lynn School Committee Official
GUEST SPEAKERS
GRACE MORENO
CEO & Executive Director
Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce
ADAM GOMEZ
State Senator – Hampden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
FIRESTARTERS
JONATHAN PAZ
City Councilor, Ward 9
City of Waltham
DR. ALEXANDRA PIÑEROS SHIELDS
Executive Director
ECCO
CARLOS PRUDENCIO
Youth Community Leader
Lynn English High School
GLENDA L. COLÓN BUSHER
Principal
Connery Elementary School
Conference Agenda:
-
Friday, June 11, 2021
-
10:00 AM – Conference Begins
-
Opening Remarks & State of Latinos in Massachusetts
-
Artist Performance
-
Firestarters, Guest Speakers, Opening Keynote Speakers
-
Plenary Session
-
Concurrent Breakout Sessions
-
Artist Performance
- Firestarters, Guest
Speakers, Closing Keynote Speakers
- Closing Remarks
-
- 2:30 PM – End of Conference
- Post-Conference Networking
*Agenda Subject to Change
*STAY TUNED FOR ADDITIONAL KEYNOTE & SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS!

ROSARIO UBIERA-MINAYA
Executive Director
Amplify Latinx
Our Planning Committee:
(Committee in Formation)
Kate Boland
Daniela Bravo
Angelina Camacho
Doug Chavez
Marie-Frances Rivera
Tariana Little
Alexandra Valdez
Andreina Viera
Christine Jauregui
Rosa Rodriguez Williams
Betty Francisco
Maria Julia Gutierrez
Anabelle Rondon
Elvis Jacol Lara
R.D. Leyva
Lorena Lopera
Janin Duran
Juan Carlos Morales
Laurie A NsiahJefferson
Diego Portillo-Mazal
Ben Echevarria
Corean Reynolds
Lorna Rivera
Evelyn Barahona
Eneida Román
Joel Rivera
Tatiana Matta
Alexandra Nova
Angelica Silva
Sendy Suazo
Eileen Alexopoulos
Sponsors:
2021 Amplify Conference is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

POWERUP 3.0 SUMMIT
Economic Engines of Our Future: Fueling Our Growth Through Coalitions, Creativity, and Cultural Intelligence
POWERUP SUMMIT 3.0
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHAT TO EXPECT
Join Amplify Latinx for the PowerUp 3.0 Latinx Business Summit where we will celebrate the diversity and contributions of our Latinx business community.
The U.S Latinx market generates $2.6 Trillion in GDP per year, which would make U.S. Latinos the 8th largest economy in the world if we were a country! As the fastest growing business segment and talent base, Latinos are vital to the post-COVID economic recovery.
Join Latinx entrepreneurs, investors, advocates, policy-makers, and coalition partners to learn how the entire MA business community can play a role in advancing Latinx business growth and innovation to power our economy. We will highlight ways to fuel our growth through coalitions, creativity, and cultural Intelligence. We are thrilled to have Lili Gil Valetta, CEO of CulturIntel as this year’s keynote.
EMCEE
DENISE ISAAC
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
LILIANA “LILI” GIL VALLETTA
Co-founder & CEO, CulturIntel and Cien+
OPENING SPEAKERS
ENTREPRENEURS
BREAKOUT SESSION ONE
Unleashing Latino Innovation
The COVID pandemic and economic crisis has pushed Latino entrepreneurs to pivot and leverage new technologies to do businesses. Business owners are using this opportunity to innovate as a strategy for survival and growth. In this conversation, we will explore how to unleash Latino creativity and innovation, and how the funders can help fuel this untapped Latino talent to restart the economy.
ELI VELASQUEZ (Moderator)
BREAKOUT SESSION TWO
Building an Equitable Small Business Ecosystem
Massachusetts business service organizations, capital providers and advocates have been working together intensely over the last several months to support small businesses of color through emergency funding programs, advocacy and technical assistance. These groups are exemplifying the power of collaboration and coalition-building to support small businesses owned by people of color, immigrants and those with low incomes. Learn some of the best practices in ecosystem-building as a way to fuel an inclusive and equitable business economy and close the racial wealth gap in the Commonwealth.
ALEXANDRA NOVA (Moderator)
GOALS
Identify & Connect
Identify and map growth oriented Latinx owned businesses in Massachusetts
Build Relationships
Facilitate connections among Latinx entrepreneurs through curated networking opportunities and an online digital platform
Access Existing Resources
Foster relationship building and access to existing business resources, such as capital, education, mentors, accelerators, and growth opportunities
Policy Agenda
Advance a policy agenda focused on driving economic opportunity and growth for Latinx businesses

