Wednesday

August 05

WELCOME & OPENING PLENARY

LIVE WEBCAST

Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET

Welcome from NALEO Leaders & Opening Plenary: Leading Through Times of Crises

Just as the profile of government leaders at all levels of office begins to look more like the diversity in our communities, our country faces the convergence of multiple crises.  From the COVID-19 health pandemic, demands to root out systemic and institutional racism in our country, a recession, high unemployment rates, to strained government budgets unable to meet the demand for all that is needed, public policymakers face unprecedented challenges. This panel discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities policymakers of color face t this critical moment in our nation’s history and discuss strategies for rising to the moment with strong political courage and a vision for a better future for all communities. 

Moderator: Hon. Adolfo Carrión, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Metro Futures; Former Regional Administrator, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Borough President, Bronx, New York; Former NALEO President

  • Sylvia Garcia, Member, U.S. House of Representatives;Former NALEO President
  • Ana Maria Chavez, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, National School Boards Association
  • Francis X. Suarez, Mayor, City of Miami, Florida

Pre-Recorded Content

The Current State of COVID-19 in America

Session Chair: JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Session Convener: Aetna

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As the number of COVID-19 cases rises above 4.5 million and more than 150,000 related deaths in the United States, leaders at all levels of government face the grave reality of record-breaking numbers of new infections, hospitalizations and deaths.  Please join us for special remarks by Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, as he provides an overview of the nation’s current fight against this public health pandemic and the collective work that lies ahead to reduce further spread and place us on the road to recovery.

  • Anthony S. Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
A Look at the Impact of COVID-19 on Latinos

As the nation continues to address the immediate needs from COVID-19, data demonstrate the Latino community is bearing a disproportionate impact of the pandemic on our health, access to distance learning for students, and economic well-being. This follow up session to “The Current State of COVID-19 in America” will highlight data currently available to inform policymakers’ work as they continue to respond to the pandemic and consider a proactive policy agenda that ensures Latinos and other vulnerable communities are part of recovery efforts that allow them to thrive and contribute to the nation’s future strength and vitality.  This overview provides critical context to the various policy issues discussed throughout the Virtual NALEO 37th Annual Conference.

Moderator: Hon. Mara Candelaria Reardon, Indiana State Representative; NALEO Educational Fund Chair 

  • Matt Barreto, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Latino Decisions; Professor of Political Science and Chicana/o Studies, University of California, Los Angeles
  • Ricardo Lara, California Insurance Commissioner; NALEO President
Session 1: Food and Housing Security for Latino Families amid COVID-19

Session Chair: PepsiCo

Session Convener: The Commonwealth Fund

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Before COVID-19, many families across the country were experiencing basic needs insecurity.  The pandemic has increased the existing rates, which have left local governments and educational institutions to respond and distribute relief to their constituents.  In this online session, experts will share current national basic needs insecurity data while identifying policy solutions and partnerships that policymakers can initiate in their states and communities to help mitigate the compounding effects of food and housing insecurity facing Latinos.

Moderator: Hon. Stephanie Parra, President, Phoenix Union High School District, Arizona

  • Lauren Bauer, Fellow, Economic Studies, Brookings Institution
  • Kim Johnson, Housing Policy Analyst, National Low Income Housing Coalition
  • Carrie Welton, Director of Policy, The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice
Session 2: Addressing Mental Health in the Latino Community

Session Chair: Kaiser Permanente

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COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on the Latino community.  Data show that Latinos are contracting the virus at higher rates – and the loss of income, increased food insecurity, and isolation, among other issues, have exacerbated a mental health crisis in the Latino community, which had already seen one in every five Latinos suffering from mental health conditions.  Months of lockdown and social isolation have also significantly affected the mental health of Latino children and young adults.  In this online session, experts will provide an overview of the impact COVID-19 has had on the mental health of Latinos across the country and the barriers and disparities the community faces around stigma, access, affordability, and quality treatment for mental health challenges.  The discussion will also highlight best practices that support culturally- and linguistically-appropriate mental health services for the Latino community.

