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2025 IN REVIEW
A LANDMARK YEAR FOR HLAA
2025 marked a new chapter for the Harvard Latino Alumni Alliance.
From launching our first-ever national conference to expanding our presence across key regions, we focused on building durable platforms for relationships, leadership, and long-term impact.
This year reflected a sharper strategic focus—strengthening governance, expanding reach, and elevating HLAA’s national footprint. Proud of what we built together. Onward.
INAUGURAL HLAA CONFERENCE 2025
200+ attendees · 35+ speakers · 6 award recipients · 25+ corporate and individual sponsors
In October, the Harvard Latino Alumni Alliance brought together alumni, faculty, and students for our inaugural conference in Cambridge, a moment that showcased the depth, range, and energy of our community. Here’s a closer look at the conversations that shaped the weekend.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Julian Castro, JD'00
Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Joaquín Castro, JD'00
U.S. Congressman (D-TX)
Professor Andrew Crespo, AB'05, JD'08
Harvard Law School
Thomas Perez, JD, MPP'87
Former U.S. Secretary of Labor
Rosie Rios, AB'87
Former Treasurer of U.S
Professor David Carrasco, PH.D'77
Harvard Divinity School Professor
CIVIC RECOGNITION AND OFFICIAL PROCLAMATIONS
During the HLAA Conference, the issuance and presentation of two formal proclamations—one from the Governor of Massachusetts and another from the Mayor of Cambridge—marked a meaningful moment of civic recognition for the Latinx alumni community. These proclamations signal institutional acknowledgment of HLAA’s leadership, impact, and growing national presence, affirming the organization’s role at the intersection of business, education, public service, and community leadership, while underscoring the importance of Latinx voices and contributions within the Commonwealth, the City of Cambridge, and beyond.
STORY STAGE
The Arts in Latam
A vibrant session exploring creativity, identity, and the role of the arts across Latin America, offering space for both performance and dialogue.
Speaker:
Ari Borovoy
Enterpreneur
Latinx Authenticity in the Professional World
A powerful conversation about the experience of staying true to identity while navigating professional spaces.
Speaker:
Alfred Fraijo Jr. AB'99
Somos Group Partner
VIP FIRESIDE CHAT
Shaping Cultural Narratives
A talk with Carla Sanchez Armas, MPA'20, the Managing Director of Latin America for the Motion Picture Association, where she leads policy and advocacy on copyright, content protection, market access, and production issues across the region.
Moderator:
• María Dueñas
National Board & Director (HLAA)
A talk with Cecilia Comunales, born in Paysandú, Uruguay, is one of the most influential figures in Latin American women’s boxing. As a professional fighter, she captured the WBA Lightweight World Championship, becoming a trailblazer for her country and an inspiration to female athletes across the region.
Moderator:
• Lenica Morales Valenzuela
National Board & Director (HLAA)
PANELS
Latinx/e in Public Service: Prominent Latino Alumns Driving Impact through Nonprofits and Politics
A deep discussion on how Latinx leaders are shaping policy, advancing equity, and building stronger communities.
Moderated by: Silvia Foster‑Frau
Panelists:
• Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte, HKS IOP'25
• James Vigil Jr., JD'89
• Gustavo Arnavat, MPP'86
• Hugo Morales, AB'72, JD'75
Latinx/e in Sports: Rising to the Top While Building Community
A conversation on athletic achievement, leadership, and the ways sport brings community together.
Moderated by: Lenica Morales Valenzuela
Panelists:
• Nathán Goldberg Crenier, JD'28
• Alfonso Alanis‑Cue, MBA'09
• Gilberto Jesús Mendoza Jr., President of the
World Boxing Association
Latinos in Business and Industry: Shaping the Future of the U.S. Economy
Insights on entrepreneurial leadership and the contributions of Latinos to the broader U.S. economic landscape.
Moderated by: Cindy Carcamo
Panelists:
• Jorge Kamine, JD'98
• José R. González‑Lugo, MBA'80, JD, 80
• Hernando Gomez, MA'24
Breaking into Venture Capital: The Importance of Latinx/e Investments
An important conversation about increasing Latinx/e representation and capital allocation in venture funding is critical to unlocking overlooked markets, driving inclusive innovation, and reshaping who builds and benefits from the next generation of high-growth companies.
Moderated by: Dionis Rodriguez, MBA'06
Panelists:
• Adela Cepeda, AB
• Cheryl Campos, AB'15
• Christopher Jimenez, MPA'21
HLAA AWARDS
The Inaugural HLAA Award recognize those who embody the values we share. The HLAA Awards honored alumni whose work uplifts, inspires, and leads with purpose.