2020 AMPLIFY CONFERENCE
NUESTRO IMPACTO
BE COUNTED, BE HEARD
2020 AMPLIFY CONFERENCE
FRIDAYS, JULY 17 & 24, 2020
10:00 AM – 12:45 PM
Two-Day Virtual Conference
#2020AmplifyConference #BeCountedBeHeard #NuestroImpacto
#ThisIsHowIAmplify #AmplifyLatinx #BeTheSolution
About the Virtual Conference
The 4th Annual Amplify Conference – Nuestro Impacto: Be Counted, Be Heard is hosted by Amplify Latinx, the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy and the Gastón Institute, in collaboration with our partner organizations.
During this two-day virtual conference we will bring together Latinx leaders, community organizations, businesses and power-building groups from across Massachusetts to strengthen relationships and co-create a policy agenda that advances our collective prosperity. The COVID-19 pandemic and the virus of racism has laid bare the health and wealth disparities faced by Black and Latinx communities. More importantly, these crises have also highlighted the indispensable value we bring as essential workers, innovators, creatives and sustainers of our economy. Bold action and structural policy and systems change are needed to be counted and be heard at decision-making tables that are shaping our future. During these two days, you will have the opportunity to develop a new vision for our community and solidify the Latinx Power Coalition for the Commonwealth.
We will showcase never-before-seen polling data on the impact of COVID-19 on our Black and Latinx communities and share results of what were seen as the biggest needs and policy concerns across Massachusetts. This convening will help facilitate the creation of a shared policy agenda that will inform our ongoing policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
See Press Release
What To Expect
The Amplify Conference will convene Latinx leaders across multiple sectors, including political leaders, community organizers, activists, business executives, cultural leaders and the artistic community to recognize our power and provide an understanding of the state of the Latinx community in Massachusetts. Our conference this year will focus on identifying the key policy issues for the MA Latinx community that will become part of a shared policy agenda. Through our keynote speakers, Firestarter storytellers and interactive workshops, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to take action in 2020 and beyond.
During This Convening We Will:
ACTIVATE our Latinx community to take action towards change, including participating in the Census 2020, increasing voter registration, amplifying the work of Latinx leaders, businesses and community organizations.
BUILD a coalition of Latinx leaders and organizations that support our Amplify Latinx mission of increasing Latino economic and political power.
CREATE a shared policy agenda that advances a collective vision for prosperity and upward mobility for the Latinx community.
Conference Agenda
-
Friday July 17 2020
- 10:00 AM – Conference Day-One Begins
- Opening Remarks
- Opening Keynote Speaker
- Firestarters
- Plenary Session
- Latinx Power Coalition: Driving Change through a Shared Policy Agenda
- Concurrent Breakout Sessions
- Immigration Policy and Latinx Advancement: Why Immigrant Justice is Crucial to Socio-Economic Justice
- Reaching Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Latinx Community Conversation on Health Disparity
- Mission 20 By 2020: Advancing Latinx Leaders and Changemakers
- Closing Keynote Speakers
- Closing Remarks
- Closing Performance
- 12:45 PM – End of Day-One
-
Friday July 24 2020
- 10:00 AM – Conference Day-Two Begins
- Opening Remarks
- Opening Keynote Speaker
- Firestarters
- Plenary Session
- Census 2020: What Comes After the Count
- Concurrent Breakout Sessions
- Inclusive Economic Development: A Roadmap for Recovery and Growth of Latino Businesses
- Latinx Identity: Embracing our Cultural and Racial Diversity to Increase our Collective Impact
- Education: Equity in Public Education Through the Lens of Covid-19
- Making it Count: How Latinx Voters Can Make Change
- Closing Keynote Speakers
- Closing Remarks
- Closing Performance
- 12:45 PM – End of Conference – Immediately Followed by Virtual Networking
Speaker Lineup
Keynotes
JULIÁN CASTRORecent Candidate for U.S. President
Former Secretary of HUDDIANE GUERRERO
Actress, Author &
ActivistNATHALIE RAYES
President & CEO
Latino VictoryHÉCTOR SÁNCHEZ BARBA
Executive Director & CEO
Mi Familia VotaMÓNICA RAMÍREZ
Founder & President
Justice for Migrant WomenSINDY M. BENAVIDES
CEO
League of United Latin American CitizensMARCO A. DAVIS
CEO
Congressional Hispanic Caucus InstituteEMCEE
RAUL FERNANDEZ