Moderator: Hon. Liz Archuleta, Supervisor Coconino County, Arizona; Vice President, NALEO

  • Margarita Alegria, Professor, Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry,
    Harvard Medical School; Chief of Disparities Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Tina Tyler Smith, Director of Student Support Services, Foster Youth, and McKinney-Vento Liaison, Delano Union Elementary School District, California
Session 3: The Latino Workforce and Economic Recovery

Track Host: Toyota Motor North America

Track Chair: Bank of America

Session Convener: Lumina Foundation

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Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Latinos have been at the forefront as essential workers, making sure the economy functions and thrives.  According to the Pew Research Center, Latinos are experiencing record unemployment, higher than any other ethnic group in the country.  As industries continue to revise reopening protocols, the Latino workforce will need assistance in re-entering the labor market.  In this online session, participants will hear from policy leaders and industry experts on the types of investments required for Latino workers to fill today’s in-demand jobs and return to the workforce as the economy reopens.

Moderator: Hon. Diana Flores, Trustee, Dallas Community College District, Texas 

  • Dr. Mark Hugo Lopez, Director, Global Migration and Demography Research, Pew Research Center
  • Mr. Kermit Kaleba, Managing Director of Policy, National Skills Coalition
  • Ms. Aimee Rogstad Guidera, State Policy Advisor, Credential Engine
Session 4: The 2020 Election and Voting During a Pandemic

Session Convener: AARP

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The coronavirus outbreak has already caused disruptions in the 2020 election cycle.  With several states delaying primaries and others turning primarily to vote-by-mail operations, election officials and policymakers continue to think and plan ahead on how to run elections amid COVID-19 restrictions and precautions.  In this discussion, experts will highlight the efforts states and local jurisdictions are undertaking, the resources needed, e-security and the challenges and opportunities to design elections systems that are inclusive and promote participation amid the current pandemic and beyond.

Moderator: Hon. Alex Padilla, California Secretary of State; Former NALEO President

  • Matthew Masterson, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Nellie Gorbea, Rhode Island Secretary of State; Board Member, NALEO
  • Paul Lopez, Clerk and Recorder, City and County of Denver, Colorado;
    Former Board Member, NALEO
Session 5: Preparing for the Next Emergency Amid COVID-19

Host: Edison International

Session Chair: Walmart

Session Conveners: American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and HCA Healthcare

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Communities across the nation are grappling with unparalleled strain on disaster management resources due to COVID-19.  Emergencies are most often unexpected, but they are always sure to occur; the next crisis is coming, and it will be layered on top of current COVID-19 emergency management responses.  This online discussion will provide policymakers with an overview of the critical elements of emergency planning that should be updated to effectively respond to and manage such incidents, including hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires, under current pandemic health measures. 

Moderator: Hon. Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge, Texas

  • Christina Curry, Chief Deputy Director, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
  • Frank Rollason, Director of Emergency Management, Miami-Dade County, Florida 
Session 6: Getting Back to School: Education in the Age of COVID-19

Session Convener: Microsoft

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As a new school year approaches, state and district leaders must work with stakeholders to best prepare administrators, teachers, and staff to adapt to new COVID-19 realities.  Educational institutions will need to balance creating school systems that grant all students, especially English learners, students with disabilities, and unsheltered youth with the opportunity to access grade level content, while employing the necessary actions that ensure the socio-emotional supports, health and safety procedures are in place for reopening.  In this online session, policymakers will learn how education stakeholders are addressing reopening schools under COVID-19 and how they are developing strategies to meet the needs of all students. 

Moderator: Hon. Jacinto Ramos, Jr., President, Fort Worth Independent School District, Texas; President, Mexican American School Boards Association 

  • Silvia Pereira-Smith, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician,  Medical University of South Carolina
  • Terry C. Dixon, Pediatric Infectious Disease Physician, Medical University of South Carolina
  • Susana Cordova, Superintendent, Denver Public Schools, Colorado
  • Karla Hernandez-Mats, President, United Teachers of Dade, Florida
  • Leaza Silver, Education Industry Executive, Microsoft

PLENARY

LIVE WEBCAST

Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – 1:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. ET

The 30 Million Voter Question: Will Latinos Flex their Electoral Muscle in 2020?

