Life After 50: Issues, Services & Advice for Latinos, Rm. 302-304
10:30 a.m. � 11:50 a.m.

SEMINAR

This seminar will review the health care challenges facing newly retired Latinos. The rapidly rising cost of health care and insurance means that some seniors will be unable to afford the medical care they need. This panel will focus on health care cost issues, including available services and advice on what can be done to meet the health care cost challenge.

Moderator: Richard Fimbres, LULAC VP for the Elderly

Speakers:
1) Jose Arrom, Research Associate, Midwest Latino Health Research Training & Policy Center 
2) Guadalupe Pacheco, Special Assistant to the Director, Office of Minority Health, Office of Public Health and Science
3) Julia Bencomo Lobaco, Executive Editor, AARP Segunda Juventud
4.) Mayra Salazar, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration

SmartEdge by GMAC, 320
10:30 a.m. � 11:50 a.m.
Get information about smart vehicle financing. With easy to understand tips, helpful advice, you
can learn all about financing your first or next car.

Partnering with Your State Government, Rm. 329
2:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

SEMINAR

The U.S. is experiencing rapid growth in its Hispanic population. The need to reach out to this community has never been greater. A major goal of state Hispanic/Latino affairs commissions is to help Latinos become an integral part of the larger community. Recognizing that language and cultural differences often hinder Latinos in getting the services and assistance they need, the commissions focus on developing, promoting and increasing service and assistance programs. This seminar will cover these programs and identify ways for the community to partner with their commissions to increase access to state services.

Moderator: Maria D. Rodriguez-Salazar, LULAC National V.P. Northwest

Speakers:
1) Uriel I�iguez, Director, Washington State of Commission on Hispanic Affairs
2) Amy Mendoza, Executive Director, Indiana Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs
3) Ezra C. Escudero, Director, Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs - State of Ohio
4) Mireya Hurtado, Deputy Chief of Staff, the Office of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich

AARP Financial Security, Rm. 302-304
2:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

SEMINAR

AARP will convene a panel of financial security experts to discuss the changes needed to ensure long-term financial security for current and future generations. Key ideas that will be showcased include: Systemic changes by employers and Congress (e.g., Automatic 401k plans, Auto-IRA), and changes made by individual consumers (e.g., lessons learned from behavioral finance, the case for financial education / literacy programs). The panel will also address predatory mortgage lending issues.

SmartEdge by GMAC, 320
Get information about smart vehicle financing. With easy to understand tips, helpful advice, you
can learn all about financing your first or next car.

TRACK I: LULAC Health Commission

Latino Health Care Disparities, Rm 309-311
9:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

HEARING

LULAC�s National Health Commission strives to increase awareness and educate the Latino community about access to health care, disease prevention and treatment programs. This hearing will examine Latino healthcare disparities and encourage Latinos to take better care of their health. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services specialists will be available to discuss programs for lower income and uninsured Americans.

Moderators: LULAC Health Commissioners
1.) Rev. Deacon Sal Alvarez M.S.W (Co-Chair)
2.) Jaime Martinez (Co-Chair)
3.) Maria D. Rodriguez-Salazar R.N.
4.) Roberto Jimenez M.D.
5.) Oscar Perez M.D.
6.) Blanca Vargas

Speakers:
1) Dr. Garth Graham, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Minority Health, Department of Health and Human Services
2) Dr. Larissa Aviles-Santa, National Institute of Health
3) Roger Perez, Regional Administrator, Atlanta Regional Office, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
4) Betsy Rodriguez, MSN. CDE., Public Health Advisor, National Diabetes Education Program, Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Strength Through Diversity: Developing An Inclusive Latino Agenda, Rm 305
9:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

SEMINAR

The panel will examine societal difficulties facing Latinos in the LGBT, disabled, and Afro-Latino communities. By focusing on the stereotypes and challenges facing these segments of our community from both the national and community perspective, the panel hopes to forge stronger partnerships to dismantle divisions in the Latino community and foster strength through diversity.