Brookline Select Board Member
Firestarters
July 17, 2020
BIANCA ROBINSON
Founder
Massachusetts Trans Women LeadershipJuly 17, 2020
PAVEL PAYANOAt-Large City Councilor City of Lawrence
July 24, 2020
JUAN JARAMILLOPolitical Coordinator
32BJ SEIUJuly 24, 2020
STEPHANIE MARTINSCity Councilor
City of EverettState of Latinos in Massachusetts
JULY 17, 2020
MARIE-FRANCIS RIVERA
President
MassBudget & Policy CenterDR. LORNA RIVERA
Director
Mauricio Gastón InstituteLatina Women, Challenges, Opportunities and Successes
JULY 24, 2020
LAURIE NSIAH-JEFFERSON
Director
Center for Women in Politics & Public PolicyPlenary Session
JULY 17, 2020
LATINX POWER COALITION:
DRIVING CHANGE THROUGH A SHARED POLICY AGENDASTEVE KOCZELA
President
MassINC Polling GroupJUANA MATIAS
COO
MassINCPlenary Session
JULY 24, 2020
CENSUS 2020:
WHAT COMES AFTER THE COUNTVATSADY SIVONGXAY (MODERATOR)
Dir of Organizing & Census Mgr
MIRA CoalitionGLADYS VEGA
Executive Director
Chelsea CollaborativeTANAIRI GARCIA
Public Relations Director
Chelsea CollaborativeJAVIER MARÍN
CEO
El PlanetaSEBASTIAN ZAPATA
Sr Analyst & Census Liasion
City of BostonBreakout Sessions
JULY 17, 2020
MISSION 20 BY 2020:
ADVANCING LATINX LEADERS AND CHANGEMAKERSDOUG CHAVEZ (MODERATOR)
Managing Director
Barrales Public AffairsMAYRA MACIAS
Executive Director
Latino Victory FundJESSICA GONZALEZ-ROJAS
Candidate
NY State Assembly, 34thNURYS CAMARGO
Founder
Chica ProjectRAFAEL COLLAZO
Director of Political Campaigns
UnidosUSREACHING BEYOND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC:
A LATINX COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON HEALTH DISPARITYANGELINA CAMACHO (MODERATOR)
Platform Leader
MAWOCCCARLA VILLACORTA
Sr Acct Manager Healthcare
Archipelago Strategies GroupCAROLINA ALARCO
Founder and Principal
Bio Strategy Advisors, LLCRITA NIEVES
Executive Director
Boston Public Health CommissionJON SANTIAGO
MA State Representative
9th Suffolk DistrictIMMIGRATION POLICY AND LATINX ADVANCEMENT:
WHY IMMIGRANT JUSTICE IS CRUCIAL TO SOCIOECONOMIC JUSTICEMARION DAVIS (MODERATOR)Communications Consultant
MIRA CoalitionGLADYS VEGA
Executive Director
Chelsea CollaborativeALEXANDRA PINEROS-SHIELDS
Executive Director
Essex County Community OrgNATALICIA TRACY
Executive Director
Brazilian Worker CenterBreakout Sessions
JULY 24, 2020
INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
A ROADMAP FOR RECOVERY AND GROWTH OF LATINO BUSINESSESBETTY FRANCISCO (MODERATOR)
Co-Founder
Amplify LatinxELI VELASQUEZ
Director of Venture Development
VenturewellCARMEN PANACOPOULOS
Sr Business Strategy Manager
Federal Reserve Bank of BostonCARLOS GONZALEZ
State Representative
MA 10th HampdenJUANA MATIAS
COO
MassINCCARLOS E. SANTIAGO
Commissioner of Higher Education
Commonwealth of MALATINX IDENTITY:
EMBRACING OUR CULTURAL AND RACIAL DIVERSITY TO INCREASE OUR COLLECTIVE IMPACTALBERTO VASALLO III (MODERATOR)
President & CEO
El Mundo BostonENEIDA ROMAN
Co-Founder
Amplify LatinxYVETTE MODESTIN
Founder & Executive Director
Encuentro Diaspora AfroMARIEL NOVAS
Asst Dir of Partnerships & Engagement
The Education TrustEDUCATION: EQUITY IN PUBLIC EDUCATION THROUGH THE LENS OF COVID-19
AMANDA FERNÁNDEZ (MODERATOR)
Co-Founder & CEO
Latinos for EducationLORENA LOPERA
Executive Director
Latinos for EducationLYDIA MARTINEZ-ALVAREZ
Assistant Superintendent
Springfield Public SchoolsVENTURA RODRIGUEZ
Sr Associate Commissioner
MA Dept of Elem & Sec EducationALMI ABEYTA
Superintendent
Chelsea Public SchoolsMAKING IT COUNT:
HOW LATINX VOTERS CAN MAKE CHANGEANGELINA CAMACHO (MODERATOR)
Platform Leader
MAWOCCPATRICIA COMFORT
Executive Director
League of Women Voters MAHENRY HERNANDEZ
Community Organizer
Neighbor To NeighborRICARDO RAMIREZ
Voting Rights Advisor
Brennan Center for JusticeBETH HUANG
Director
Mass Voter TableARYANA RICHARDSON
Public Policy Intern
Girls Inc.Performing Artists
JULY 17, 2020
CRISTINA CORTEZ
Poet
GRATEFUL QUEEN
Singer
ANGEL SUBERO
Trombonist
Performing Artists
JULY 24, 2020
FABIOLA MÉNDEZ
Singer | Puerto Rican Cuatro
AMANDA MENA
Singer | America’s Got Talent
CLAUDIA MEDINA
Saxophonist
Our Planning Committee:
Zamawa Arenas
MaryAnn Ashton
Kate Boland
Daniela Bravo
Angelina Camacho
Doug Chavez
Pattye Comfort
Jacqueline Conrad
Dharma E. Cortes
Cheryl Clyburn Crawford
Tania Del Rio
Otoniel Figueroa-Duran
Betty Francisco
Maria Julia Gutierrez
Shahara Jaghoo
Christine Jauregui
Christa Kellehr
Elvis Jacol Lara
R.D. Leyva
Lorena Lopera
Juan Carlos Morales
Laurie A NsiahJefferson
Diego Portillo-Mazal
Seymour-James Quiles
Corean Reynolds
Lorna Rivera
Keri Rodrigues
Ilhiana Rojas
Eneida Román
Natalie Sanchez
Angelica Silva
Sendy Suazo
Elke Trilla-Bamani
Alexandra Valdez
Adrian Velazquez
Judy Zaun