Host: Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo

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Every election feels like the most important election for the Latino community, and the 2020 cycle has been no different.  In the face of our community’s fight against a public health pandemic, systemic and institutional racism and massive job losses, the question we must ask ourselves is whether Latinos will achieve their full potential at the polls come November given these crises.  This LIVE Webcast Plenary Session will highlight NALEO Educational Fund’s current projections and analysis of the Latino electorate in 2020 and discuss efforts by the two major political parties and others to turnout Latinos at an unprecedented time in our history.  Join us for this timely conversation as top political strategists, academics, and national leaders engage in a thought-provoking discussion on how the state of our nation could affect the role the second largest demographic in America is able to play in the 2020 Election and beyond.

Moderator: Mr. Arturo Vargas, Chief Executive Officer, NALEO Educational Fund

  • Lori Montenegro, Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief, Noticias Telemundo
  • Stephanie Valencia, Co-Founder and President, Equis Research
  • Geraldo L. Cadava, Author; Associate Professor, Department of History,
    Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University
  • Chuck Rocha, President and Founder, Solidarity Strategies; Author

Evening Networking Event

Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET

Virtual Happy Hour

Sponsored by: Anheuser-Busch Companies

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Being virtual does not have to mean missing out on the fun! Join us as we celebrate Latino resiliency over curated cocktails. The Virtual NALEO Happy Hour will continue our annual tradition of being the premier networking location for the nation’s more than 6,800 elected and appointed Latino officials. The Virtual NALEO Happy Hour will offer the same face-to-face connections you have come to expect, successfully blending the safety of an immersive virtual setting and the benefits of an in-person reception. 

Thursday

August 06

Pre-Recorded Content

Session 7: Providing Broadband to Every American

Session Chair: Verizon

Session Convener: Bayer US

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A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that 53% of U.S. adults now say the internet has become essential to them during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Demand for access to a reliable internet connection has increased as teleworking, virtual learning, and even telemedicine have become more integral to our daily lives.  Despite this increased demand, millions of the nation’s most vulnerable populations in both urban and rural communities still struggle to gain basic internet access every day.  This session will provide policymakers with an overview of the challenges and opportunities the pandemic brought into this space and will highlight partnerships and best practices that can support reliable and affordable broadband access for all. 

Moderator: Hon. Carlos Tobon, Rhode Island State Representative; Board Member, NALEO Educational Fund

  • Francella Ochillo, Executive Director, Next Century Cities
  • Doug Brake, Director, Broadband and Spectrum Policy, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Session 8: Rebuilding Local Economies and Promoting Resiliency
Track Host: Toyota Motor North America
Track Chair: Bank of America
Session Convener: Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Starbucks Coffee Company

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The COVID-19 pandemic caused major parts of the economy to shut down in efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus.  Policymakers are now grappling with the challenges of the current recession as they continue to support economic recovery efforts while maintaining public health goals.  Rebuilding local workforces, economic growth, and fiscal resiliency, must include support of key stakeholders and local businesses.  Participants in this online session will learn strategies, policies, and best practices that can be implemented to support the Latino community’s ability to thrive during recovery.

Moderator: Hon. Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, Mayor, City of National City, California; Board Member, NALEO Educational Fund

  • Marlene Orozco, Research Analyst, Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative, Stanford University
  • Mark Madrid, Chief Executive Officer, Latino Business Action Network
Session 9: Child Care: Key Ingredient for Economic Growth

The COVID-19 crisis has strengthened public support for the nation’s childcare infrastructure to ensure we have effective systems in place that support working families during recovery and beyond.  However, as the crisis continues to unfold, childcare programs throughout the country have raised concerns that they will not be able to reopen their doors without support from states and local governments.  In this online session, policymakers will learn of policies that state and local governments have deployed to ensure that childcare infrastructure remains stable throughout the crisis and resumes normal functions when the pandemic subsides. 