Moderator: Jesse Garcia, Secretary, LULAC Dallas Rainbow Council

Speakers:
1.) Chuck Middleton, President/CEO, Roosevelt University
2.) Patricia Mancha, President, LULAC Dallas Rainbow Council
3.) Carlos Castillon, Executive Director, ALMA
4.) Rene Luna, Team Leader, Community Economic Development Team, Access living
5.) Beatrice Santiago, Illinois Public Defender

Preventing Domestic Violence, Rm 307
9:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

SEMINAR

This seminar will focus on increasing public awareness, education and understanding of domestic violence issues, particularly as they affect Hispanic women. The panel will provide technical and training support from public and private service providers who work with victims of domestic violence. The workshop is designed to help Hispanic women become leaders in combating domestic violence.

Moderator: Annabelle Guerra, Victim Witness Advocate, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office

Speakers:
1.) Antonieta Gimeno, Director of Training & Technical Assistance/Community Education & Development, National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence
2.) Dawn Dalton, Director of Violence Intervention and Prevention Services for Jane Addams Hull House Association
3.) Maria S. Pesqueria, President, Mujeres Latinas en Acci�n

Forming Public Opinion: How the Media Covers Immigration, Rm 305
10:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

SEMINAR

With immigration as the nation�s top domestic issue, has media coverage of immigration issues been satisfactory? Has coverage been balanced? Have Latino interests been adequately addressed? Do Latino organizations such as LULAC get a fair shake? Top journalists in the field will explore this controversial topic.

Introduction: Lizette Jenness Olmos, Director of Communications, LULAC

Moderator: John Quinones, Anchor/Correspondent, ABC News, Prime Time

Speakers:
1.) Paul Cuadros, Author, A Home on the Field, freelance contributor Time Magazine
2.) Olga Briseno, Director of the Media, Democracy and Policy Initiative, University of Arizona
3.) Alejandro Escalona, Editor, Hoy Chicago
4.) Esteban Creste, News Director, Telemundo Chicago
5.) Domingo Garcia, LULAC Civil Rights Co-Chair, Attorney

Defending Civil Rights Post 9/11, Rm 307
10:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the nation has instituted security and surveillance measures once considered unthinkable. From airport procedures to expanded authority for searches and seizures, the war on terror has ushered in legal changes that have gone largely unnoticed in the Latino community. This panel will discuss the state of Latino civil rights and civil rights challenges in the post 9/11 era.

Moderator: Luis Vera, LULAC Legal Advisor

Speakers:
1.) John P. Rowe, Illinois District Director, EEOC
2.) Colleen Connell, Executive Director, ACLU of Illinois
3.) Rocco Claps, Director, Illinois Department of Human Rights
4.) John Tanner, Chief, Voting Section, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
5.) Virginia Martinez, Legislative Staff Attorney, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund

TRACK II: LULAC Health Commission

Obesity and Chronic Diseases, Rm 309-311
10:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

HEARING

The long-term goal of the LULAC Health Commission is to increase awareness and educate the Latino community about access to health care, disease prevention, and proactive treatment. This hearing will feature expert testimony to inform and educate Latinos about healthcare issues, in particular obesity and chronic diseases and how to prevent and treat them.

Moderator: LULAC Health Commissioners

Speakers:
1.) Sylvia Mel�ndez-Klinger, M.S., R.D., L.D., C.P.T, Founder, Hispanic Food Communications
2.) Dolores Chavez, Sr. Regional Scientific Manager, AstraZeneca
3.) Dr. Albert Collazo, Hispanic Alliance Development Director, PhRMA.
4.) Karen Ignagni, President, America�s Health Insurance Plans
5.) Mayte Prida, Founder, The Mayte Prida Foundation
6.) Oscar Perez M.D., Chief of Staff, Peak Hospital in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, LULAC Health Commissioner