POWERUP 2.0 SUMMIT @ HUBWEEK
Latinx Business Growth as Jet Fuel for the Massachusetts Economy
POWERUP 2.0 SUMMIT @ HUBWEEK
PowerUp 2.0 Summit @ Hubweek:
Latinx Business Growth as Jet Fuel for the Massachusetts Economy
Thursday, October 3rd, 2019
Mainstage Speaker: 3:00 – 4:00
Summit: 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Closing Reception 6:00 – 8:00 pm
The Pursuit Stage at HubWeek
65 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Join Amplify Latinx for the 2nd Annual PowerUp Business Summit to recognize the economic imperative for Latinx business growth. Latinx-owned businesses are the fastest-growing entrepreneurial segment in the US and Massachusetts, yet only 3% generate over $1 million in annual revenue. We will convene over 200 Latinx business leaders, resource partners, and the broader entrepreneurial community to learn about PowerUp Latinx Biz, a collaborative, Latinx-led initiative focused on activating Massachusetts’ untapped economic potential by increasing visibility, growth and economic opportunity for Latinx businesses. You’ll be inspired by a group of successful Latinx entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders innovating in key industries driving our economy. You will also learn how the entire MA business community can play a role in advancing Latinx business growth and innovation that fuels new jobs and revenue creation to power our economy.
EMCEE
JORGE QUIROGA
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
OPENING SPEAKERS
ENTREPRENEURS
JOSIANE MARTINEZ
MARCOS ARAUJO
Founder and CEO, Esportudo
FIRESIDE CHAT
ADRIAN MENDOZA
GOALS
Identify & Connect
Identify and map growth oriented Latinx owned businesses in Massachusetts
Build Relationships
Facilitate connections among Latinx entrepreneurs through curated networking opportunities and an online digital platform
Access Existing Resources
Foster relationship building and access to existing business resources, such as capital, education, mentors, accelerators, and growth opportunities
Policy
Agenda
Advance a policy agenda focused on driving economic opportunity and growth for Latinx businesses

