Politics & Government
Virtual Leadership Summit On Saturday To Spotlight Nebraska's Fast-Growing Latino Population
An 8:15 a.m. kickoff begins with keynote speaker Adrian Calderon, director of community outreach for the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute.
By Cindy Gonzalez
April 13, 2023
Find out what's happening in Across Nebraskafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
LINCOLN — Nebraska politicians and economic development experts of Hispanic heritage will be among featured speakers Saturday at a leadership summit presented virtually.
The “Latino Leadership in Nebraska: Looking to the Future” event is open to the public and sponsored by Las Voces Nebraska, whose mission is to advocate, inspire change and strengthen civic participation in the state’s Latino/Hispanic community.
Find out what's happening in Across Nebraskafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
An 8:15 a.m. kickoff begins with keynote speaker Adrian Calderon, director of community outreach for the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute. Dulce Sherman, founder of Sherman Executive Consulting and board president of the Latino Center of the Midlands, wraps up the virtual event around 3 p.m.
Among the panels is one focusing on leadership in politics. Speakers are State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha, Lincoln City Councilwoman Michelle Suarez and Douglas County Commissioner Roger Garcia.
Other experts — representing various communities across the Husker state — will talk about Latino leadership among youth, elders, the economic sector and more.
Las Voces says that the Latino community has been and continues to be an integral part of the Nebraska landscape, accounting for nearly 19% of the U.S. population and 12% of Nebraska’s population.
That share is projected to grow. The rapid growth of Latinos across the state has led to a sense of urgency to build and support Latino leadership, said Rebecca Gonzales and Marty Ramirez, leaders of the statewide group.
Nebraskans want accountability from their elected officials and government. They want to know whether their tax dollars are being well-spent, whether state agencies and local governments are responsive to the people and whether officials, programs and policies are working for the common good. The Nebraska Examiner is a nonprofit, independent news source committed to providing news, scoops and reports important to our state.