LNESC Workshop: Tools for Latino Family Outreach & Scholarship Opportunities - Rm 305
2:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

WORKSHOP

With the onset of an ever increasing Latino population, LNESC has made it an important priority to reach out and provide educational services to America�s Latino youth. It is in this regard that LNESC is continuing to develop partnerships and seeking new ways on how to reach out and provide educational opportunities to Latinos. In partnership with Education Development Center, LNESC is promoting an educational toolkit and resource, Tools for Latino Family Outreach: Supporting Student Success in the Middle Grades and Beyond. The presenter will show how these tools have been designed to assist school leaders in planning, implementing, and evaluating an outreach program targeting Latino parents or other under-represented parent populations. The second presentation will provide information about LNESC�s scholarship program and update the audience on any new and upcoming changes that will take place.

Moderator: Richard Roybal, Executive Director, LNESC

Speakers:
1.) Amanda Dorris, Research Associate, PALMS Project (Postsecondary Access for Latino Middle-grades Students)
2.) Maritza Bosques, Scholarship Coordinator, LNESC

Human Rights Struggles in Latin America, Rm 307
2:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

SEMINAR

The Human Rights Struggles in Latin America seminar will address human rights concerns throughout the Americas with a special focus on the role that Latinos in the United States can play to improve conditions in our home countries.

Moderator: Regla Gonzalez, Former LULAC VP of the Northeast

Speakers:
1.) Berta Soler Fernandez, Dama de Blanco- via webcast
2.) Maricela Garcia, President, National Coalition of Guatemalan Organizations
3.) Abel N��ez, Associate Director, Centro Romero
4.) Sonia Gaete, Director of Citizenship, Instituto del Progreso Latino

TRACK III: LULAC Health Commission

Getting to Universal Health Care, Rm 309-311
2:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

HEARING

This third and final forum of the LULAC National Health Commission will feature expert testimony on laying the groundwork for affordable universal health care. The Second component to this Track will allow LULAC members the opportunity to voice their concern on the state of Latino health in the US and around their council.

Moderator: LULAC Health Commissioners

Speakers:
1.) Aida Giachello PhD, Center Director, Associate Professor, Midwest Latino Health Research Training & Policy Center
2.) Rachel Rosen DeGolia, Director, Universal Health Care Action Network
3.) Jaime R. Torres, DPM, MS, National Coordinator, Latinos for National Health Insurance
4.) Jonathan VanderBrug, Health Care Justice Director, Campaign for Better Health Care (Illinois)

LULAC Chapter Testimony:
1.) Carmen Velasquez, Executive Director, Alivio Medical Center Chicago, IL
2.) Nancy Pelayo, President, National Hispanic University LULAC Councils
3.) Angel Luevano, Former LULAC CA State Director
4.) John G. Hinojosa, Texas Deputy State Director of Young Adults
5.) Pablo Martinez, LULAC State Director, New Mexico

The Impact and Importance of Latino Leadership in Education Today, Rm 307
9:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

SEMINAR

The long-term goal of the LULAC Education Commission is to increase awareness and educate the Latino community about the importance of Latino Leadership and its effect on student achievement. This panel will allow LULAC members and Latino leaders the opportunity to voice their concern on the state of Latino leadership in the U.S. and in their local communities.�

Moderators:
Dr. Manuel Isquierdo, Superintendent, Sunnyside Unified School District, Tucson, Arizona, LULAC Education Commissioner
Dr. Joe Gonzales, Co-Chairman, LULAC Education Commission
Caroline Sanchez Crozier, Education Chair, LULAC of Illinois, CSC Learning