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CAFECITOS
Honoring our 2019 Latinx Amplifiers
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CAFECITOS

Thu, September 26, 2019
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM EDT
Hispanic Heritage Month Cafecitos: Honoring our 2019 Latinx Amplifiers
at
Northeastern University
Fenway Center 77 Stephen St. , Boston, MA 02115
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
The Latinx Student Cultural Center at Northeastern University & Amplify Latinx
Invite you to the Fall 2019 Cafecitos Breakfast Honoring Our Latinx Amplifiers
Guest Speaker
Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera
This Cafecitos will feature special guest, Dan Rivera, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, MA. The presentation will then be followed by a recognition of the 2019 Latinx Amplifiers representing 20 Latinx leaders have been identified by their peers and community as risk takers, quiet disruptors and outspoken advocates who are leading positive social change by amplifying in our communities.

LATINX HERITAGE NIGHT AT THE MFA
An evening at the Museum of Fine Arts, celebrating Latinx heritage and culture.
LATINX HERITAGE NIGHT AT THE MFA

Amplify Latinx is proud to host our first evening at the Museum of Fine Arts,
celebrating Latinx heritage and culture.
Join us as we host our first evening at the Museum of Fine Arts, celebrating Latinx heritage and culture. Enjoy an incredible line-up of live music, dance performances, a fashion show/designer meet-up, and a photography exhibition of local artists. Tour the galleries exploring works of art from North, Central, and South America and network with friends and family, all in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month!
Attendance is free and pre-registration is encouraged but not mandatory.
—————————————————————————–
¡Acompáñennos en esta gran celebración de nuestra cultura y herencia Latina en conmemoración del mes de la Hispanidad! Amplify Latinx celebra por primera vez en el Museo de Arte en Boston.
En nuestra noche en el Museo, estaremos presentando música en vivo, presentaciones de baile, un desfile de modas donde conocerán a los diseñadores, y una exposición de fotografía de artistas locales. ¡También tours en el las galerías de arte enfocados en Norte, Centro y Sur América y la oportunidad de compartir con amigos y familiares!
Apreciamos su registración a este evento gratis, pero no es mandatorio.
EVENING AGENDA
Welcome | 6:30 pm | Welcome remarks from Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director; and Rosario Ubiera-Minaya, executive director, Amplify Latinx.
Musical Performance | 6:45–7:15 pm | Sociedad Latina Youth Artistry Band – Enjoy a performance by the Youth Artistry Band. Sociedad Latina is a Boston organization that aims to create a world where Latinx youth see themselves as change makers through arts and culture combined with education and leadership.
Musical Performance | 7–8:15 pm| Franco Leon ` – Listen as Peruvian-born, Boston-based pianist Franco Leon performs short classical pieces by Latinx composers.
Performance| 8 pm | Yo Soy LOLA |Experience a one-of-a-kind performance from Yo Soy LOLA (Latinas Orgullosas de Las Artes), reclaiming the Latina narrative through spoken word, acting, dance, music, film, and more.
Musical Performance| 8:30 pm | 3nity and SambaVivaHear blended sounds of Latin, American, and African cultures from 3nity – Boston’s first all-female Latin band. Experience the color, movement, and energy of SambaViva’s bold choreographies and contagious rhythms.
Musical Performance| 9 pm | Los Sugar Kings Catch a performance from Los Sugar Kings, a Boston-based group specializing in Cuban rock and reggae fusion.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The City Talks | 7–8 pm | Join Boston-area thinkers, entrepreneurs, activists, and artists for a discussion on themes in MFA exhibitions that affect the Latinx community in Boston, culturally, socially, and politically.
Fashion Show and Designer Meet-Up | 7:15–7:45 pm | See the newest trends in dress at a fashion show curated by Jay Calderin, founder of Boston Fashion Week, highlighting local Latinx and student designers. Afterwards, meet with the designers.
Dominican Carnaval: “Diablos Cojuelos” | 8–9 pm | Experience the vibrancy and diversity of the Dominican Republic through dance, history, and folklore.
Photography Exhibition: “Estelas de Maria” | 8–10 pm | See “Estelas de Maria,” a photo montage by photographers Jesse Costa and Simon Rios chronicling the devastation in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria, and engage with the photographers. Presented in partnership with WBUR.
José Luis Falconi Latinx Poetry | 8:15–9:15 pm | Join José Luis Falconi, curator, poet, and professor at Brandeis University, as he reads a selection of poems by Latinx authors.
ART-MAKING ACTIVITIES
Art Making: Weaving with Gold | 5:30–7 pm | Discover Colombian artist Olga de Amaral’s Strata II, on view in “Women Take the Floor,” | Learn about her techniques and inspirations and make your own glittering wall hanging to take home.
Drawing in the Galleries | 6–8:45 pm | Stop by and sketch from a live model while learning drawing tips and techniques.
TOURS, TALKS, AND WALKS
Pop-Up Tours | 5:30 pm | Art of the Americas Wing |Join ongoing tours highlighting art by Latinx artists whose work is on view throughout the Museum.
Highlights of the Museum Collections | 6:15 pm | Meet at Sharf Visitor Center

2019 AMPLIFY CONFERENCE
CLAIMING OUR POWER
2019 AMPLIFY CONFERENCE

AMPLIFY CONFERENCE: CLAIMING OUR POWER
June 1, 2019
EDWARD M. KENNEDY INSTITUTE FOR THE UNITED STATES SENATE
210 MORRISSEY BLVD, BOSTON
12:30 – 6:30 PM
#AMPLIFYCONFERENCE #CLAIMINGOURPOWER #AMPLIFYLATINX
Conference Highlights
We invite you to join us on Saturday, June 1st at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the 3rd Amplify Conference: Claiming Our Power. We will convene a broad set of Latinx leaders, Latinx-led community organizations, and power-building groups across Massachusetts to build new relationships, strengthen existing partnerships and develop the Latinx Power Coalition for the Commonwealth. As the Latinx population in Massachusetts continues to grow and drive our economy, Latinx leadership is lagging behind. Now more than ever, we need Latinx leaders in positions of power. Bold action and disruptive structural change is needed to claim our power and add our voices in decisions impacting the Latinx community. The conference is hosted by Amplify Latinx, The Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy and The Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy in collaboration with our partner organizations.
What To Expect
The Amplify Conference will convene 350 Latinx leaders across multiple sectors, including political leaders, community organizers, business executives, cultural leaders and the artistic community to recognize our Latinx elected leaders and develop and understanding of the state of the Latinx community in Massachusetts. Through our keynote speakers, Firestarter storytellers, interactive workshops and networking reception, participants will build powerful partnerships and relationships that amplify our work. During this convening we will begin to:
- Build a sustainable coalition of Latinx leaders and organizations that support our Amplify Latinx mission of increasing Latino civic engagement and leadership representation
- Develop an deploy diverse leaders who will disrupt the status quo and advance the priority issues of the Amplify Latinx coalition
- Identify key policy issues for the Massachusetts Latino community that will become part of an Amplify Latinx policy agenda for Latino upward mobility.
CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS

