LatinxConnect Conference

The Latinx Connect conference aims to move us beyond “celebrating” Latinxs, calling for empowerment and justice for Latinx communities, who face numerous inequities in the US and across the world, particularly for those at marginalized intersections of Latinx identity (e.g., Afro, Indigenous, Queer, Trans*, Undocumented).

As the largest pan-ethnic group in the United States, Latinxs are extremely diverse by race, gender, language, immigration, and experiences along the diaspora, which creates opportunity for dialogue. Participants will discuss together what it means to thrive as Latinx/a/o/e/Hispanic at the intersections of their identities in topic areas including but not limited to education, public health, arts, and history.

There is no cost to attend the conference, and all are welcome.

LatinxConnect Conference 2026

When: April 15-17, 2026

Where: Hybrid

Registration for the LatinxConnect Conference 2026 attendance is now open!

The Pulse of Hope: Power and Praxis · El Pulso de la Esperanza: Poder y Praxis · O Pulso da Esperança: Poder e Práxis — is a celebration of how we thrive. How do we keep lifting each other higher? How do we honor our heritage while growing into the future? How do we show up for one another in ways that keep our communities vibrant, connected, and full of life? The answer is already unfolding all around us — in classrooms and cultural centers, in art studios and town halls, in the everyday acts of care, creativity, and connection woven into the fabric of our neighborhoods. LatinxConnect 2026 is where we come together to celebrate, amplify, and learn from all of it.

Details about registering for individual panels and workshops coming soon.

Co-Sponsored by: Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS), Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing, PittGlobal/University Center for International Studies (UCIS)

Thank you for your generous support!

Contact

Email us at latinxconnect@pitt.edu

Organizers
Latinx Connect is organized and sponsored by the Center of Ethnic Studies Research at the University of Pittsburgh with its origins in and continued support by grassroots transdisciplinary and cross-institutional groups of educators based in Pittsburgh.

Past Conferences

Taking place April 3-5, the 2025 LatinxConnect conference was invested in the state of our communities. We explored where we differ and how we come together, taking a pulse on how we are as individuals and collectively. The goal centered on bridging the the gap between the visible and invisible borders that exist between us. We search for laughter, for joy, for sorrow and reflection.

The 2025 conference was influenced by the organization Cốm.Unity in Philadelphia. Cốm means rice in Vietnamese, Ăn Cốm is to come together for a meal. We hope to ask Como Estas to our larger communities and come together, whether to break bread, corn and rice or have dialogue.

Taking place March 21-23, the 2024 LatinxConnect conference brought together students, educators, community leaders, and political advocates to dialogue about Latinidad and envision ways to empower and support thriving futures, both short and distant, for diverse Latinx communities at local, national, and global levels.

As the largest pan-ethnic group in the United States, Latinxs are extremely diverse by race, gender, language, immigration, and experiences along the diaspora, which creates opportunity for dialogue. Participants discussed what it means to thrive as Latinx/a/o/e/Hispanic at the intersections of their identities in topic areas including but not limited to education, public health, arts, and history.

Keynote Speakers
Maria Montaño (Welcome Keynote)
Dr. Nancy López (“No se puede tapar el sol con un dedo/You Can't Cover the Sun with a Finger": Keep Separate Questions on Race and Ethnicity in Federal Standards & the Urgency of: Intersectionality as a New Vision for Advancing Equity in Latinx Communities)
Jason Méndez (Closing Reception)

Latinx Connect Co-Chairs
Victor Figuereo (he/el), Interim Co-Director of Center for Ethnic Studies Research and Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work
Zuly Inirio (she/ella), Interim Co-Director of Center for Ethnic Studies Research