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
HLAA highest honor. It recognizes an individual whose lifetime of work reflects extraodinary leadership, innovation and impact across sectors.
Martin Chavez, AB'85
Vice Chairman of Sixth Street Partners & Board Member at Alphabet Inc.
2025 Vanguard Award
Recognizes individuals at the forefront of transformative change, combining business and social impact.
Jean-Pierre Conte, MBA'89
Chairman and Managing Partner at Genstar
Founder of JPConte Family Foundation
2025 HLAA Young Alumni Award
For early and impactful contributions to public service and global advocacy.
Amy Chalan
2025 HLAA Latinx/e of the Year Award
Excellence leadership across business, science, philanthropy, media or civic engagement.
Petra R. Rivera-Rideau
2025 Harvard Latino Faculty Award
Recognizes outstanding pedagogy and inspiration to future latinx leaders.
Professor Gabriela Soto Laveaga
2025 HLAA Community Award
This award celebrates and honors impactful contributions to strengthen Latino community bonds at Harvard and beyond.
Felipe Taqueria
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
As part of the celebration, cultural performances highlighted the creative spirit and diverse expressions within our Latinx community:
Zandú
The Colombian-Venezuelan singer-songwriter and co-founder of Spozz, offered a performance that blended sound and story. From the Andes to international stages, he represents the future of music and the power of authenticity.
Candela
Harvard’s Latin Dance Troupe, brought the stage to life with vibrant choreography and deep cultural pride, sharing Latin America’s rhythms with the greater Boston community.
Harvard Mariachi Veritas
The university’s one and only mariachi, filled the space with tradition and joy. Since 2001, this student-run group has honored the roots of mariachi while building community through music.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication and heart of so many. We extend our deepest thanks to the HLAA Board, our volunteers, and especially our President Aldo Martinez, whose leadership and vision guided us through every step. Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, and believed in the power of our community. Here's to all we've built together.
We can’t wait to see you at our next HLAA Conference in 2026.
Stay connected!
LAW AND POLICY SUMMIT
In June, HLAA hosted its first-ever Law & Policy Summit in New York City. The event brought together legal and policy experts to discuss how today’s legal landscape is impacting Latino communities. Featured speakers included Harvard Law School Professor Andrew Crespo, JD'08, NBC News anchor Morgan Radford, AB’09, James Vigil Jr., JD'89, and others. The evening concluded with a cocktail reception, co-hosted by Harvard’s alumni associations across Law, Business, and Government.
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HACE LECTURE SERIES
On May 24th, the HLAA co-hosted the second HACE Lecture Series to hear Carlos Alvarado Quesada and his insights and vision for tackling the world’s most urgent challenges, responding to the climate crisis.
Carlos Alvarado Quesada served as the 48th President of the Republic of Costa Rica from May 2018 to May 2022. Under President Alvarado's leadership, Costa Rica contributed to global efforts to combat climate change and defended human rights, democracy, and multilateralism. President Alvarado is a recipient of the 2022 Planetary Leadership Award by the National Geographic Society for his outstanding commitment and action toward protecting the ocean and in September 2019 he received on behalf of his country the Champion on the Earth Award for policy leadership, presented by the United Nations Environment Program.
In 2025, HLAA expanded its national footprint by launching new hubs in South Central Texas and the Chicago (Chicagoland region)—regions with a strong and established Latinx footprint and culture—strengthening our ability to convene alumni locally, deepen community partnerships, and build durable platforms for leadership and long-term impact.
GEOGRAPHIC EXPANTION:
2 NEW REGIONAL HUBS
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Chicagoland Hub: Grand opening event with 20+ attendees
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South Central Texas Hub: Event with 20+ attendees
GLOBAL NETWORKING
New York City: 200+ attendees
Boston: 200+ attendees
San Antonio and Austin: 100+ attendees
In March, HLAA proudly joined Harvard’s Global Networking Night, with local gatherings in New York and Boston. These informal events allowed alumni to expand their professional networks, reconnect with peers, and welcome new members into our growing community.
ALUMNI DAY
During Harvard’s official Alumni Day in Cambridge, HLAA participated in the campus-wide Shared Interest Group (SIG) Meet-Up. The event welcomed alumni from across the globe to reconnect through shared identities, values, and interests: reminding us that community thrives when we come together with purpose.
LATINOS TO WATCH
Launched in 2025, Latinos to Watch is a new Instagram series from HLAA that highlights inspiring members of our community. From tech and finance to public service and the arts, this ongoing feature celebrates Latino excellence and leadership across industries. You can follow the series directly on our Instagram profile.
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WHAT A YEAR!
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF IT
HERE IS FOR
2026
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