Co-Founder, Latina Circle and Amplify Latinx
Founder/Principal, Roman Law Offices
BETTY FRANCISCO
Co-Founder, Latina Circle and Amplify Latinx
General Counsel, Compass Working Capital
HONORARY CO-CHAIRS
JEFFREY SÁNCHEZ
Principal at Sánchez Strategies
Former MA State Representative, 5th Suffolk/Norfolk
Former Chair of the Ways & Means Committee
JOSEPH BANCORE
Massachusetts State Senator,
First Suffolk and Middlesex
Speaker Lineup
KEYNOTES
AYANNA PRESSLEY
OPENING KEYNOTE
United States Congresswoman
MA 7th Congressional District
ANA NAVARRO-CÁRDENAS
CLOSING KEYNOTE
Republican Strategist and Political Contributor
to CNN, ABC News, Telemundo and Co-host of “The View”
EMCEE
CECY DEL CARMEN
Meteorologist, Telemundo New England Noticiero
FIRESTARTERS
DAN RIVERA
Mayor of the City of Lawrence
DENISE ISAAC
Bilingual Meteorologist at NBC10 Boston, NECN and Telemundo
JON SANTIAGO
Massachusetts State Representative, 9th Suffolk District
JUDITH GARCIA
Chelsea City Councillor District 5
JULIAN LOPEZ-LEYVA
Advocate for Nonviolent Civic Engagement
TERE RAMOS
Education, Disability and Civil Rights Attorney at Ramos Law LLC
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
ADAM GOMEZ
Springfield City Councilor
ADRIAN VELAZQUEZ
Research Analyst at Commonwealth of Massachusetts
AMAAD RIVERA
PANEL MODERATOR
Government Affairs and Political Advocate
AMANDA FERNANDEZ
PANEL MODERATOR
CEO and Co-founder of Latinos for Education
ANA NUNCIO
Salem School Committee Member
ANDY VARGAS
Massachusetts State Representative, 3rd Essex
ANGELINA CAMACHO
PANEL MODERATOR
MA Women of Color Coalition
ARTHUR (ARTURO) NATELLA
Director of Communications for the Mayor’s Office of
Health & Human Services for the City of Boston
BETH HUANG
Director at the Massachusetts Voter Table
DOUG CHAVEZ
PANEL MODERATOR
Political Activist/Consultant
ERIKA RODRIGUEZ
Executive Director, Chica Project
GABRIELA COLETTA
Chief Of Staff for Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards
GAIL JACKSON-BLOUNT
PANEL MODERATOR
Founder and Principal of
Jackson Communications
GLADYS VEGA
Executive Director at Chelsea Collaborative
GLORIBELL MOTA
Co-Director | Lead Coordinator at MassVOTE Neighbors United for a Better East Boston
JONATHAN RODRIGUES
National Organizer at American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
JUAN JARAMILLO
Political Coordinator at SEIU
JUAN CARLOS MORALES
PANEL MODERATOR
Managing Partner at Surfside Capital Advisors
JUANA MATIAS
Chief Operating Officer at MassINC
JUDY ZAUNBRECHER
Voter Service Co-Chair at League of Women Voters of Massachusetts
LAURIE NSIAH-JEFFERSON
Interim Director for the Center for Women
in Politics and Public Policy at UMass Boston
DR. LORNA RIVERA
Director of the Mauricio Gastón Institute for
Latino Community Development & Public Policy
MARCELA MERINO
Senior Manager, Economic Growth at
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
MARIA ELENA LETONA, PH.D.
Director at Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts
MARY SKELTON ROBERTS
Co-Director for Climate at Barr Foundation
MAYRA MACIAS
Vice President at Latino Victory Project
NATALIA URTUBEY
Director of Small Business,
Executive Director of Imagine Boston 2030 for the City of Boston
NIKKO MENDOZA
State Director, Senator Elizabeth Warren at United States Senate
DR. RAUL FERNANDEZ
Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education
& Human Development & Brookline Select Board Member
SOL CARBONELL
Assistant Vice President, Regional and Community Outreach
at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
SONIA CHANG-DÍAZ
Massachusetts State Senator, Second Suffolk
YULKENDY VALDEZ
Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Forefront
CONFERENCE PERFORMERS
PEDRO “FLAKO” CRUZ
OPENING SESSION PERFORMER
Spoken Word Artist and Documentary Photographer
JORGE ARCE
CLOSING SESSION PERFORMER
Actor, Singer, Composer, Dancer, Choreographer
SANDRA “SASI” MARCELINO
CLOSING SESSION PERFORMER
Dancer & Choreographer
NETWORKING RECEPTION LATINX CHEFS
OUR PLANNING COMMITTEE
Alexandra Valdez
Amaad Rivera
Amanda Fernandez
Angelina Camacho
Cheryl Clyburn Crawford
Christa Kelleher
Christine Jauregui
Daniela Bravo
Douglas Chavez
Elke A. Trilla-Bamani
Judy Zaunbrecher
Kate Boland
Keri Rodrigues
Lorna Rivera
Mary Ann Ashton
Nicole Castillo
R.D. Leyva
Sendy Vaughn Suazo
Seymour-James Quiles
Tariana V. Little

