7,000 Participants from Across New York State to Arrive in Albany for Somos Conference

In midst of budget negotiations with multiple out-year deficits, the conference will convene to discuss issues affecting over 4.5 million Hispanics, and to examine growing and alarming poverty rates across New York State

WHO: 7,000 Conference Participants, Elected Officials from across New York State
Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, Chairman
Latino elected officials
Other State and local elected officials WHAT:This event serves as a platform for legislators, scholars, business and labor leaders to address issues that impact the Hispanic community. The Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute brings 200 high school students for a unique opportunity to participate in a three day conference, including team-building exercises to develop inter-regional relationships, career development forums, and a Mock Assembly session which is conducted in the NYS Assembly chamber. Student delegates from colleges and universities from across the State will also participate in a SUNY/CUNY Mock Senate session. These programs aim to create opportunities for the next generation of Hispanics in New York State that will facilitate their professional development, growth, and future success. Over 2,500 seniors will also participate in workshops and a luncheon. The theme for this spring’s conference is as follows: “Somos Now: Leading a New Generation of Change, Opportunity, Progress and Success.” WHY: The leaders of the Hispanic community from across the state will gather in Albany for this annual conference to discuss issues in the Hispanic community. As budget negotiations continue, Hispanics seek to utilize this forum to discuss how their needs are being addressed by state government. With the Governor’s budget cutting funding for education, health, homeless services, and poverty initiatives and excluding important legislative priorities, Hispanics will voice their concerns alongside their elected officials, business leaders, labor leaders, and students. WHEN: Friday March 20th - Sunday March 22nd 2015 LOCATION: Empire State Convention Center SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ATTACHED IN PDF FORMAT