The Latinx Connect conference (October 27-29) aims to move us beyond “celebrating” Latinxs, instead calling for empowerment and justice for the Latinx community, which faces numerous disparities in U.S. society, particularly those at the intersections of Latinx identity (e.g., Afro-Latinxs, Indigenous Latinxs, queer and Trans* Latinxs, undocumented Latinxs). 

As the largest pan-ethnic group in the United States, Latinxs are extremely diverse by race, language, immigration, and experiences along the diaspora, which creates opportunity for dialogue. The Latinx Connect conference will provide a space to learn with each other. 

The 3-day conference, free and open to all, will bring together students, educators, community leaders, political advocates, and others to dialogue about Latinx identities, histories, cultures, and contemporary issues. Participants will discuss what it means to be Latinx/a/o/e/Hispanic in relation to intersectional identities, education, immigration, public health, arts & culture, history, and other topical areas. 

The conference will also serve as a culminating experience for Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month, recognized annually from September 15 - October 15 to acknowledge the history, culture, and contributions of Americans who identify as Hispanic/Latinx. 

Latinx Connect is organized and sponsored by a grassroots transdisciplinary and cross-institutional group of educators and community leaders based in Pittsburgh. 

The conference is generously supported by the University of Pittsburgh's Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Hispanic Latinx Professional Association (HLPA), Community College of Allegheny County, University Center for International Studies (UCIS), and La Roche University." 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27  

9:00-10:15 a.m. EST – Welcome Keynote…Dr. Angie Cruz ​[Virtual, platform access coming soon]  

10:30-12:00 p.m. EST – Concurrent Session I [Virtual, platform access coming soon] 

12:15-1:30 p.m. EST – Keynote… Dr. Mirelsie Velázquez [Virtual, platform access coming soon] 

1:45-3:15 p.m. EST – Concurrent Session II [Virtual, platform access coming soon] 

4:00-5:30 p.m. EST – Opening Reception Panel… Supporting Local Latinx Community Growth [Hybrid, In-person location: Community College of Alleghany County Student Auditorium] 

6:30-8:30 p.m. EST – Social Meet & Greet [In-person only: Community College of Alleghany County Student Auditorium] 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28

10:30-12:00 p.m. EST - Concurrent Sessions III [Virtual, platform access coming soon] 

12:15-1:30 p.m. EST – Featured Panel…Funding and the Future of Afrolatinidad [Virtual, platform access coming soon] 

1:45-3:15 p.m. EST – Concurrent Sessions IV [Virtual, platform access coming soon] 

3:30-4:45 p.m. EST – Keynote and Panel… Dr. Gina Garcia and Plática on Servingness & Hispanic Serving Institutions [Virtual, platform access coming soon]

5:00-6:15 p.m. EST – Film Screening & Panel… ÉLEFAN: Latinx London [Virtual, platform access coming soon] 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29

11:00-1:00 p.m. EST – Closing Reception and Brunch with Keynote… Maria Montaño, Press Secretary [Hybrid, In-person location: Cathedral of Learning 2017]