INTER(X)
LATINA
LATINA
Recognizing 10 outstanding Latina leaders nominated as part of the Advancing Latina Leaders series.
Inter(X) Latina
March 29, 2019
6 – 9 PM
ArtsEmerson
Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre
559 Washington Street
Boston, MA
We recognized 10 outstanding Latina leaders nominated as part of the Advancing Latina Leaders series and debuted our community “story-tellers,” activists, organizers, business and civic leaders who shared their personal journeys of how they are uplifting a new generation of leaders in our city. Our storytellers engaged in a fireside chat led by Julio Ricardo Varela from El Futuro Media Group.
Storytellers
CRISTELA GUERRA
YARI GOLDEN-CASTAÑO
Systems Engineer, Mars One 100 Candidate
JAQUELINE LANDAVERDE
MARISELA MARRERO
President at Good Samaritan Medical Center -Steward Health Care
ANA MASACOTE
Award-winning Latin Dance Specialist, Educator, and Womanpreneur
GRACE MORENO
MELISA VALDEZ
Professional Dancer and Dance Coach
FIRESIDE CHAT
JULIO RICARDO VARELA
We are recognizing 10 outstanding Latina leaders nominated as part of the Amplify Latina Leaders series.
Latina Leaders
CAROLINE TRUJILLO
ARCO, LLC
CLAUDIA ORTIZ
MassBay Community College
DEBRA JOY PEREZ
Simmons College
ELEANORE VELEZ
ELLIE SANCHEZ
Generation Citizen
MARITZA ROSARIO
Women’s Lunch Place
MARY JO MARIÓN
Worcester State University
TEURY MARTE
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Committee
YESSY FELIZ
YINNETTE SANO
Excel Academy Charter Schools
Hosts



POWERUP LATINX BIZ LAUNCH
PowerUp’s mission is to create visibility for Latinx-owned businesses.
POWERUP LATINX BIZ LAUNCH
EMCEE
OPENING SPEAKERS
ENTREPRENEURS
Identify & Connect
Identify and map growth oriented Latinx owned businesses in Massachusetts
Build Relationships
Facilitate connections among Latinx entrepreneurs through curated networking opportunities and an online digital platform
Access Existing Resources
Foster relationship building and access to existing business resources, such as capital, education, mentors, accelerators, and growth opportunities
Policy
Agenda
Advance a policy agenda focused on driving economic opportunity and growth for Latinx businesses

2018 AMPLIFY CONFERENCE
MOVING FROM INTENTION TO ACCIÓN
2018 AMPLIFY CONFERENCE
March 10, 2018 | Boston, MA
EGAN RESEARCH CENTER
IN THE RAYTHEON AUDITORIUM, NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Post-Conference
On behalf of the Latina Circle team, thank you for joining us on Saturday, March 10 at the Egan Research Center at Northeastern University for the Amplify Conference. The conference convened over 100 leaders and many of our partner organizations to address the most pressing issues affecting the state’s Latinx community and foster the relationships to table these issues collectively. The conference was the second convening of the new Amplify Latinx Initiative, a non-partisan, collaborative movement aimed at advancing the next generation of civically engaged and empowered Latino leaders.
A very special thank you to Northeastern’s Latino/a Student Cultural Center for hosting us, and to our Advisory Board, Steering Committee, Sponsors, Partners, Speakers, and Volunteers, without whom we could not have made this conference and the Amplify Latinx initiative possible. Your dedication and passion are living proof that AMPLIFY LATINX will leave a mark in Massachusetts and beyond.
FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT
Closing the Latinx Representation and Civic Engagement Gap in Massachusetts
Conference Speakers
ROSALIN ACOSTA
Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development
CRISTINA AGUILERA SANDOVAL
VANESSA CÁRDENAS
BETTY FRANCISCO
JOSÉ C. MASSÓ, III
ENEIDA ROMAN
Activators
IVÁN ESPINOZA-MADRIGAL
ELENA LETONA, PH.D.
YVETTE MODESTIN
Founder/ Executive Director of Encuentro Diaspora Afro
DAVID A. MORALES
EVP & Chief Strategy Officer, Steward Health Care System
Performers
MICHELLE GARCIA
ANGÉLICA MARIA
CONFERENCE AGENDA
-
9:00 – 10:00 AM: Registration, Breakfast and Networking
Networking and Canvas art activity
-
10 AM: Introduction // Building Partnerships and Coalitions
10:00 AM : José Massó welcomes everyone
10:05 AM : Betty Francisco and Eneida Roman give background of Amplify Latinx
10:10 AM: Rosalin Acosta // Governor’s office believes in the importance of setting
10:20 AM: Introduction of the agenda and the purpose of the convening
-
10:30 AM: Activators of Today: Creando la Coalición del futuro
10:30 AM: Activator Talks
Yvette Modestin
Maria Elena Letona, Ph.D
Nelson Roman
David Morales -
10:55 AM: Spoken Word Performance by Angelica Maria
-
11:00 AM: Introduction of the Strategic Plan Findings by The Raben Group
-
12:00 PM: Workshop I: Developing a Shared Latino Agenda
This interactive discussion will identify the top issues impacting the Latino community in Massachusetts and prioritize the issues we will tackle as a collective to deliver greater impact.
-
12:45 PM: Networking Lunch with special guest, City Councilor Ayanna Pressley
-
1:30 PM: Spoken Word Performance by Michelle Garcia
-
1:35 PM: Workshop II: Tackling Collectively: Building the Power Coalition of the Future
This interactive conversation will identify the challenges and opportunities facing our Latino serving organizations and develop a framework for build collective power to tackle the issues agenda.
-
2:25 PM: Skill Building Activity: Vanessa Cárdenas of Emily’s List and Cristina Aguilera Sandoval of Brandeis University
See Skill Building slides here.
-
3:30 PM: Closing Remarks by José Massó, Betty Francisco, and Eneida Roman