Moderator: Hon. Sandra Cano, Rhode Island State Senator

  • Lynette Fraga, Executive Director, Child Care Aware of America
  • Lauren Hogan, Managing Director of Policy and Professional Advancement, National Association for the Education of Young Children
Session 10: Preserving the Integrity of Census 2020 amid COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges of guaranteeing an accurate count of Latinos in Census 2020.  This online session will provide up-to-date information on census response rates, field operations and timelines, and NALEO Educational Fund’s ongoing work to support a fair and accurate count of the Latino population.  Experts will highlight the impact and importance that census data will have on redistricting, political power, and critical resources states and local jurisdictions need for vital programs in their communities over the next 10 years.

Moderator: Hon. Lubby Navarro, Board Member, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Florida; Board Member, NALEO

  • Lizette Escobedo, Director of National Census Programs, NALEO Educational Fund
  • Wendy Underhill, Director, Elections and Redistricting, National Conference of State Legislatures
  • Kimball W. Brace, President, Election Data Services, Inc.
Session 11: Exploring Alternative Models for Policing Systems

Across the country, county, city, and school district leaders are engaged with constituents and stakeholders in conversations about the appropriate and future role of policing in their communities.  As policymakers consider various policy and budget solutions to effect change, they will need to evaluate alternative models for policing systems that address the safety needs of their communities.  Through a case study approach, this session will highlight some of the models that exist to improve public safety, address the need for crisis support and reduce unnecessary involvement with the justice system.

Moderator: Ms. Erica Bernal-Martinez, Chief Operating Officer, NALEO Educational Fund

  • Tracie L. Keesee, Co-founder and Senior Vice President of Justice Initiatives, Center for Policing Equity
  • Ed Gonzalez, Sheriff, Harris County, Texas; Board Member, NALEO
  • Andrew Reginald Hairston, Director, Education Justice Project, Texas Appleseed

Networking Lounge Chat 

LIVE CHAT

Thursday, August 6, 2020 – 11:00 a.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. ET

The Power of Public-Private Partnerships to Meet Community Needs

Session Chair: Walmart

Session Conveners: Pfizer and Uber Technologies Inc.

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The private sector played a crucial role in working alongside governments to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an unprecedented response in both the United States and around the world.  Public-private partnerships helped in the efforts to provide additional personal protective equipment, testing sites, food, internet access, and other critical needs communities required.  With state and local budgets tightening, the need for innovative and flexible funding are becoming more paramount.  In the aftermath of this crisis, public resources alone will not be enough to make a full recovery, which includes funding beyond core services.  This interactive discussion will provide a space to learn about how local elected officials and members of the private sector have created essential partnerships for economic recovery while highlighting best practices for undertaking such partnerships to deliver critical services and programs.

  • Liz Archuleta, Supervisor Coconino County, Arizona; Board Member, NALEO
  • Tony Vargas, Nebraska State Senator
  • Leroy Garcia, President, Colorado State Senate; Board Member, NALEO
  • Julie M. Jenson, Director Product Access, Global Health & Patient Access, Pfizer Inc.
  • Javier Correoso, Public Affairs Manager, Uber Technologies Inc.

PLENARY

LIVE WEBCAST

Thursday, August 6, 2020 – 1:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. ET

Presidential Candidate and National Leadership Forum
Host: Wells Fargo

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Opening Remarks:

Arturo Vargas, Chief Executive Officer, NALEO Educational Fund

William M. Daley, Vice Chairman of Public Affairs, Wells Fargo & Company

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Presidential Candidate: 

The Honorable Joseph Biden, Former Vice President, United States of America

 

Conference Wrap Up with NALEO Leadership

Host: Edison International

  • Eric Garcetti, Mayor, City of Los Angeles, California; Board Member, NALEO
  • Nury Martinez, Council President, City of Los Angeles, California
  • Pedro Pizarro, President and Chief Executive Officer, Edison International

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