Speakers:
1.) Jesse Ruiz Esq., Chairman, Illinois State Board of Education
2.) Dr. Carlos Azcoitia, Trustee, Northeastern Illinois University
3.) Dr. Ana Gil, Fulbright Chicago Chapter President, Professor, Fulbright Association, Northeastern University
4.) Tom Davis, President, Global Business Education Consulting
5.) Eva Carrillo Dong, President, Sunnyside Unified School District, Board of Education, Tucson, Arizona
6.) Dr. Edith Macklin-Isquierdo, Principal, Cesar Chavez High School, Stockton, California
7.) Hector Montenegro, Superintendent, Ysleta Public Schools, El Paso Texas, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS)

Immigration: Blueprint for Successful Reform, Rm 305
9:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

SEMINAR

Immigration policy is one of the most contentious issues in the country. This discussion will focus on the complexities of immigration reform, challenges that Hispanics face and the likelihood of a new comprehensive immigration reform bill becoming law.

Moderator: Rosa Rosales, President, LULAC

Speakers:
1.) Carlina Tapia-Ruano, President, AILA
2.) Fred Tsao, Policy Director, The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
3.) Carlos Sada, Minister of Congressional Affairs for the Mexican Government-INVITED
4.) John Trasvi�a, President and General Counsel, MALDEF
5.) Rafael �El Pistolero� Pulido, DJ at Que Buena Radio, Chicago, IL
6.) Emma Lozano, Executive Director, Centro Sin Fronteras
7.) Jose Luis Gutierrez, Director, Office of New Americans Policy and Advocacy, Office of the Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich

Women Pioneers of LULAC: Latina Leaders in the Civil Rights Struggle, Rm 305
10:30a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

SEMINAR

This seminar will focus on the historic and ongoing contributions that Latina leaders have made to the civil rights struggle in the U.S. and the development of LULAC as a civil rights organization. Women�s leadership has long been a cornerstone of the Latino community. By documenting this vibrant history, this panel aims to foster greater appreciation for Latina activism and to inspire Latinas for future successes.

Moderator: Dr. Cynthia E. Orozco

Speakers:
1.) Rosa Rosales, LULAC National President
2.) Belen B. Robles, Former LULAC National President
3.) Mary Ponce, LULAC Illinois
4.) Matilda M. Garcia, LULAC Florida
5.) Elsie Valdes, LULAC Puerto Rico
6.) Blanca Vargas, LULAC Illinois

Latino Dropout Crises, Rm 303
10:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

This session will feature experts to review the full spectrum of education, from early childhood through college, and the challenges facing the Latino community. Latino students constitute a growing and critical constituency of American schools but sustain the highest high school dropout rate of any ethnic group. This panel discussion is particularly relevant as Congress prepares to renew the No Child Left Behind Act and the Higher Education Act.

Moderator: Dr. Joe Gonzales, Co-Chair, LULAC Education Commission

Speakers:
1.) Channel Wilkins, Director, Office of Head Start
2.) Arne Duncan, Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Public Schools
3.) Kathleen Leos, Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director, Office of English Language Acquisition of the U.S. Department of Education
4.) Rita Jaramillo, Senior Liaison, Minority Community Outreach, National Education Association
5.) Alan McMurray, Creator and Director, Copilot and Quovadis Inc.
6.) Monty Neill, Ed.D., Co-Executive Director, FairTest

How to Put Your Family on the Pathway to Financial Wealth, Rm 307
10:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

WORKSHOP

Ruben Ruiz, Award winning financial strategist and Author of the groundbreaking book, �The One Hour Hispanic Millionaire� will present a workshop that will educate Hispanics of all backgrounds how to overcome lifelong mindsets, ethnic & cultural barriers to wealth creation. Today in the United States the median net worth for Hispanics is 10 times less than the Non-Hispanic population. The time is now for Hispanics to develop a plan for �Building & Creating Wealth�. Because in the end, �The final discrimination fight will be with your own mindset�.

Speaker: Ruben Ruiz, MSFS, ChFC, RFC, and CEO of The Ruiz Financial Group, LLC, Money Concepts Financial Planning Centers, and The Wealth & Millionaire Publishing, CO.