STATE OF LATINOS AND RACE IN MA.
CAFECITOS POWER BREAKFAST
STATE OF LATINOS AND RACE IN MASSACHUSETTS

APRIL 6, 2018 ● 8:00 – 10:00 AM ● EY Boston
Thank you for attending our Spring 2018 Cafecitos Power Breakfast on the State of Latinos and Race in Massachusetts. We are grateful to E&Y for hosting us in their beautiful space and for welcoming this important conversation. We hope you enjoyed the dialogue with our distinguished speakers about our Latino identity and the intersection with our beautifully mixed mestizo heritage.
We thank them for joining us, and for their commitment and service to our community in their different capacities. Their stories of perseverance, courage, and strength to stand out and excel as Latino-Americans resonated with all of us in the room. They spoke their truth as they shared their journeys of assimilation with the mainstream culture, as well as their thoughts on overcoming systemic inequality that have shaped our experiences. If you were inspired by the conversation, we invite you to follow the pearls of wisdom they shared with us on Friday morning.
Massachusetts ranks at the top in education, healthcare and the economy. In stark contrast, Latinos in Massachusetts face the steepest socio-economic inequality in the country. The Boston Globe recently featured its Spotlight series about the disparities Blacks face in Massachusetts, yet Latinos also share this unfortunate invisibility and disadvantage across the Commonwealth.
Join us for a town hall style dialogue about Latinos & Race in Massachusetts. Our lively discussion will address the inter-relationship between race and inequality and the major factors that impact wealth creation and inter-generational wealth. Learn about the challenges and opportunities for our community, and how we can use our power to make a difference for underserved Latinos in Massachusetts.
This event is open to all genders.
Speakers
SONIA CHANG-DIAZ
State Senator, Second Suffolk District
JOSÉ MASSÓ, III
Director of Policy at Massachusetts Port Authority
DAVID MORALES
EVP & Chief Strategy Officer for Steward Healthcare System
DR. DIGNA SAAD
Consultant and Board Chair for Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy
at University of Massachusetts Boston
YULKENDY VALDEZ
Co-Founder of Project 99
ALBERTO VASALLO
MODERATOR
President of El Mundo

NUESTRA VOZ CONFERENCE
Empowering our community leaders and building sustainable partner coalitions.
NUESTRA VOZ CONFERENCE
THE NUESTRA VOZ CONFERENCE
The Latina Circle launched Amplify Latinx at the inaugural Nuestra Voz Conference on Saturday, June 17, 2017. Together with our co-host at the Center for Woman in Politics and Public Policy at UMass Boston, Amplify Latinx hosted action-oriented training sessions around political leadership, advocacy and positioning oneself for government boards and commissions. We welcomed over 250 Latino leaders more than 70 community partners committed to the mission of truly amplifying the voice of the Latino community on every level. Our sponsors and partners understand that by coming together to help develop more Latino leaders, every community is strengthened and our economic conditions are improved in direct and tangible ways. Morning speakers included local Latino elected officials who served as ‘Firestarters’ with their inspirational stories; and a keynote address by Maria Hinojosa, host and executive producer of NPR’s Latino USA. Afternoon events at UMass Boston included leadership workshops and a fireside chat moderated by MA Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz with former U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz and Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. The Nuestra Voz Conference is the first in a series of collaborative convenings that will include four summer workshops and a Fall Summit aimed at empowering our community leaders and building sustainable partner coalitions.